Thinking about buying an L2501 DT...any reviews or thoughts?

troverman · Apr 22, 2019

So I'm thinking of getting rid of my B2920 HST and getting an L2501 with the manual trans. This tractor would be used primarily for operating a small (4-5 foot) flail mower. The reason for the manual trans is to maximize the L2501's limited PTO horsepower.

Anyone have experience with these?

Does the manual have a forward-reverse shuttle or is reverse selected on the gear shifter?

Thanks in advance

Blondie70 · Apr 22, 2019

I have one just like you are getting. I really like it. It does have the F R shuttle. You have to be completely stopped to use shuttle or change gears. I have a loader and backhoe on mine. Drives like a tank...ha ha. Got plenty power for whatever I want to do....got another tractor for bushhogging, disking, etc...I never take the stuff off the DT.
Good luck

troverman · Apr 23, 2019

Thanks Blondie. I'm still thinking it over at this point.

mdhughes · Apr 23, 2019

Blondie70 said:
You have to be completely stopped to use shuttle or change gears.

I have a L3901DT and in the manual it says:

Operator's_Manual said:
Synchro-Shuttle Shift Lever

The synchro-shuttle shift lever may be shifted while
the tractor is moving slowly and the clutch is
depressed, but sudden gear shifting may cause
transmission damage.

Main Gear Shift Lever & Range Gear Shift Lever

The main gear shift and the range gear shift can only be
shifted when tractor is completely stopped and clutch is
depressed.

I would have thought that the transmissions on the two tractors would work the same?

troverman · Apr 23, 2019

They are very likely the exact same transmission.

Some people feel confident in changing gears while moving if they find the exact RPM / timing...but these are not synchronized gears.

I tried out an MX5200 with gears last year...you could shift between 3-4 and 7-8 "on the move" since these had synchros but everything else you were supposed to be stopped. The shuttle was also synchronized. It appears the L-series with the manual has nothing synchronized.

pedzola · Apr 23, 2019

I have the HST verson and love it. Have not needed more PTO power using a 5ft finish mower or 64" snowblower.

troverman · Apr 23, 2019

I'm considering the HST version as well.

I have a B2920 which I pull a 4-foot flail mower with. It is a 29HP tractor with 21PTO HP and is HST. In the tallest, thickest grass, it struggles. That was my concern with getting a heavier machine with less PTO HP...but it does seem very torque rich. My B2920 has a 1.3L engine and the L2501 has a 1.7L engine. The B2920 has it's PTO rating at 2800RPM while the L2501 is rated at 2200RPM. But at a significant 2.5 less PTO HP, the HST has me worried.

troverman · Apr 25, 2019

As a follow up, I just officially bought an L2501 which I'll be able to pick up next week.

Here was what I originally requested from my salesman:

-New Kubota L2501 DT gear-drive tractor
-Ag tires, loaded
-Rear wheel spacers
-Front brush guard to protect radiator

Here is what I ended up with after further research and multiple quotes:

-New Kubota L2501 HST 3-range hydrostatic transmission
-R4 tires, loaded
-LA525 loader with SSQA

There is a $700 loader rebate, plus the speed to get the new tractor is a lot of what drove me in this direction. Further research, including opinions of folks on this forum, seems to show the 2501 with HST is still adequately powerful. The HST is certainly easier to operate and nicer with the loader, plus the PTO stays running when you change direction.

This is certainly an economy tractor, but virtually all the reviews show people are very content and happy. I am trading my B2920 but I'll still have my MX I bought new last year for heavier work.

troverman · May 2, 2019

Picked up the 2501 today. Here's a quick pic, although you guys have seen this tractor plenty of times by now, lol.

Blondie70 · May 2, 2019

Congrats !!!

SRG · May 2, 2019

You have a nice collection sir. Using them commercially or private stock?

troverman · May 2, 2019

Thanks guys. I do use them commercially for my small landscaping business but they are used personally as well.

Oliver · May 3, 2019

What made you originally want wheel spacers for that tractor, then decide against them?

troverman · May 4, 2019

I didn’t decide against them...just against the dealer installing the Kubota 1” spacers. I want more width than just +2”, so I’ll get the Bro-tek +2 or +3” types.

Oliver · May 4, 2019

troverman said:
I didn’t decide against them...just against the dealer installing the Kubota 1” spacers. I want more width than just +2”, so I’ll get the Bro-tek +2 or +3” types.

OK makes sense. Curious from outside to outside R4's how wide the rear track is stock?

troverman · May 6, 2019

Oliver said:
OK makes sense. Curious from outside to outside R4's how wide the rear track is stock?

I just measured....with the R4 tires it is about 58-59" from outside of tire to outside of tire.

johnjk · May 6, 2019

I went with the Bro-Tek spacers on my B3200 and love the added stability. I did front and rears. A bit pricey but a very well manufactured product. Now if it would only stop raining for more than 36hrs......

troverman · May 6, 2019

johnjk said:
I went with the Bro-Tek spacers on my B3200 and love the added stability. I did front and rears. A bit pricey but a very well manufactured product. Now if it would only stop raining for more than 36hrs......

Yes, I'm very pleased with the Bro-Teks I had. However, on the front, I was told spacers were a waste of time because the front axle could pivot so it really didn't matter. That said, my larger concern would be the added strain on the front axle. Turning would put more stress, and so would weight in the loader. Those bevel hub 4x4 drives are expensive, I know that.

Raymo853 · Apr 12, 2020

mdhughes said:
I have a L3901DT and in the manual it says:

I would have thought that the transmissions on the two tractors would work the same?

The L3901 has a different clutch system than the L2501 and L3301. The 39s allow such shifting while moving but the other two do not.

Thinking about buying an L2501 DT...any reviews or thoughts?

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