Kubota L5450 5.00 star(s) (3)

The Last of Kubota's L3 Series
Model Year: 1998

I purchased my 1998 L5450 in 2004 to replace my trusty 1988 L3350. The L3350 was an outstanding tractor, used primarily for forestry work (with Farmi JL-410), tree planting (with RootSpread tree planter), and general farm use. The L3350 is the smallest sibling in the Kubota L3 series, and served its time well. Other than impregnated air in the loader hydraulics, the L3350 ran flawlessly for 1850 hours. My L5450 was purchased used with 475 hours. The tractor has factory top and tilt hydraulics on the three point, factory creeper gear (16 speeds in each direction), LA1150A loader with heavy duty bucket, and R4 tires with chains. The L5450 is the largest of the L3 series, and is truly one well built machine. I have mounted an L4540A Kubota backhoe on the L5450 (originally mounted on the L3350…as both tractors use substantially similar frames). My logging winch was upgraded to a Farmi JL501, and tree planter replaced by a custom made Whitfield. The L5450, if given a reasonable task, truly never runs short of power. Overall torque is tremendous, especially at lower engine speeds. Implements include Kubota’s (Gannon) box blade with hydraulic ripper, Befco 66” tiller, Danuser post digger, Bush Hog 90” finish mower, Bush Hog 72”, and more. Having owned the L5450 for 9 years, and the L3350 for an additional 16 years, I can state without hesitation that Kubota’s entire L3 series (L3350/3750/4150, and L4350/4850/5450) is as bulletproof as can be reasonably manufactured. The L5450 readily starts instantaneously in all weather; it’s 5 cylinder direct injection engine is extremely smooth. The wet EverClutch does not see much use, due to the hydraulic shuttle being used instead. The only improvement I could suggest for the L5450 is the addition of a two speed rear PTO (which the L3350 had).

Pros: Smooth, strong hydraulics, overall build quality.
Cons: Lacks 2 speed rear PTO, lacks front differential lock.

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L5450DT
Model Year: 1998

At over 6,000 pounds with FEL, the L5450 is more in line with Kubota's M-models for power and weight. The 5-cylinder engine starts easily and is silky smooth. Mine has a Laurin Cab (adds 1500 lb) and an 11-ft Bradco Backhoe. The Ever Clutch is a scaled-up Hydraulic Shuttle for forward-reverse and there's a dry plate independent clutch with hand lever for the pto. When these units were current, not all dealers handled them. They were more expensive than JD and Ford so the sales numbers were not high. But they were (and are) among the best products Kubota has ever made.

Pros: Power; Weight; Huge strength.
Cons: Engine noise, gear ratio spacing.

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Kubota
Model Year: 1999

Tractor has been no issues until just recently. Hydraulics not working properly, will have to take a trip to the dealer. Rust but never stored outside or been on our salty roads. Overall very satisfied with the tractor. Just bought a used Kubota Kx91

Pros: Reliability.
Cons: Price.

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