Which model would you choose?

Vlach7

Active member

Equipment
L47 305DT JD500C
Dec 16, 2021
265
169
43
Frazier Park Ca
Go as big as you can, weight and HP is what does the work.
I had a neighbor/contractor say I don't have a real tractor with my L-47, and partially he is correct in saying my smaller than his tractor can't keep up with his full size BH, I have owned a full size BH and sometimes miss it, but you don't have 3pt toy capability and ability to trailer myself. I may be slow, but I will get there eventually.
 
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WE349a

Member
Sep 6, 2023
24
29
13
California
Just back from kicking some tires. I’m going to take a close look around the property here to see what difference a 54” vs. 60” bucket might make in terms of access. My quick takeaway was that the 2601 is smaller than I anticipated and the 2501 is larger than I anticipated. They had a lot of 2501’s and definitely want to move them. I’m waiting on pricing of a few models including the LX. They didn’t have any LX on the property to see in person. The 2501 is definitely a beast, I’m not sure what the loss of some creature comforts might make in reality. The 2501 is obviously the most capable of what Iam considering.
 
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Elliott in GA

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Equipment
LX 2610SU w/535,LP RCR1860,FDR1660,SGC0554,FSP500, DD BBX60005
Mar 10, 2021
633
613
93
North Georgia
Comparing capabilities is often much more difficult than looking at spec sheets. As an example, the L2501 has slightly more lift and height loader capacity than an LX 2610, but this may not translate into more work. If the task is moving/spreading gravel on your driveway, both will take the same number of trips. They have essentially the same bucket capacity. A struck bucket of crusher run gravel weighs approximately 700 lbs.; and therefore, both can easily transport a full bucket. Each will match the other bucket for bucket of gravel.

Just something to make the whole process even more difficult. :unsure:
 
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NorthwoodsLife

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
Kubota B7100(sold), Kubota LX2610 Cab
Oct 15, 2021
962
923
93
Wisconsin
Not to hijack... But did the dealer tell you that Kubota is discontinuing the 2501 for the 2502?
If K is, you could probably get a great deal on a L2501.
 
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NorthwoodsLife

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Equipment
Kubota B7100(sold), Kubota LX2610 Cab
Oct 15, 2021
962
923
93
Wisconsin
Just back from kicking some tires. I’m going to take a close look around the property here to see what difference a 54” vs. 60” bucket might make in terms of access. My quick takeaway was that the 2601 is smaller than I anticipated and the 2501 is larger than I anticipated. They had a lot of 2501’s and definitely want to move them. I’m waiting on pricing of a few models including the LX. They didn’t have any LX on the property to see in person. The 2501 is definitely a beast, I’m not sure what the loss of some creature comforts might make in reality. The 2501 is obviously the most capable of what Iam considering.
Compare the L2501 to an M, in person. L2501 will look rather small.

After I read again the whole thread, a BX is probably all you need. Especially from your description of it's duties and how much you'll use it. Don't let the BX size fool you, it's a beast even though it kinda looks like a lawn tractor. It's definitely a serious machine, and not a lawn tractor.
 
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WE349a

Member
Sep 6, 2023
24
29
13
California
I’m waiting on pricing for the 2610SU, L2501 and B2601. The BX is definitely a nice piece of equipment and probably would serve me well enough. The idea of the 2501 is nice simply because its the most rugged of the bunch and at 51, I can see having it as my one and only tractor for years to come. That’s probably true of any of them but seeing the L2501 (and 2502) in person showed me just how robust they seem to be. I definitely worry about such a wide bucket on my property, a 54” is probably better and a 48” is probably best being realistic.
lets see what the deal on the 2501 is, it might wind up being the least expensive option which might help make up my mind.
Thanks again for all the good advice so far!
 

number two

Active member

Equipment
B3030HSDC L2501HST
Mar 26, 2021
289
133
43
Northern Lower Michigan
Don't worry about buying an L2501.
Easy to sell if you don't like it after a few years.
Lot's of old school technology with a few improvements along the way.
The downsides are well-known and and can be dealt with.
Good Luck!
 
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will721

Active member

Equipment
LX2610, Ford 2n, Ferguson TO20
Jun 6, 2023
179
185
43
Quad Cities Area
Don't worry about buying an L2501.
Easy to sell if you don't like it after a few years.
Lot's of old school technology with a few improvements along the way.
The downsides are well-known and and can be dealt with.
Good Luck!
This ^

I was initially in the market for a 2501. I priced both new and used and they are virtually the same. The only reason I ended up with the lx, was the wife. She convinced me that at 32 and no plans to ever sell it, it would be worth the extra money for the ergonomics and the mid pto would future proof us if we decided to get a blower or an mmm when our zero turn dies.
 
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MountainMeadows

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501, JD 655, Ford 841, JD 6x4 Gator, Gravely 432.
Jun 6, 2022
193
255
63
Poconos, PA
I've got no complaints whatsoever with my L2501 HST.

Creature comforts are nice on some of the pricier machines but we're talking about a machine to get work done not take a road trip in.

Let us know what kind of deals they offer you.
 
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jyoutz

Well-known member

Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
Jan 14, 2019
2,505
1,611
113
Edgewood, New Mexico
This ^

I was initially in the market for a 2501. I priced both new and used and they are virtually the same. The only reason I ended up with the lx, was the wife. She convinced me that at 32 and no plans to ever sell it, it would be worth the extra money for the ergonomics and the mid pto would future proof us if we decided to get a blower or an mmm when our zero turn dies.
The mmm on a tractor is a PITA. Stick with a zero turn for mowing.
 
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fj40dave

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
B2650, LA534, BH77, TPD35, RCF2060, BB1566, RGA1258
Sep 24, 2009
418
255
63
Yelm, WA
I'm doing a driveway with about a 10% grade.....scrape & resurface.....using my B2650 and box blade (BB1566).
The tractor does bog down and loose traction at some points depending on how aggressive the scrape is.
If I had a bigger tractor, say the L2501, it might be a little better.
My biggest appreciation for the B2650 is it's size and accessibility vs something bigger.
 

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WE349a

Member
Sep 6, 2023
24
29
13
California
I’m still waiting on pricing for the L2501. If its a really great deal, I’m likely going for it. If they won’t work with me on pricing, I’ll probably just go for the 2502. I’m hopeful the 2501 will be a good enough deal to cover Ktac costs and a bit more. The B2601 definitely gives me a little bit better access as would a LX. My neighbor has a 3310 and he mentioned that my driveway with a box scraper would definitely bog down a smaller tractor. He’s on his third Kubota in 30+ years, all while living in this neighborhood and he maintained my driveway for the previous owner.

so far they quoted about $500 off on the other models, I haven’t attempted any negotiations.
 

WE349a

Member
Sep 6, 2023
24
29
13
California
Heading to the dealer Monday to finalize the purchase of a L2502! The price differential wasn’t enough to not go for the slightly improved current model.
thanks for all the help! Now to find a suitable cover to keep the sunshine at bay.
 
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GrizBota

Well-known member

Equipment
L3830HST/LA724, B2601/LA435/RCK54-32, RCR1872, CDI 66”grapple, pallet forks
Apr 26, 2023
1,129
721
113
Oregon
Congratulations. Post pictures once you have it home. Time to plan a nice tractor shed.
 
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Snowman7

Active member

Equipment
LX3310 535 loader, LX2980, RB2672, FDR1660
May 20, 2020
348
246
43
Boyne Falls, MI.
Heading to the dealer Monday to finalize the purchase of a L2502! The price differential wasn’t enough to not go for the slightly improved current model.
thanks for all the help! Now to find a suitable cover to keep the sunshine at bay.
Congratulations
 
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Runs With Scissors

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Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
1,814
1,910
113
Michigan
Congratulations!!!

Remember.....Pics, or it didn't happen!
 
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WE349a

Member
Sep 6, 2023
24
29
13
California
Paperwork completed! I saw her in the crate, hoping for a late week delivery. I also got a set of QA forks along with the box blade, optional armrests (why not!) and the level indicator.

The small aesthetic changes really do look good and the seat is a nice upgrade. They sure have a lot of 2501 to move, I suppose those will drop in price pretty soon.

Can’t wait to get started on my driveway!
 
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Runs With Scissors

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
1,814
1,910
113
Michigan
Good for you man.

You are gonna love those forks.

They are so useful, you re going to question how you lived without them.
 
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