The Kubota L2501 is an incredibly versatile compact utility tractor that can handle most 60″ attachments without problems.
However, that’s not to say there aren’t any issues with this Kubota tractor. Some users complain about the engine, steering wheel, PTO, and loader problems, among others.
Even the most dependable tractor can fail now and then, but is the L2501 worth buying despite its flaws? Let’s find out!
The most common problems with Kubota L2501
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Kubota makes trustworthy machines for both gardens and fields. No matter the type of machine you’re looking for, you can be sure there’s a model from Kubota that can accomplish what you have in mind.
The Kubota L2501 is a small but robust compact tractor that many land owners love. The ergonomic design of the deck translates into less fatigue on your part.
It features a 3-point hitch and a hydraulic independent PTO, which means you can forget about clutches and avoid quite a few problems.
The digital LCD panel ensures you’re notified about every tractor error and includes a parking indicator.
All in all, this small but mighty utility tractor has everything you need and more. But is it trustworthy?
The Kubota L2501 tractor does have a few technical problems, and you might want to know each one in detail before you proceed with your purchase.
If you’re already a Kubota owner, you might be acquainted with some of these issues, but reviewing a few valuable tips is never a bad idea. Let’s get started!
1. Starting issues
The Kubota L2501 compact tractor seems to have a starting problem when attachments are used. This issue is encountered when using a bush hog when the mower starts but doesn’t turn over or run correctly.
There may also be other issues, but the bottom line is that when using the bush hog, the mower behaves strangely and tends to bog down the attachment.
Many users mistakenly think this is related to a dead battery, but this is often either a solenoid or an overworking issue.
If the problem comes down to the solenoids, it’s pretty easy to fix because it’s enough to tighten the nuts on the copper posts of the starter solenoid.
Other times, the bush hog might be too much for the mower. Remember that this compact utility tractor is sturdy but shouldn’t be overloaded. The golden rule for bush hogs is 5 HP per foot of mower width.
Given that the L2501 is under 25 HP, a 4-foot bush hog would be the perfect attachment. You can push as far as five feet, but not more, and remember to proceed at a slow pace with heavy cutting.
2. Engine issues
A common issue with this compact tractor is the engine not cranking. Sometimes the mower won’t even crank. So, what should you do in this situation?
When the mower engine doesn’t crank, you probably hear a series of clicks and nothing more. There is seemingly nothing that sparks the engine enough to start.
This could result from a bad connection between the battery and its terminals or between the battery and the starter.
Since tractors vibrate a lot, they may have loose connections between batteries and cables, so the first thing to do is to check that all connections are clean and tight.
If the battery’s terminals are corroded, they should be adequately cleaned with a rust remover, as they prevent the proper connection between the battery and cables.
Alternatively, baking soda and water can scrub off the corrosion. This corrosion can be due to leaking acid from the battery, so do a check for that as well.
3. Steering wheel issues
Many farmers told us stories about how they didn’t give the issue any mind until their steering wheel had too much freedom.
Driving a tractor can be risky, so you don’t want to wait until the very last minute and should intervene when the steering wheel has just started acting up.
What should you look for if your compact tractor steering wheel rotates without opposition? Here’s a breakdown of the main problems:
- Oil level: the most common issue and the most straightforward fix regards the oil level, which is probably too low when you start having problems with the steering wheel. Make sure you pour in a full tank.
- Steering cylinder: there might be malfunctioning in the steering cylinder. Check it or have it checked by a professional and replace the defective component.
- Steering pump: if you have leaks or hear noises when steering, it’s probably a steering pump issue. The steering pump could be broken and needs replacement.
4. PTO issues
As we mentioned, this model from the L-series of Kubota doesn’t come with a clutch but a comfortable switch that you can use to engage and disengage the PTO.
While this removes all common issues related to the PTO clutch from the equation, it seems that the PTO switch isn’t without fault either.
When you use the switch to disengage the PTO, the tool should wind down and stop turning; however, some users reported that the shaft keeps turning after the PTO is supposedly disengaged. Usually, it does one more turn than necessary.
This means that the cable is not adjusted correctly, or maybe there’s something in the cable shaft that runs through the transmission.
After troubleshooting the PTO, you should remove dirt and debris from the shaft if that’s what’s causing the issue. Lubricating every component might also help run the PTO smoothly.
5. Loader issues
The loader often represents an issue with small compact tractors like the Kubota L2501. It’s worth remembering that this tractor is powerful for its size, but it’s not a powerful tractor, so it shouldn’t be overloaded.
You may experience loader problems when mowing heavy grass, mowing uphill, or doing other high-energy tasks.
The L2501 mower can handle around a thousand pounds, and after working for many hours, it will probably slow down to lift objects a few inches above the ground and nothing more.
Remember that the loader should only be used on flat ground or going downhill without going overboard with the weight. When the L2501 becomes overloaded, you might also notice smoke from the exhaust.
There is no accurate fixing for this issue except to be aware of your mower specifics and to make sure you don’t overdo it.
6. Hitch issues
If your 3-point-hitch is not rising, know that you’re not alone. Indeed, this is one of the most common problems with Kubota tractors.
While the 3-point-hitch quickly gives your compact utility vehicle more traction while using the same level of fuel and power, it’s really easy to encounter issues with this feature because of the hydraulic system.
If you also have a loader on your tractor, test it to see if it’s working correctly and rule out any issues with the pump.
If you don’t have a loader, proceed by disconnecting the central pressure, returning the lines in order, and connecting them.
At this point, start the tractor for around 5-10 seconds. If the mower doesn’t start, the pump is fine. Otherwise, you should call a professional.
7. Rusting issues
We wouldn’t blame Kubota specifically for this issue, as it’s pretty common with mowers. However, we did notice that Kubota tractors start developing a rusting issue incredibly early, starting just a few months after the purchase.
Even though this is a common issue, it’s also one you should pay particular attention to. Rusting starts from the body of the mower, and quickly spreads to bolts and nuts, hoses, and floorboards.
When re-painting your mower, choose a paint that is rust-free. You don’t want to go cheap on these products because you will be happy to have spent a few more bucks in the long run.
Kubota L2501 problems: are they a deal-breaker?
It depends on what you’re looking for. We cannot say that the Kubota L2501 is a bad choice for a compact utility tractor because we believe its merits vastly outnumber its flaws.
You need to keep in mind that most problems related to this type of small tractor usually spur from bad or non-existent maintenance – rust, fuel problems, and hydraulic problems, for example.
From these small issues, bigger problems may arise that will affect the engine and other main components. So while the Kubota might have some technical issues that aren’t dependent on its maintenance, keeping it in good shape plays a big role in its lifespan.
It would help if you also remembered that this compact tractor isn’t meant for heavy loads or long hours of work at a time. So it would be best if you evaluated whether this is what it’s needed on your property.
Marvin is an expert in farming equipment with a strong background in agricultural engineering. He graduated from Kansas State College of Agriculture, where he received a degree in Agricultural Engineering and specialized in farm equipment design and maintenance.
