New to Kubota- questions

tiger9297 · Apr 24, 2009

Hello, I have been using the old IH Cub Cadet garden tractors to work my garden and do various other projects around my little place. However, I really need something a little bigger and was interested in a used Kubota. I have heard great things about their reliability. However, I have also heard that some Kubotas (maybe the older models) are sort of "odd" or "off brand", and can be hard to find parts for. How do I know which Kubotas to stay away from?
Thanks for the help.

dodge man · Apr 25, 2009

If you have a specific model in mind, ask on here. I can't imagine that many Kubotas would be hard to find parts for, unless they were older or grey market tractors. Grey market tractors are designed for overseas sales, then at a latter date sold in the U.S.

If you need something a little bigger than a regular lawn mower, take a look at a used BX series Kubota, that sounds like the perfect size for you.

MarkV · Apr 25, 2009

Tiger you can look on the Kubota web site, under products, and they list Grey market tractor models that are not supported here in the states.

MarkV

shrekbelly · Apr 25, 2009

regarding old garden tractors like a I/H cub cadet, i own a 1972 model 149 and a 1993? wheelhorse 418-8. they are profienct machines of their times-however my bx will walk,work circles around them, admittedly-the little kubota could pull those tractors backwards while they're yelling, screaming or even crying . . .
the dealers that i spoke to, educated me to upgrade past their garden tractor series (G2160) and into the bx series. am glad i did.
it all depends on the part of the country your in and what exactly you expect the tractor to do . . . yadda, yadda, yadda
shrekbelly

LBrown59 · Apr 25, 2009

shrekbelly said:
regarding old garden tractors like a I/H cub cadet, i own a 1972 model 149 and a 1993? wheelhorse 418-8. they are profienct machines of their times-however my bx will walk,work circles around them, admittedly-the little kubota could pull those tractors backwards while they're yelling, screaming or even crying . . .
the dealers that i spoke to, educated me to upgrade past their garden tractor series (G2160) and into the bx series. am glad i did.
it all depends on the part of the country your in and what exactly you expect the tractor to do . . . yadda, yadda, yadda
shrekbelly

Same deal with the JD x700 garden tractors and the JD 2305.
A subcompact is almost always more value for the money than a garden tractor.

CDavenport · Apr 26, 2009

I've got an older model kubota, though I am not sure of its age,I think it was manufactured till the mid 1980's, I bought it used and they had let it set outside for a few years, but the little fellow has sure been a good one since I've had it.

Ductape · Apr 26, 2009

The only Kubota I might steer you away from would be the B6000, as it has a reverse turning PTO that takes proprietary implements. There used to be PTO reversers made for them, but they are near impossible to find nowadays.

BrierPatch · Apr 27, 2009

Tiger,

I have used Cub Cadets ever since I was a kid. I have my grandfathers IH cub 123. He primarily used it for tilling grandma's garden. I love these tractors, however I have always been a little dissapointed in how well my 1450 mowed. When I got my Kubota B7200 ('86 model 17hp hst) it was alot bigger than my 1450 and it mowed unbelievably great compared to it. After mowing with it a few times it felt very comfortable and I am not so sure if it wasn't more maneverable than my old cub. The Kubota had a very tight turnning radius. It is amazing how much power and work it could do. I now pretty much feel the same way about Kubotas that I feel about the old IH cubs. They are great sturdy long lasting tough tractors. I always considered myself an IH Cub guy, but now I consider myself a Kubota guy. Although I will always be partial to IH cubs.

If you are looking to go just a little bigger in an older kubota I would probably recommend a B7100. They are a time tested and proven tractor. If you are looking for a little newer go for a BX. The couple of times I needed parts for my B7200 my dealer actually had most of the parts in stock. I recommend looking at several models and get an idea for size. The guy I sold my B7200 to said he was surprised at how much more power the B7200 had compared to his old JD650. Only 1 hp difference but the kubota (17hp) has a 3cyl diesel vs. the JD (16hp) 2cyl.

Look around, ask around, and be patient and you can find a great used tractor. I ended up selling my B7200 for $3700 and I know the guy got a great tractor.

Good Luck and let us know if we can help, that's what we like to do on this forum.