Buying a used L3430 GST changing transmission fluiid

[perryg114]

I am in the process of buying a used Kubot L3430 with around 2100 hrs on it. The owner says he never changed the transmission fluid in it. The manual says to change every 400 hrs and I am wondering if it needs to be changed. This is about a $200 process to do. It takes 11gal of Super UDT. Which is about $200 worth. Does it need changing every 400 hrs and is there something I can use that is cheaper and just as good?

He changes the oil at around 100 hrs but I don't think he has done much else. So what else should I be concerned about. I figured I would change the coolant and maybe the front axle fluid.

Perry

 

[nybirdman]

I would be concerned with purchasing a tractor that had "that" kind of maintenance.Could be a huge problem.That tractor is about a 2004(I had a L3130 purchased new in 2004);hours are high for the year also.
If you purchase it;change "all" filters and fluids and hope for the best.I use Kubota branded filters and fluids only.Expensive ,yes but cheaper than a transmission fix.

 

[Fallon]

I would be concerned with purchasing a tractor that had "that" kind of maintenance.Could be a huge problem.That tractor is about a 2004(I had a L3130 purchased new in 2004);hours are high for the year also.
If you purchase it;change "all" filters and fluids and hope for the best.I use Kubota branded filters and fluids only.Expensive ,yes but cheaper than a transmission fix.

I concur to some degree. He's gone 4-5 times over the factory recomendations. What else has he neglected or abused on that machine? Did he even change the hydraulic filters? If not there is probably accelerated wear in that that transmission & hydraulic system from increased particulate matter in the fluid. Did he grease the zerks every 10 hours or at all? If not all the moving parts are going to be worn & sloppy.

Neglecting the coolant will cause corrosion issues & cavitation pitting on the cylinders.

I wouldn't rule the machine out, but demand a substantial discount due to the abuse & neglect.

Super UDT2 is expensive, but worth it. I've never owned a GST, but hear they shift rough with anything else. Only used SUDT2 in my HSTs, hear there is lots of whining & other noise when anything else is used in a HST.

 

[perryg114]

He wants $10k for it with a bush hog, hay spike, disk, and front end loader. I figured it was worth the risk. He used if for cutting hay mostly. I will make sure everything works before I pay him.

Perry

 

[KennyV]

You are in a warmer part of the country so you will have no problem using any good generic Trans/Hydro oil in a GST tractor. If you have a Tractor Supply, Atwoods or other farm supply near you they carry several lines of Good Universal oils. I have used Traveller Premium Universal Tractor Trans/Hydraulic Fluid from Tractor Supply for many years, under $30 for a 5 gallon pail...
Get a Kubota filter and change out your fluids. KennyV

 

[diesel85]

I wouldn't worry about it. If it drives fine, can pickup the 3pt with a load, and makes no weird noises, you are probably OK. Last resort is to double-check the operating pressures.

Generally hydraulic fluid isn't suddenly going to go bad. Where it gets problematic is when the fluid gets low enough to cause cavitation to the pump. At this point it is usually beyond the point of just filling it up and not having issues.

There are farmers around here that will go way beyond the "recommended" trans/hydraulic fluid swap, or like in your case, never changed it and of course never have problems. I've helped on plenty of farms, and lots of guys just wait until the machine needs some service then they deal with it.

If it were my machine, since I read the manual, and a tractor isn't something I can afford to replace or work on due to user error, I stick to the expert guide on fluid swaps, that is conveniently listed in the owners manual -- even if it seems unnecessary or wasteful.

 

[jeff9366]

It takes 11gal of Super UDT. Which is about $200 worth. Does it need changing every 400 hrs and is there something I can use that is cheaper and just as good?

I use Kubota Super UDT2 exclusively in my Grand L tractor. However, "Super" is optional. Buy the tractor, READ THE MANUALS. Fish after reading the manuals.

Don't start fishing on tractorbynet.com from a tractor knowledge base of zero. This is the web.
Some of what you read is worthwhile but you get mostly postulations from those WITHOUT EXPERIENCE.

 

[rustyshakelford]

To me 10k seems pretty steep for a 34hp tractor with 2k hrs on it and nearly zero maintenance. Does it have a cab? You should know the market better than us but I would pass on that. To many unknowns and 10k could make a lot of payments on something brand new with a warranty.

Brett

 

[jeff9366]

Kubota no longer makes the 'Grand L' L3430.
Kubota current model is heavy-chassis 'Grand L' 3560, evolved from L3430. Price new with FEL $27,500 before sales tax.
I own one.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Kubota no longer makes the 'Grand L' L3430.
Kubota current model is heavy-chassis 'Grand L' 3560, evolved from L3430. Price new with FEL $27,500 before sales tax.
I own one.

I'd keep looking than. I have learned my lesson buying used things that were deals. I was constantly fixing things or worrying about it breaking down at the worst time. I order everything brand new and while the upfront cost is higher, my productivity is more, down time is nearly non existent and repairs are on the dealers dime. Sometimes it costs more to spend less

At the very least, is keep looking for a different tractor

Brett