Kubota L4850 worth $10,000 ???

WannabeChickenFarmer · Feb 28, 2008

A local dealer is trying to sell me a Kubota L4850 4 wheel drive. It has 1350 hours on it, has been repainted because someone stored it outside and dose not have any hydraulics on it. I drove the tractor and the motor seems to be a little loud but it runs good. Is it worth $10,000?? Dose anyone know what it costs to put hydraulics on it.

slowzuki · Feb 28, 2008

Its worth whatever someone will pay for it. I'd check online listings of what other 4850's are selling for. Hydraulic outlets are probably 800$ for a pair depending who adds them.

The 50 series were a well respected model and some consider the strongest compacts that Kubota made. The hours are bad, I've seen some with around 5000 hours on them from landscaping contractors or golf courses.

Bigk56 · Feb 28, 2008

I have an L4350 and I have to say it is the best tractor I've ever owned. It cranks easy and is extremely strong. The four wheel drive is a great addition and makes the tractor seem like it has 10 more horsepower. The price seems a little high but I don't know where you are located. As I'm sure you know anytime you buy from a dealer the price is going to be a little higher than from a private individual. I'm going to send you a pm with some more info.
Ken

WannabeChickenFarmer · Feb 28, 2008

Thanks a lot for the info. I am from Ohio and it is hard to find a 4wd tractor that is not all beat up for less than $10,000. I always had John Deere and the more I look at Kubota the more I like them. Are there any models to stay away from or any to look for?? I am looking for one between 40 and 55 hp. Sorry for so many questions I don't know to much about Kubota but I would like to own one! Thanks for your help

rbargeron · Feb 28, 2008

The L4850 is a very good model - it is designed to be heavy and very rugged. The 5-cylinder F2803 engine can be on the loud side (should not rap) but is silky smooth.

A new paint job can be a mixed blessing. It appears the chassis was repainted too - which it really shouldn't need - even after 15 years out in the sun, unless maybe it's a survivor of something hotter than that.

The absence of the usual external hydraulic tubing makes it tough to know what condition the pumps and 3-point ram are in. It looks like it may have had a loader once - the front steering protector loop is missing. The new paint makes it hard to know whether a loader frame was ever attached. The picture doesn't appear to show a hydraulic shuttle lever - so maybe it's a 2-stage dry clutch model ? If so the travel clutch condition should be checked. At the least, have the dealer hook up the biggest heaviest 3-point attachment he has and see how readily the hitch arms lift it.

I'm usually one of this site's biggest cheerleaders for this series of L3 Kubotas. I've owned 2 and I am convinced they are as good a product as Kubota has ever made. It is possible this one is a great tractor - but it has just enough warning signs that I'd be real careful. It could also be a distressed machine parading around in new paint, trying to deflect attention away from more serious things.

Maybe if there were more pics to look at I'd be less concerned. For instance, where are the rear flashers? Not such a big deal but their absence is a clue that somebody might be playing fast and loose?

WannabeChickenFarmer · Feb 29, 2008

I went out to the dealer last night and started it up. Lots of white and blue smoke.I put my hand in front of the exhaust and it was spitting oil. Thanks for your warnings. I almost ended up with a lemon. I am now looking at buying a new M5040. Thanks again