smaller new tractor or larger used one?

motownbrowne · May 6, 2016

It's like James and a few others have said: it's the same tractor with different engine HP.

That said, 250 hours isn't much. I'd probably be looking hard at the 3800, especially if it is already SSQA equipped and has the type of tires you want.

Sawyer Rob · May 6, 2016

Are the internals the same??? You know, things you can't see, like the pto drive line ect......that doesn't add much, if any weight...

SR

chim · May 7, 2016

I have sufficient HP with the L3200 to run a 6' RFM. I doubt that an L2500 would handle it. Anyone out there have experience with that?

Citydude · May 7, 2016

I have a beat up 6' cutter I put on my L2501 last fall to test it out. It will run it however it's apparent that it will not mow at the same ground speed as my L3400.

motownbrowne · May 7, 2016

chim said:
I have sufficient HP with the L3200 to run a 6' RFM. I doubt that an L2500 would handle it. Anyone out there have experience with that?

If the L2501 is hydrostatic, it'll run any of the same implements that the 3200, 3800, 3301, or 3901 will run, buy as citydude said, it'll just take longer to do the same task. It might be a little more taxing on the engine also, but if the operator is careful not to bog it down, it'll do the job.

This is, of course, not a personal recommendation. If you want to run a PTO implement all day, especially something relatively power hungry like a flail or finish mower, go for more ponies. But, if you've got the implement and some extra time and want to save money on the tractor, it's an option.

dieselcrawler · May 7, 2016

3 years ago, I was in the same boat... used/larger vs new/warranty. Wife insisted on new. Guess who won. I got 27hp/24pto, and a 200 hour 2 year warranty. I would have gladly taken a 10 to 15 year old tractor with 1500 hours and 50hp and no warranty for the same monthly payments.

Don't get me wrong, I like my tractor, it does a great job for what it is. But I am often pushing it to its limits of its abilities, and beyond. The smaller size is very easy to maneuver around the barn and in the woods, but I would gladly trade that for a larger frame with added lifting/pulling capacities.

I realize the topic is basically the same tractor but one with higher hp, and not the same as my situation. But I would get the higher hp tractor.