In the field | Kubota LX vs Standard L

Over the last couple of weeks, I spent a lot of time talking to you about tractors, but usually just in the context of one specific machine. I have my LX3310 here, but I had a whole lot of backhoe work to do both from my own property and helping my neighbor out on the job. And so I brought home a used L2501 in order to do a lot of backhoe work with. And I've actually gotten to spend about the last two months putting significant hours on these two tractors, which have a lot of things in common, but also a lot of differences. And so we're going to go around and talk a little bit about my seat time here for the last two months.
Time Codes:
0:00 - Seat Time in Two Similar Machines
0:47 - Overlap in the Standard L and LX Series
1:32 - Tailored to Different Customers
1:52 - Seat Comparison
2:40 - Loader Differences
4:29 - Mounting and Dismounting
5:24 - Engine Comparison
6:56 - BH77 Backhoe
8:47 - R14 Tires
10:44 - Loader Profile and Visibility
11:55 - Running Dry and Refueling
13:04 - Home Owner / Landscape vs Utility
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[@donaldstrishock3923]

As a "owner" & "dearler" you present such an open-minded & practical application to all you vidio's. I think you are responsible for selling 25% of ALL compact tractors in North America in the last 5 years. All great vidio content, maybe you can put together some "head to head" real "operating" comparisons in the future. Thanks for the great vidio Sir and happy safe Tractoring.

[@gregoryhaid853]

I am old and have farmed forever. I gotta say, Neil is one of the best presenters on this channel that I have ever experienced. I have learned so much from this young man. Happy New Year Neil. Keep up the excellent work.

[@MessicksEquip]

Wow, thank you!

[@inthedarkwoods2022]

FINALLY!!! Back to the L series tractors. About time you came back to the L Series

[@markwillis1665]

I have the R14 tires on my L 3901 and so far I have been VERY impressed with their performance. I’ve been able to power out of swampy, soupy mud after burying my tractor up to the rims (in 4WD). No matter which model you choose, I highly recommend the R14 tire option for the average homeowner/landscaper. Big thumbs up!

[@JB-gg9hl]

Very helpful. Thank you for spending the time to make quality videos. Always great information.

[@patbacha4845]

I have the LX2610SU & love it. It will handle pretty much anything you want to do. The R14 tires are awesome.

[@RichardGilbert2727]

Very clarifying! I imagine each consumer segment saw which of these tractors would best suit it.

[@rodneycarpenter3253]

I have had my l3901 for 4 years now no complaints they are great compact tractors.

[@ducksp6405]

Had my L3301 with the R14 tires for little over a year. Absolutely love them. They work great in snow and ice, easy on the yard and grass and do better in mud than I was expecting. They also seemed to me to be the smoothest riding tire when I test drove other standard L's that had R1's and R4's. No regrets what so ever.

[@xcgates]

Recent l2501 buyer here, super happy, and regarding the ease of using the best thing I've done is go help a friend with some stuff around his house. Especially since he's spent his life in construction related jobs. He is able to teach me all kinds of stuff he's picked up over the years using all kinds of equipment. Never underestimate people.

[@dwayneloftice2326]

Great comparison and contrast between the two tractors. Just re-confirms, my LX 2610 was the right choice for me. And better yet, I have found nothing it won't do that I expected it to do with power and "gumption" to boot!

[@johnconway8492]

Great informative video. I have an Lx2610SU with R14 tires. I love the tractor and the tires. As far as the R14’S in snow , I live in upstate NY above PA in the western tier . We get a lot of snow up here. The tires performed very well last winter in the snow . And my property in all hills!

[@joeellis2692]

I live in up state NY as well. I'm currently looking at the lx2610su. My friend has the lx2610 with the larger tires. Which eliminates the mid PTO for him. But out of curiosity what did you pay? My friend paid 24k.

[@tacomafan7488]

I love my l2501 !!! No problems at all ! Great work horse for my 10 acres

[@gus473]

🎉 Closing in on 💯 thousand subscribers! Make room on your office wall for the "KZbin Silver Button!" 👍🏼😎

[@watershedoverlook]

LX2610 with the R4's...chose the LX over the L in part because of the "bells and whistles" you described. I'm rolling up on 60 and my old bones really appreciate the convenience they offer! 👍😎

[@welcometothefreeworld]

I love it when you do head to head comparison videos between Kubota models. ...I wished I lived where you live and the leaves are still green in October. 🤣

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

Excellent comparison, Neil! I absolutely love my L2501!!! Since I'm using the tractor for isolated jobs, the creature comforts aren't as much of an issue for me. The R14 tires have performed beautifully, and I agree with your points on them. You guys did a great job of steering me to make the right decision for this tractor and my property and needs. 👍

[@christopherf.2102]

Thanks for this comparison. Always appreciate your content. I’ve had an LX3310 for about one year now and have been very happy with it, however, have at times wondered if I should’ve gone with the standard L - not for any particular reason - only for the sake of wondering. Again, very happy with my LX and probably would’ve been similarly happy with an L. Another vote for the R14 tires here. I’ve run R4 on other similar sized tractors and have been very happy with the R14 in all conditions.

[@EvilAdonis]

L3560LE, best of both worlds. Mine is maneuverable, capable, and awesome. Put the LA805 loader on it and do anything you want.

[@Tomcat1957]

good job

[@johntheaccountant5594]

In Thailand we have also a L5018 with a 2.4 litre diesel engine and has 50 HP with bulldozer costs US$18,000 before screwing for discounts. Bigger physical tractors make maintenance and repairs easier. Also less likely to overheat. And those electronic processors are not going to last. And important is that it is less likely to roll.

[@markbuetow2351]

It would be nice to see the Grand L in the comparison as well.

[@davecarroll6065]

Good day! I bought the LX2610cab and the one negative comment which wasn’t mentioned was the loud hydrostatic whine, that even in the cab you can hardly hear the radio. I now listen to my iPhone with earphones and the radio was purchase was a waste. If the whine was fixed I wouldn’t have any other complaint. Best Regards

[@hughhead9079]

VERY nice job comparing 2 "pro-sumer" level machines Neil. Buyers should never underestimate how important "fit" is versus specsmanship on equipment. We may want 40+hp and thousands of lbs of loader and pulling power... but can the machine fit in gardens and handle the daily chores of picking up and moving things along.. Or mowing on soft ground. Consider even having a newer machine for high usage and a "beater" big machine for the infrequent tasks. I'd love to have an older Ford or similar just to bushhog and the muscle jobs with a 25hp machine to do all the day to day.

[@Shane_O.5158]

we own a L3800 in Australia, i'm glad we bought the larger tractor, the loader arms Don't get in our vision, but the bucket does, for its weight we don't notice it being destructive in tearing up soil, never had it on a lawn, but carrying loads and lifting tree stumps that were not fully dug out and a root holds on the tractor doesn't get pulled over as much as a LX would, we were levelling a track and had to scrape 1 inch of siol, being new we accidently dug in too deep and the tractor kept going even thou the soil was not dug before and was hard, i bet the LX would of bent, p.s. we got the bucket indicator rod but were not too experienced, we found the backhoe seat when down stops the drivers seat from pressing the safety switch and trying to drive forward while the backhoe seat is down stops the engine which is annoying considering if Kubota moved the seat separate by 1 or 2 inches this wouldn't happen, i have never ran out of fuel, that's why the fuel gauge is on the dash not hidden in a wheel arch

[@eastkyboy5619]

I almost bought a new B series with a MMM in 2017. I was looking for one machine to do it all. I also kept looking at the standard L series because of the amount tractor you get for the money but didn’t want to use a rear finish mower. Thanks to some friends I was lucky enough to mow my lawn with the tractor MMM and a commercial zero turn. I decided to by a commercial zero turn and hold out for tractor. I got my L3901 in 2021 and I absolutely love it…I had to wait 4 years but I’m glad I did. It’s all about application but the L series seems to do work with much more ease than the some of the smaller tractors, however I haven’t used an LX3310. I really enjoy having a dedicated mower and a dedicated tractor for utility task. I have 130hrs on my tractor and haven’t ever missed any of the creature comforts. Also I have R4’s and they don’t mess up the lawn as long as you’re careful.

[@ironheadbiker]

Hey East KY Boy, I felt the same as you did, (I've got an L2501) and had a zero turn mower. With my trees and hills, and all the buildings and obstacles I have, I thought the zero turn was a no-brainer. But as clippings kept blowing all over places I didn't want them, (like me, or when I go between my fire pit and garage) I got to thinking about a 3 point mower. Got the Landpride 72" rear discharge and it's been a game changer. No more clumps from a narrow side discharge, and I can go right up against buildings, flower beds, or anything and not leave a single blade on them. Plus the fuel mileage of the l2501 is unbelievable, I've mowed my 5 acres 6 times and still am at about 1/3 tank. Backing under trees is another plus with the finish mower. I've never had a bad day on my tractor, and after the first time I mowed with it, my commercial zero turn went up for sale. It was nice this fall with leaves, I can raise the front of the 3 point up about 10" and the rear is still down, and drive into a leave pile and much them up nicely. My deck stays clean while my zero turn always had the front caster wheels throwing grass on my deck. Then there's the blade accessibility, and how on hills, the zero turn can get a bit scary in wet grass. Just thought I'd throw that in here, because reading your comments reminded me of myself. Take care

[@eastkyboy5619]

@@ironheadbiker you got some good points there. Pretty cool to here from ya..you’re the reason I added 3 inch wheel spacers on my tractor. I have a lot of slope that made me pucker. Your videos made that choice a no brainer. Also the install video was really helpful.

[@alanc.5355]

First! Thanks for all these great videos Neil!

[@nickg2366]

I love my L2501. Your getting a lot of tractor for your money. I paid 17.5k for my tractor and loader 3 yrs ago, which seems like a good price these days. Weighs more than 4300lbs with the tires loaded. I you definitely want it in low or medium if your going up a steep hill lol. In low I'm on limited by the weight, tires are always spinning!

[@PeeterPuncher]

You did get a good price, I just paid 24K for my L2501 last week.

[@mikel9567]

4,300 lbs that seems awfully heavy. I have the L2501 with BH77 backhoe and it doesn't weigh anywhere close to that.

[@nickg2366]

@@mikel9567 tractor weighs 2700, loader weighs 900, loaded tires add 700. Your backhoe weighs 850# alone.

[@ade678]

Another great video!! Thanks for taking the time to explain the details!!! I do have a quick question about your comment that greater horsepower on the L2501 would move it up a hill faster (7:46-8:46). In particular, my understanding of an HST is that it's entirely hydraulic powered, so that the marginal pressure difference between an L2501 (2205 psi) and an L3901 (2340 psi) wouldn't change much (the difference in flow rates is more dramatic: 5.15 gpm vs. 6.3 gpm, but I'm not sure how this might matter). Can you explain how more horsepower would get the tractor up the hill faster? Thanks as always!

[@MessicksEquip]

Your thinking is dead on. There is a difference in how fast the hydraulics recover. So if your driving and the system pressure drops because its flowing the higher HP models recover that pressure difference more quickly making it feel more capable. In theory at slow speeds one can not turn the tire with more power than the other.

[@troyeager8877]

It looked like some of the treads were removed from the tires. Is that for more aggressive traction?

[@VideosByAl]

Does Kubota offer a different hydrostatic peddle to replace the heal toe peddle ?

[@BrickyardPowerMan]

Though the Standard L and B/LX use the BH77 backhoe, I don't believe they are interchangeable between the L and B2650/B3350/LX2610/3310. The standard L has a dedicated seat pushing the unit out a bit farther. My B2650 uses the same seat with the BH77. I would prefer the separate seat (I think as I haven't tried it). Not a fan of the current L series setup. From the clutch to the left, brake to the right above the treadle pedal, no tilt steering and placement of controls the B/LX spoil the user. That said, I appreciate the added weight and heavier components used with the L vs the B/LX. I pushed my B this summer on a project that would have benefited from a L model especially with more loader capacity.

[@MessicksEquip]

It's the same backhoe, with a different mounting kit.

[@shisholy7828]

Neil always really enjoy your informative videos. Looks like the LA525 Loader has stronger larger forearms than the LA535. Is that a custom grill on the front of that L2501?😂

[@MessicksEquip]

custom shaped :-)

[@larrysplace0016]

@Messick's Equipment Great comparison video Neil, I am trying to decide if a LX3310 is big enough for the work I want to do. Do you think a LX3310 is big enough for a 5' power rake? Land pride doesn't recommend them for the LX series but it seems like the LX3310 could easily handle it. I'm not sure if it is a power, weight, 3 point size issue. Thanks.

[@MessicksEquip]

It's a lot of weight. If you have a loader on the front for some front ballast, it would probably be okay in operation. Probably light on the front end in transport.

[@miano07]

Thanks for the comparison video @Messick's Equipment. I Liked it. It takes me to my next question: I'm thinking to add a backhoe to my M5-111. I've looked into the M4011/M4011V and M4509V. Will you have any recommendation regarding these two models backhoes for the M5? Any inputs as of how does it stands against the BH77? Thanks for your valuable inputs

[@MessicksEquip]

The BH77 is a tinker toy compared to this size backhoe. The M-series backhoes are made by Bradco. I'm not sure how they are pricing up at the moment, but normally we'd sell theirs direct. At the moment the Kubota version maybe less and Kubota is behind a lot of other companies when it comes to price increases.

[@miano07]

@@MessicksEquip Ok thanks for the heads up. So what will be the Kubota version of the Backhoe for the. M5 platform. So far from my research, I came across only the two M4011 and M4509V. Is there another Backhoe option available I may be missing that I’ll need to re-consider? Thanks again for chiming in.

[@MessicksEquip]

@@miano07 M4011 and M4509 are the Kubota numbers for the Bradco 509\511

[@miano07]

@@MessicksEquip Thank You Sir!

[@snowismas]

I got 30min of loader work out of my LX2610 after the fuel gauge started to blink. Turned off when it started to sputter, had no problem restarting.

[@tonyparris5278]

I believe you mentioned there are bolt on armrest for the L can you give me the part number. I have tried to find some since the three holes are there but your parts dept. and mine says it doesn't show up on the prints. Thank you.

[@nervousordo]

Now add some of the luxury features on the LX to the MX. 🤣

[@LostCaper]

Talk about the smoke at startup

[@danstevens2204]

The long un trimmed cable/zip ties on the cylinders play havoc with my ocd. I constantly tell our guys to cut them off and tidy the machine up.

[@mikel9567]

That's a dealer issue. My dealer clipped them all prior to delivery

[@donbrutcher4501]

I've been trying to configure a Kubota compact tractor. Going through the "Build" process on their website, when I get to the rear remotes section, two valve choices are offered. first: Double acting Valve Section, second: Float Detent Valve Section. Why would I choose one over the other?

[@MessicksEquip]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6Sse3SqnZxnd9U

[@cmburns2606]

Would the L2501 be suitable for landscaping work if it had turf tires, or would it still rut up the lawn because of weight?

[@MessicksEquip]

Sure, I'd take an LX but there is no reason you can't use a standard L.

[@person86422]

Can you test weight vs 4wd... how much weight overcomes 4wd... would a 4wd b2601 outpull a 2wd l2501? Or would it take a 4wd lx2650 to outpull a 2wd l2501? Or even smaller, 4wd bx vs 2wd b series? Always wondered if you're on a budget, is it better to go for size/weight in 2wd or a 4wd that's smaller.... thank you!

[@MessicksEquip]

Cool idea. There is a long list of stuff like this I'd like to do, we need inventory to catch up. Even I can't get ahold of tractors to film with.

[@AllHeartHomesteading]

I am in NJ, will you take my BS23s for a trade up to the LX?

[@MessicksEquip]

happily

[@bulletsandbacon4440]

So what does an LX seat cost to have installed on my L2501? It’s really my only complaint about the tractor.

[@wvwoodman9280]

Would you do a video comparing the L4701 to say a MX series or a Grand L series.

[@MessicksEquip]

Search. I have.

[@brianpritt4154]

The constant center rib makes the tire not grab as well as the R1. I would imagine snow removal on a hard surface the rib would be a down fall as well It's a tough decision as to which tires to get.

[@Morpheen999]

The more serrations in a tire the better it will be for snow removal

[@brianpritt4154]

@@Morpheen999 I agree but the wet snow that we usually get sometimes turns to ice as the tractor compacts it or when you only have a little bit, the only part of the tire doing the grabbing is the center

[@FreeWill-is-Love]

I GOT IT!! You’re Alan off of Two and a Half Men!! I knew that you looked familiar! Say hello to Charlie. Just some ball busting, Neil.....your videos are educational and very well done. Thank you.

[@travelinthru9519]

Did they ever fix the hydraulic leaks on the BX ?

[@MessicksEquip]

Mostly. The current part is far less problematic.

[@motto55cm228]

Anyone know what brand the saw scabbard on the LX3310? I can make out "saw hal" but that's it. I feel like I saw it on this channel before but I haven't found the right video yet.

[@MessicksEquip]

www.messicks.com/part/sh001cct/sawhaul-universal-chainsaw-carrier-kit-for-tr

[@motto55cm228]

Thanks

[@leovogelgesang4398]

The lx series, it comes standard with mid pto, for a belly mower?

[@MessicksEquip]

Yes

[@jcfetz]

And front snowblower

[@leovogelgesang4398]

@@MessicksEquip thanks Can you deliver one to Warrenton Mo?? LOL

[@Shootst-pr7ow]

What is the part number for the L series arm rests?

[@MessicksEquip]

B7358 will probably work. There is not one listed for the standard L, but odds are this will work. (I could be wrong)

[@maddigger0074]

What happened to the L4701 it was in the same line up as L2501. I have the L4701 it's a good tractor.

[@person86422]

It's a Grand L size, the others are standard L size

[@tractordoctor7505]

I might a miss it but is the l4701 is considered a standard l serie

[@MessicksEquip]

It is, it's often looked at differently because it's physically bigger.

[@rexb6478]

Neil, have a question? I'm looking to buy a tractor soon, but I thought if I bought some of the extras, like a grapple, forks, bush hog, that way only the tractor would be on the loan and so less. As for the tractor I'm going with your advice to buy as much tractor as I can, probably 60 plus, for a round baling, and conditioner, With this way I can pay cash on the attachments, and when I buy the tractor it will allow me to have a decent down payment to keep the payments better. Your thoughts, please??

[@MessicksEquip]

If a baler is in your future, I'd start at 70 horsepower and go up from there. You're firmly in utility tractors at that point.

[@rexb6478]

@@MessicksEquip Thank you for your advice, I will follow it.

[@tylerknoll8135]

So wen you say you brot the L home do you mean you bought it or dus it mean you baroda it from your dealer loekshim

[@lukerasche1251]

Hello, I have 50 acres that is 90 percent woods and am looking at getting a tractor to do brush cutting and keeping my 4wheeler trails open. Which one of these series tractors would you recommend?

[@MessicksEquip]

Std L

[@JCWren]

I notice you don't include L4701 as part of the "standard L" series. Is that because it's on a larger frame than the 25, 33, and 39? Also, you have a lot of flex on that left side step on your LX.

[@person86422]

The 47 would fall under the "grand L" series because of the larger frame, like you said.

[@flszen]

Oh yeah, that’s a lot of displacement at 4:50.

[@stephengmeiner3264]

Love my “L”

[@jeffbaldwin9842]

That poor L doesn't look like it gets much love. Could that have anything to do with your experience?

[@hphillips7425]

I would like the R-14 if the lugs were 50% - 100% taller

[@donaldstrishock3923]

Oh yea with practically 3/16 of tread on these week walled "baloney skins" ,no wonder they don't "scuff up" the yard. Guess rubber costs too much money. The R3s are almost just as good. Have R1s, R4s, &R3s & they ALL have their place. A R14 with an 1 1/2" lug tread "might" be a perfect tire----but they don't exist!

[@hphillips7425]

@@donaldstrishock3923 I agree

[@tothenext6332]

Can you do a Video on the Kubota M59. I hardly hear anything about them, and hard to find parts too.

[@MessicksEquip]

M62 is the current model and basicaly identical. Call us if you can't find parts. They are readily available.

[@tothenext6332]

@@MessicksEquip Thanks for the reply its greatly appreciated.

[@mikel9567]

I have the L2501 with backhoe on it and I have 1 huge issue with the backhoe. Why the hell does Kubota make such a poorly designed controls for their backhoe? I'm a big guy (6'4") and that is probably the most uncomfortable backhoe I have ever used. I get it, its a compact machine but they could do a much better job. The backhoe on the BX23S is much more comfortable and it's a smaller machine. Why can't they design the levers to be taller and angled so they don't hit the operator? How about extending the platform out another 6 inches to give more room for feet? It's a great machine, and very capable but the design leaves something to be desired.

[@MessicksEquip]

few things going on here. The swivel seat subframe used on the LX would have probably been a better choice for you. It gives much more room. There is a trade-off here, where if the backhoe is made much longer is drags on the ground when loading on a trailer. The departure angle gets too low.