Kubota L4240 4.90 star(s) (20)

Great Purchase-Kubota L4240 HSTC-3 With LA854 Loader
Model Year: 2011

Let me start by saying that I love this tractor. However, a perfect "5 rating" for each category would not be an honest review. This is my first cabbed tractor. I have previously owned a 30 year old Ford 1910 (32 horsepower, 4x4) with loader and a recent John Deere 3520 (37 horsepower, 4x4) with 300 CX loader. Both were geared tractors. After owning several brands, I've always considered test driving and trying a Kubota due to the "value" they offer along with seeing first hand how tough they are with several friends of mine owning them. In central South Carolina, Kubota and John Deere are king with New Holland and others falling behind in availability of service and sales. So with knowing my choices were John Deere or Kubota, I bought this tractor used with 300 hours and I've added another 40 hours of seat time. I use this tractor to keep up our 54 acres with bush hogging, food plots, and 1/4 mile long driveway maintenance. I settled on 44 engine horsepower as a balance of my available budget and physical horsepower needs for my acreage and implements. In my opinion, the Kubota engine seems a "level above and more refined" than the Shibaura and Yanmar engines in my previous tractors. It is quieter and smoother, although this a 44 horsepower, 4 cylinder compared to my previous 3 cylinder engines. However, I will say my "smaller" John Deere open station is a tad more comfortable in the seat than this Kubota L4240. I have no complaints on build quality, as I design equipment at work, and I see where no corners were cut on the design and build of this Kubota. The rear end housing, supports, lift arms, front axles, etc. all seem stout and rigid beyond the tractor's stated capabilities and general use. With this tractor being considered a large compact tractor (and not an Ag tractor like some folks use them), it is plenty capable with it's 6,000 pound weight (tractor + loader + fluid filled tires) when in 4-wheel drive. I use a 800 pound, 6 foot bush hog and a 850 pound, 6-1/2 foot disc harrow with this tractor. Most of the time, it handles these implements well with 35 power take off horsepower available for the bush hog. The land terrain in Central South Carolina can be hilly at times, so when the tractor is pulling a 6-1/2 foot disc or cutting thick grass/weeds on an incline, the engine RPM will drop slightly due to engine load with the A/C running. In order not for this to occur, the next size up L4740 or L5240 may eliminate this issue. However, when I encounter this problem, I ease off the hydrostat pedal or cruise control to slow down slightly. I can't comment enough on the LA854 loader. It has lifted, pushed, pulled, etc. everything I've asked of it, including pushing over 4"-5" diameter gum trees next to food plot (very easily). The SSQA (skid steer) bucket is very handy as it can be removed easily for mowing and other chores that do not require the bucket. This loader greatly outperforms my previous John Deere 300 CX loader. As far as features, I think the HST+ transmission is ahead of everyone else in this tractor category. Shifting from hi to low in low, medium, or high range is executed with a simple flick of a switch on the steering column. A lot of work can be accomplished by staying in the medium range and just switching to Hi/Lo. You get a true 6 range hydro transmission in this tractor compared to other's 3 range hydro transmissions. Compared to my previous tractors, this Kubota size is perfect for the hilly terrain. When mowing on slopes, it feels very stable. Also being in 100+ degree summer heat when mowing and discing, the A/C does a fantastic job in keeping me cool. I expect the reliability of this tractor to be very good over the next 20+ years I plan on owning her! I would definitely recommend Kubota to anyone considering a tractor.

Pros: Build quality, cab comfort, smooth running Kubota engine, reliability, resale, ease of use
Cons: Cloth operator seat not as comfortable as my previous John Deere

Grand L4240
Model Year: 2012

Great machine to do needed operations done. Big enough to till gardens, small enough to get around the house.

Pros: Well laid out.
Cons: Needs more lighting from factory (lights on rear fenders & rear ), cup holder moved forward more.

Great Tractor
Model Year: 2006

After using 1940's through 1970's utility tractors from Ford, Massey Ferguson, John Deere and Caterpillar, we got a brand new Kubota. It was my father's retirement hobby to keep farming on a small scale. The Kubota was purchased with the L854 loader. I put the loader on and take it off in a couple minutes and it's really a very cool feature. I push over stumps, move dirt and remove brush like nothing. We've never known that utility tractors could have so much utility with removable implements like loaders. I just wish he would have gotten the backhoe as well to save my poor aching back from digging holes with a shovel. The L4240 has been extremely reliable and the traction is great. It is lighter than our old tractors, so I would recommend putting weights on the front and on the tires for maximum traction and safety on hillsides. However, when using the loader, the tractor sometimes feels under powered on the hills. The extra weight of the loader is felt. The HST tranny makes the under powered feeling worse, but easy to drive on hills. Remember clutches on hills with a heavy load? HST makes hills so much safer and easy to drive in tight places like orchards, but you lose some power. Just need to buy a few more HP for hilly situations.

Pros: HST, maneuverability, versatility, reliability, build, traction.
Cons: Light weight, HST power loss.

First Kubota
Model Year: 2007

Nice tractor with great features compared to the MF 135 that it replaced. First new tractor in 40 years, so the changes in technology are glaring. The convenience of the features are really easy become accustomed. The tractor performs like one would expect of a larger tractor. The four wheel drive enables you to do things and access areas that are impossible with two wheel drive, like back up a hill. I have the tractor heavily ballasted with weights for stability since it is used in hilly terrain. Even as such, it responds quickly and works well in close quarters.

Pros: Easy to operate, reliable, economical, heavy lifter.
Cons: Power marginally adequate.

Awsome Machine
Model Year: 2012

This tractor has lots of power and is very user friendly. I traded my 3240 and the step up to the 4 cyl motor is amazing. This is my 5th new Kubota tractor and I have a Kubota excavator, RTV and zero turn mower. Kubota makes extremely high quality machinery and I recommend it to everyone.

Pros: Quality that is second to none.
Cons: Hey are not free.

Great Tractor
Model Year: 2012

Great tractor.

Pros: Cab, great in winter.
Cons: None. Barely fits in barn.

L4240
Model Year: 2012

Traded in a Massey 1540 with 680 hrs. on it for the Kubota. Had a problem when I turned in the seat on the Massey when backing up as my leg would hit the loader lever and tip the loader bucket down and lower it. When I shifted the shuttle lever to go forward and while still turned in the seat the bucket would dig in and lift the front end ....not fun on a hill. The new Kubota has more h.p. and that helps when I brush hog which I do to supplement my retirement. I'm impressed with the quality of the Kubota.

Pros: Quality, power, like the GST tranny.
Cons: Differential lock lever should be on the left side so it can be operated with the left foot.

Kubota 4240
Model Year: 2011

Upgraded from a Massey 1540 and there is quite a difference. The 854 loader is really rugged and has more lifting capacity. The overall tractor is well made in keeping with my other Kubota (B2410) which I bought new in 2004. The quick attach hookups are easily made and with the glide shift tranny (didn't care for HST)it is a great tractor to operate.

Pros: Lifting capacity (FEL and 3 pt. hitch), swival seat.
Cons: None so far.

Dealer Experience
Model Year: 2008

Bought from Westcotts in Gorham Maine and found they like the sale but not backing the buyer when it comes to repairs.Their only concern is who is going to pay the bill not working with Kubota and the customer to get it resolved.I found their attitudes very poor when questioned about warranty issues. I ended up going to MB Tractor in Tilton N.H. for an issue on my bucket pistons and even though they did not sell me the tractor they worked thru the Kubota Rep and got it resolved.

Pros: Great tractor.
Cons: Lousy dealer.

Very Nice Tractor
Model Year: 2006

The Kubota L4240 has been a wonderful tractor. The HST transmission makes it very easy to use especially for doing our orchard work around trees on a hilly orchard. It's very safe compared to the tractors we had in the past. However, I believe the HST transmission bleeds off some power as compared to a manual transmission. When we filled the rear tires with water for ballast, I noticed a loss of hill climbing power at higher gears. It could be that this tractor is slightly underpowered but all in all, it has been adequate for our purposes. Traction is excellent and maneuverability is very good. It is a little tall for orchard work though.....

Pros: Reliability, maneuverability, brakes, transmission, steering.
Cons: Power to ground.

1st Year of Commercial Work
Model Year: 2007

This my 3rd tractor & 2nd Kubota. I am very impressed with the manufactures quality and it's performance. This model has the hydrostatic transmission and the "auto throttle" feature. The amount of work accomplished per hour compared to the old standard tractor is unreal. I could not be more pleased with this tractor.

Pros: Efficiency, production, performance.
Cons: Access to clean rediator screen.

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New Tractor
Model Year: 2008

Bought Kubota tractor from original owner with 150 hours. Tractor has a 4 in 1 bucket which is very nice to have. Bought tractor as a package with tractor, 5 foot bushhog, rotary tiller, 24"auger,box blade, and 12500 lbs trailer. I paid $25,000 for complete package. I got a excellent deal I feel and tractor performs perfectly. I have since bought a 9" auger bit. I use the tractor on my 2 acre tract I live on and 50 acres I own that I use for growing timber and hunting white tail.

Pros: Does all I need.
Cons: Lights are cheap plastic ripped one off on a vine. Also you have to remove front grill to get to battery.

Kubota 44 hp
Model Year: 2007

This the most amazing machine I have owned. The auto throttle enables it to operate very similar to a car. Allows me to complete a great amount of work in a short amount of time. The size and heavy construction is perfect for commercial work. I couldn't be more satisfied.

Pros: Size, auto throttle, and functionality.
Cons: Can't find any.

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Kubota 4240
Model Year: 0

Great upgrade from my L 3400.

Pros: Great tractor.
Cons: Too light.

Great tractor
Model Year: 2003

This is the 3rd Kubota tractor we've owned. The first one had GST transmission. I like this transmission. It's easy to use.

Pros: 4 wheel drive comes in handy.
Cons: None.

2007 Kubota Tractor L4240 HSTC
Model Year: 2007

-29 original hours and mint condition -hst plus hydrostatic transmission -3 ranges with hi-low in each range -way better transmission than the competition e-hydro -cab,a/c,heat -outside rear view mirrors -telescoping draft links with top link -la854 quick attach loader -quick attach bucket (skid steer style) -mid mount valve with joystick -hood guard -bucket level indicator -woods brush bull 60 5 foot bush hog included with the tractor -17.5l-24 rear r-4 tires with 99.9%tread left -10-16.5 front r-4 tires with 99.9% tread left

Pros: 1
Cons:[/I

i'm glad I did my homework.
Model Year: 0

I tried them all. I'm sure they all make a good product, however when I got in the set of the L4240, it was a breeze to operate and I felt as if I already logged in 100 hours on it.I could not be happier with it.

Pros: Ease of operation.
Cons: I wish it could lift a ton of wood pellets.

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Nearly perfect!
Model Year: 2008

Shopped long and hard for my first tractor. Did not want to repeat Dad's tradition of being forced to buy a new tractor every 8 years because duty's became to large or the tractor wouldn't stop breaking. I was sold on the Kubota for price and features as compared to the competition. The hi/lo feature in each gear is golden!!! I stay in Med most of the time and can run across open ground in med the switch to low for work and back. Cab was well worth the money. I can spend all day on the tractor and not be near as worn out as an open station. L854 FEL with QA bucket has proven strong enough even for me. If the back end of the tractor comes off the ground I just don't have enough weight on the 3pt but she's lifted a few things I probably shouldn't have and she's still ticking!! The only quirks I have are these. For my use, and south Louisiana mud, I should have gotten the ag tires, the R4's don't pull will in wet dirt! The next are probably due more to the dealer. I had two hoses chaf holes in them. One was the 3rd mount front hydraulic they installed at time of purchase. Bad choice of routing. Then I'll find bolts missing, assuming vibration from working and a lack of torque perhaps. Most seem to be from dealer installation. I do with it had a better brush guard. I've broken both lights and torn the front grill using my grapple and having sticks poke through. I fix them all because replacement parts are $$$. I'm glad I stepped up to the 42 but there are times I wish for just a few more hp. Long, thick south LA grass and a 6' bush hog rotor mower makes for a slow cut. But it's trivial as I've only cut about 10 hours on the 280 total thus far.

Pros: L854 FEL, Hi/Lo feature, Power, speed of use
Cons: Cost of replacement parts, R4's, Dealer assembly

L4240 HSTC
Model Year: 2008

This is my second Kubota the first being an open station L3130. The L4240 HSTC has been out-standing. This tractor is used for snow removal with and eight ft. Curtis QA FEL mounted, it runs a brush-hog, two bottom plows, cultivator and roto-tiller. I till about 10 acres both for food plots and a garden. I have also added a tooth-bar and thumb to the bucket... very handy.

Pros: Nice cab,heater and air work great
Cons: A little tall for woods work

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Grand L 4240
Model Year: 2008

I have 12 acres and was building a house on it. I have used it for house work, landscaping, driveway, gardening, hobby farming, general around the house maintenance; ie pasture clipping, creek maintenance, fence row clearing, tree pulling/pushing/twisting/breaking. I always regret buying an underpowered tool and my expectations are usually above normal. I always hate after getting something and finding a new use for it and it won't do it. I usually buy for any expected use. The tractor has yet to let me down, unless I am just asking WAY too much, even then at times it still does and amazes me at it's capabilities. I bought the 4240 cause I wanted that size of a tractor. Get to big and it's more difficult to get around in yards and close to houses. Get to small and the loader capabilities aren't quite sufficient and implements are on the smaller size which takes more time. I wanted the a 4cyl motor in that size tractor with the biggest loader. I was really after the LA854 loaders lift heights and capacity. Move up to the 4740 and the tractor is "bigger" a little taller and a little longer. Doesn't seem like much, but I felt was a fair trade. It handles a 1200lb 6ft box blade even stuffed full on clay on the back. (it'll lift it full of dirt when you get to aggressive and roll up too much sod with it and it stick!) Love the heavy box. I think it would peel up asphalt if I was to drag in the highway. I have the QA 854 FEL. Love the pallet forks as well. Great for demolition and tree clean up. Reach high with them and can push over good size trees. Really impressive. I use them as much as my bucket. Overall, good quality powerful machine. Easy to do maintenance on. Fit and finish and good. Only thing I would like to have that the tractor doesn't is more fixed speeds for the hydro. I know it is a step by having the hi/low on the column gear splitting (Grand L feature) I would like to have hi/med/low. With the power of the machine I am able to run and do work at lower rpms' vs pto speed rpms. This leaves me at times too slow for med/low (turtle) and too fast for med/high (rabbit). It's about a 1.5 mph gap between the too when to split those again would be perfect!

Pros: Power, Loader, Hydro adjustability and control, hydro pedal, kubota reputation and delivery of quality, bang for the buck
Cons: Some of the plastic trim items, would like those to be metal, loose there luster and strengh over time and suspect they'll be problems. Handles, trim plates, etc.