L345W in Texas

[BillG_in_TX]

Bird,

Thanks for the recommendation. I was in Waco a few weeks back and went to Tipton with my brother. He lives in Waco and checks out all the tractor stores regularly. He likes Kubota, but finally bought a new John Deere last year after owning a used Ford, used Kubota, used IH, and another used Ford. He says he's a slow learner, but finally got it right.

 

[Bird]

OK, Bill, then you're familiar with the territory./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif I was in the shops of all 3 of the major brand dealers' places the last two Fridays. I guess your brother bought his from Brazos Valley Equipment? Whew, their shop is always FULL of tractors in for repairs. Of course, that may simply be because they're the biggest dealer and sell more tractors than anyone in the area./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[rbargeron]

Bill: If you are not sure you need a loader, it might make sense to wait and get it later. Meanwhile you can keep your eyes open for a "great deal". They always favor someone who isn't in a rush. Besides, big brothers should always be listened to. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

The front axle is heavier than a regular 2wd - and maybe the rear rubber is the rest of the weight difference - normal rear rubber is 12.6/28 and those look like 14.9/24 ? Also, the standard width tractor may not have the power steering booster cylinder.

With a 2wd tractor a box blade may do enough earth work. I seem to need my FEL all the time but that's probably because I have it. Is the loader they quoted a detachable type? Did they say whether it uses internal or external hydraulics? If external, is the pump up front (good) or on the rear pto (bad).

The rops price of $325 is fine - if it includes freight and installation. When I got mine, Kubota was on a safety campaign with near give-away prices on them. Wouldn't hurt to ask about it. ( I keep getting rops letters from Kubota for that tractor - they definitely still care)

2-wheel-drive tractors don't bring much in New England - I thought your idea of $5k would have been fair. - good luck...

 

[BillG_in_TX]

Dick,

I especially listen to him since I'll be borrowing his attachments while I accumulate my own. The ROPS price was installed. Here's what BushHog says about that loader:

BUSH HOG® 2246QT Front End Loader
• Rated for use on 15-35 PTO HP tractors
• Mounts on both 2 and 4-wheel drive tractors
• Maximum lift height: 97 inches
• Maximum lift capacity: 1150 lbs.
• 48, 60 and 72-inch wide buckets available

SPECIFICATIONS / based on 1997 ASAE standards
Model 2246QT
Max. Lift Height Measured at Pivot Pin 97 inches
Max. Lift Height Under Level Bucket 90 inches
Max. Dump Angle 50°
Digging Depth 4 inches
Lift Capacity to Max. Height at Pivot Pin 1150 lbs.
Lift Capacity to Max. Height 31.5" Forward of Pivot Pin 875 lbs.*
Lift Capacity to 59" Height at Pivot Pin 1365 lbs.
Lift Capacity to 59" Height 31.5" Forward of Pivot Pin 1085 lbs.*
Breakout Force at Pivot Pin 1995 lbs.
Breakout Force 31.5" Forward of Pivot Pin 1525 lbs.*
Rollback Force at Max. Height 31.5" Forward of Pivot Pin 2040 lbs.*
Rollback Force at 59" Height 31.5" Forward of Pivot Pin 2410 lbs.*
Rollback Force at Ground Level 31.5" Forward of Pivot Pin 1820 lbs.*
Hydraulics Two 1.77-in. bore, 19.25-in. stroke double acting bucket cylinders and two 1.77-in. bore, 19.25-in. stroke double acting lift cylinders
Options include: forklift attachment, bucket level indicator, extra rear weights, grill guard, hyd. adapter kit, power beyond kit

(sorry if that's too much detail for this thread.)

There's not much need for 4wd on this property - not much chance of getting stuck unless I get caught in a flash flood (see picture). Again, I'm relying on bubba's experience in that area. It will always be worth an "I told you so" if we decide later that 4wd and a FEL would have been a better idea. What the heck, it'll be an excuse to go shopping again.

Any thoughts on the shop manuals?

Bill

 

[Bird]

Bill, do you need 4WD and a FEL? Well, maybe not./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif I have one real farmer neighbor who has 3 tractors (all with FEL), but no 4WD. These are all in the 100-125hp range with air-conditioned cabs. But he told me he'll never buy another new one without 4WD. I have another rancher neighbor with 5 old tractors; no 4WD; says he doesn't need it. Of course, he's told me about having to hire a guy with a 4WD tractor (for $100) to pull him out of the mud once, and I don't know how many times he's had to use one of the tractors to pull another out when it got stuck. And none of them had a FEL, except the last one he bought about a year ago, and he's told me he just doesn't know how he got along without a FEL so long./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif I think it's a safe bet that he'll never buy another tractor without a FEL. And for me personally, the only way I'd consider a tractor without both 4WD and a FEL would be if I had more than one tractor and needed one just for one specific use.

 

[rbargeron]

I found that having the illustrated parts manual was all I needed for the L345. I also bouht an Intertec shop manual but it wasn't especially useful.

The loader specs sound fine but you'll want to pin the dealer down on exactly how complete it's hydraulics will be for the quoted price. (didn't notice any mention of pump or reservoir or valve type as standard equipment.)

You can do a lot with 2wd and just rear implements. And you can do even more with 4wd and FEL. The L345W will probably be worth about this same money for the next several years so you're not taking much of a risk. If, after you use it for a while, you want something else - go get something else ! That's where some of the fun is. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[billboe]

Hi Bill,

The price seems to be a bit on the high end (at least according to this website <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.machinerylink.com/resources/uevg/>http://www.machinerylink.com/resources/uevg/</A>; see below)... Personally, depending how hilly your property is, I wouldn't touch a 2wd (perhaps even if it was perfectly flat!)... Also, it sure seems like you should be able to find a 4wd tractor with loader for $10K or so!?!? Patience is key! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Either way you go, good luck and have fun!!


Value Estimation Sheet
Type: Tractor
Manuf: Kubota
Model: L345 W
Year: 1985
Make: Kubota

Engine Information
No. Cylinders: 4
Displ. Cu. In.: 91
No. Speeds: 8F-2R
H.P.: 29.35
Approx Shipping Weight (lbs): 2530
Cab: No

Estimated Average Value Less Repairs
Premium $6,108
Good $5,503
Fair $4,891

Approx. Retail Price New:
$10,190


Oh, BTW, when I was looking (less than a year ago), I came across a L345 TLB with only 400 hours... If I remember correctly, I could have got it for around $8K, but, I passed because of the 2wd... Just another data point...

 

[BillG_in_TX]

Well guys, I'm buying the 345. I'm sure that patience is a necessary virtue for a tractor owner, but only for those that already have one. I'm going to pick it up this afternoon and take it down to Marble Falls tomorrow. I'll post one last message on this thread next week after I get back.

Thanks for all your information and advice.

Bill

 

[BillG_in_TX]

I loaded the 345 in the back of a U-Haul truck and drove down to Marble Falls on Thursday. We put it on a trailer and took it to our acreage on Friday morning and worked it hard Friday and Saturday. Chainsawed mountain cedar (and a few oaks) for a new road we're putting in. Then dragged trees with a chain, pushed 'em into piles for burning with the 6' grader blade my brother brought down, and smoothed the road some with the blade. Got a carry-all at TSC and carried about 500 lbs of oak logs to the trailer.

My father, brother, son, father-in-law, nephew and various womenfolk came over for a picnic on Saturday, and all were properly complimentary on the "new" tractor. I think it's going to do fine. That's my son in the picture, taking his turn (I made him give me an apple first).

Thanks again for your advice and information. The tractor is in a shed at my in-laws, I have ordered a service manual, and have a line on a good Kubota mechanic - Steve Felps in Tow, Texas. Until such time that I'm in the market for an upgrade, I'll see ya'll in the Owning/Operating forum.

Bill

 

[Bird]

Good looking machine, Bill, and it looks like that young man's happy to be on it./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif