Kubota L35 buying help, what to look for, alternatives

[hurleyinnh]

Hi all,

I've been poking around with the idea of a tractor for a couple of years and I think it is time. After looking I am pretty set on Kubota L35, backhoe attaches to the frame, but still has 3 point, 4x4, dependable like a Toyota?, rugged from what I have read and is about as small as you can get for a "real" machine perhaps. I live in NH on 16 acres, so can move snow around with it, have a small saw mill and would be great for moving logs around, I want to run a road out to the back of my property and make some trails, 300' gravel driveway to maintain, small stumps and landscaping, hauling my fire wood that I cut and split, taking the dog for a ride : )

On the Kubota L35 what would I want to look for if buying? What to check for?

Do they have common issues?

I was an auto mechanic for years and some experience with hydraulics, will this be something that I can maintain? How are they to maintain and are repair docs readily available?

What would be an alternative in the 18 to 20 k range? The L35's I've been looking at in this range have about 1200 - 1500 hrs

Thank you for the help ... Jim

 

[rmk700]

My little L35 has been a great tough tractor. Had it about four years now and had to replace a couple of hydraulic hoses. Also had a problem with the backhoe attachment release levers. They rusted up and really need grease fittings added. Once I got them free I now take them apart and put grease on them every now and again and they've been fine now. Other than typical maintenance, that's all I've had to do to it so far.

Make sure you have ALL the 3 point hookups parts that come with it. Always seems like people neglect to keep the front axle fluids up in them so be sure to check all fluid levels.

I'm sure areas are different pricing but mine is 1998 L35 with 400 hrs at purchase and offered the guy 16K and he accepted.

If you scroll down from this page you will see, 'similar L35 threads' that should have additional info for you as well.