I own a 2021 L2501.

Peter Zurblis

New member

Equipment
L2501 with 3rd function grapple and a backhoe
Nov 1, 2025
1
1
1
Vermont
Great machine for our needs!
When running close to top end it will bog down as if misfiring and blows some light blue smoke. It only has 180 hours on it, but it needed an oil change due to aging, so we brought it to the dealer for its 200 hr service. Dealer said they could not replicate the condition. As soon as I got it back I took it out the 1,000 ft driveway and low and behold!, there's the bog down and blue smoke! We are very careful with fuel, screening it at every transfer. Fuel and air filter are new and/or clean.
Thoughts?
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

jimh406

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
Kubota L2501 with R4 tires
Jan 29, 2021
2,614
2,079
113
Western MT
I think you are just using too much throttle pedal. Take a look at the RPMs. Also, you could try a different gear.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

JasonW

Well-known member
Jan 29, 2015
546
321
63
Al
Gear drive or HST? Blue smoke is oil burning. Sure it’s not black smoke? Which would be over fueling. If it’s black smoke you are probably lugging it, gear down and rev up. Double check your air filter as that would make it smoke also. Just because it was just serviced doesn’t mean they checked the air filter.


Are you working it(pulling a box blade, etc) or driving empty when it starts to bog?
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

bbxlr8

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 w/R14s, LA525, BH77, SGC0660, CL 5' BB, CL PHD, WG24 + Ford 1210 60" mmm,
Mar 29, 2021
436
300
63
Eastern PA
Same Y & set up here in PA. First thing, you have had it enough to know what "normal" looks & feels like.
I'm more hours but have only noted that a few times ex) is full bucket under load up hill.
Edit - it is not blue

Not much to add, but per Jim, note gear & petal position. I have a lot of vertical and use L a lot. It is H connection and backing off the petal is better at max
Another thought is fuel? Are you on the same fill post service?

I do see it regularly on my high-hour old school f@rd under a big load
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

Runs With Scissors

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
3,250
4,082
113
Michigan
I can get something similar on mine when I am “digging” with the bucket.

However, I will say this, I am probably “overloading it” when it happens in combination of being “in the wrong gear”.

Keep the RPM’s at the “pto” indicator mark (or slightly above) and use the proper gear. That has helped me to minimize “bogging” or “overloading”.

And remember, we have “Old School Diesels”,……….(so when I see black smoke, I usually stand up and try to take a “whiff’ of it…….Not like those DEF sissys with all their “clean burn technology” ;)…….) 🍻 .


EDIT; Congrats on the tractor. Nice choice, and remember the “Golden Rule”….Pics, or it never happened.
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: 2 users