Fits Models At A Glance:
New Holland Skid Steer Loaders: L250, L252, L255, L256
The New Holland L250, L252, L255 and L256 are New Holland's mini skid steer loaders. They are light, narrow machines built for barns, poultry houses, stalls, nurseries and backyard work, where a full-size skid steer won't fit. The gas-powered L250 was built from 1984 through 1999, and the diesel L255 joined the lineup in 1992 and ran through 1999. The L252 and L256 are close variants on the same mini-loader platform and share many service parts. With an operating weight of about 2,100 lbs, these machines are easy to trailer behind a pickup. Many are still at work on farms today. Below are the specs, the problems we see most, and the replacement parts we carry for this group.
Key Specifications:
- L250 Engine: Onan 2-cylinder gasoline, 18 hp
- L255 Engine: 3-cylinder diesel, 16 hp
- Rated Operating Capacity: 600 lbs (L250) / 700 lbs (L255)
- Operating Weight: approximately 2,120 lbs
- Production: L250 07/1984 – 12/1999; L255 06/1992 – 12/1999
- Drive: Hydrostatic, chain drive
- Class: Mini skid steer loader
Common Issues & Fixes:
- Slow or weak loader and drive: A plugged hydraulic filter starves the pump and makes the whole machine feel tired. Change the hydraulic spin-on filter 578419 and check the oil level and condition before suspecting the pump or motors.
- Hard starting, surging or low power on gas L250 machines: Old fuel, a dirty carburetor and a plugged air filter are the usual causes on the Onan engine. Run fresh fuel, clean the carburetor, and replace the primary air filter A830X9601LA.
- Hard starting on diesel L255 machines: Check for air or water in the fuel, clogged fuel filters and weak glow plugs before suspecting injection components.
- Clunking, jumping or weak push on one side: Stretched drive chains or low chaincase oil. Check chain slack and oil level, because decades-old machines often run with the chaincase low.
- Poor visibility for early-morning or barn work: Many of these machines have original or missing lights. Add or replace a LED front roof light 86533428 on the L250 or L255.
Maintenance Parts:
Pro Tips:
- Change the hydraulic filter every season. On a machine this small, clean hydraulic oil is the difference between a strong loader and a tired one.
- Check chaincase oil before every season. Older machines often have leaking axle seals that let the level drop over time.
- Use fresh fuel in the gas L250. Stale gasoline gums up the Onan carburetor, especially after the machine sits over winter.
- Read the model decal before ordering. The L250, L252, L255 and L256 share many parts, but engine parts differ between the gas and diesel models.
Why Choose Broken Tractor:
- ✅ We Still Support Classic New Holland Mini Loaders – filters and parts for machines built in the 1980s and 1990s
- ✅ Hard-to-Find Parts Tracked Down – call 1-800-909-7060 with your model and serial number and we will source it
- ✅ Fast Shipping from a U.S.-Based Team – ready to ship from our U.S. warehouses in Baton Rouge, LA and Kimbolton, OH
Don't see the part you need? Call 1-800-909-7060 or send us a Parts Request Form and our team will track it down.
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