Easy battery replacement on early Kubotas like the L4300 and similar. FYI

[sixdogs]

This is a picture of an L4300 Kubota off the net and is typical of many earlier models. Replacing the battery on these models looks, and is difficult. When my battery failed yesterday, I learned an easy way to do it that only involves four bolts. That's all.

Before doing anything else, remove the hood side panels. There are two bolts that hold the hood top to the grille assembly. Removes those plus two bolts that are accessed from under the tractor and also hold the grille assy on. Those four bolts gone and the grille assy comes off and the battery is easy access. Mine takes a series 24 battery.

In searching the net after my 13 (!) year OEM Kubota battery finally failed, all I found were confusing attempts at removing the hood or trying to squeeze the battery out. The above method works better and is easier.

 

[Keadog]

View attachment 481130


This is a picture of an L4300 Kubota off the net and is typical of many earlier models. Replacing the battery on these models looks, and is difficult. When my battery failed yesterday, I learned an easy way to do it that only involves four bolts. That's all.

Before doing anything else, remove the hood side panels. There are two bolts that hold the hood top to the grille assembly. Removes those plus two bolts that are accessed from under the tractor and also hold the grille assy on. Those four bolts gone and the grille assy comes off and the battery is easy access. Mine takes a series 24 battery.

In searching the net after my 13 (!) year OEM Kubota battery finally failed, all I found were confusing attempts at removing the hood or trying to squeeze the battery out. The above method works better and is easier.

Could you post pics? I'm trying to replace my battery in my 2001 L4300 (will be the third) and can't get the front grill off. I have the side panels off, the top two bolts and the two front bottom bolts of the nose cone off but the grill cover won't come off.
Thanks!

 

[sixdogs]

Could you post pics? I'm trying to replace my battery in my 2001 L4300 (will be the third) and can't get the front grill off. I have the side panels off, the top two bolts and the two front bottom bolts of the nose cone off but the grill cover won't come off.
Thanks!

I'll post pics if you need them but can't until later. There are only four bolts underneath for the "grill". It's actually the front grill shell that holds the grille. The two you took off are underneath in front. The two that get removed are behind them but you need to squat down or lie down to see them. They have a big flat washer on them. Put the other two back in.

Try to find them and if you can't I will post pics tonight. Tractor in use now. Again, you took the front two off that just hold the grill on. You want the back two that hold the entire grille shell in place. Loosen them and see if the grill shell wiggles.


this may not work but it's bolts #90 in what should be a l4300 parts manual from Messicks.

Kubota L43F (2wd) Parts Diagrams


Oh...buy a good battery, preferably an AGM or Optima and charge it before winter with a good charger. Keep it charged. I do it every year and have several that are 10 years old.

 

[Keadog]

Just got it off! Thanks for the post - and so timely!
Getting it back on may be fun, as I dented the cowl with a log that fell backwards off the FEL a few years ago.
Thanks again.

 

[sixdogs]

Just got it off! Thanks for the post - and so timely!
Getting it back on may be fun, as I dented the cowl with a log that fell backwards off the FEL a few years ago.
Thanks again.

Yeah, replacing the battery looks like an impossible dream until you figure it out. Then it's easier than most others.

 

[Keadog]

Do you know if the Optima red top 35 fits?
If not, what are using that fits in the battery tray?
Thanks again!

 

[sixdogs]

Take the measurements but I think I got a size 24 AGM Duracell from Sam's Club. $150. I think the 35 fit as well but not positive. If you are really stumped, I could get the number of the factory battery and you could look up the measurments.

The 24 was a little smaller so I had to thread the hold down rods just a little. You could just add a couple extra washers instead if you want and get the same result.

I used the L4300 yesterday and what a fine and powerful little basic tractor it is. Four cylinder and hardly uses any fuel. For someone looking at a basic tractor, this is one to look for. I bought mine new and am glad I own it.

 

[Keadog]

Thanks and yes, great basic machine. I bought mine new in 2001 and it seems like it will run all week on a tank of fuel.
The 35 might be off a bit. Might risk it anyhow.

 

[sixdogs]

Thanks and yes, great basic machine. I bought mine new in 2001 and it seems like it will run all week on a tank of fuel.
The 35 might be off a bit. Might risk it anyhow.

I think they only hold 4 gallons of fuel and I rototilled 3 1/4 nasty acres with only a couple gallons. It almost doesn't seem possible how efficient Kubotas are with fuel, especially that model.

 

[Keadog]

The Kubota dealer just told me that Kubota only pro-rates their (Interstate sourced) batteries for 24 months (even though it says 60 on the battery, he wouldn't agree) AND they don't have one in stock. Hmmmm.
Just ordered an Optima Red Top 35.
Looks like it should fit without too many mods.