New (to me) Kubota purchase advice

[jhendric]

Folks, I am a long time lurker but I believe this is my first post on TBN. Thanks in advance for your advice. I am considering purchasing a 2002 Kubota L4310. The tractor has 560 hours on it. I've read a ton of articles here on used tractor buying and I've also watched a ton of youtube videos on the topic. This being said I have 2 questions. 1) is there anythign specific to this vintage or model that I should be aware of and 2) what, if any, work would you have done if you were buying it? I was thinking I may bring it to the dealer for the 600 hour service and have him check the hoses etc then too. Thoughts?

 

[Thomas]

:welcome: to TBN.
Have you seen heard tractor run,also can you take so call test spin?

 

[nybirdman]

That should be a good tractor;bringing to the dealer for service/check out would be a good idea.Low hours for the year.

 

[jhendric]

:welcome: to TBN.
Have you seen heard tractor run,also can you take so call test spin?

Not yet, I gave the seller a small deposit to hold it for me, I'm planning to put it through it's paces on Thursday. My questions are more related to any 17 year old tractor and then to the L4310 specifically....in other words if you were buying a 17 year old tractor would you replace the belts and hoses if they at all look to be old but show no signs of imminet failure?...and...specifics to watch out for on the L4310...

 

[SDT]

Not yet, I gave the seller a small deposit to hold it for me, I'm planning to put it through it's paces on Thursday. My questions are more related to any 17 year old tractor and then to the L4310 specifically....in other words if you were buying a 17 year old tractor would you replace the belts and hoses if they at all look to be old but show no signs of imminet failure?...and...specifics to watch out for on the L4310...

Any chance of getting service records?

If I bought it, I would change all fluids and filters (probably not air filter) unless reliable service records indicated that such was not necessary.

I would not change hoses, belts, etc., unless indicated. FWIW: My 1993 B1750 still has the original fan belt and all original hoses.

SDT

 

[TripleR]

Pretty much what everyone else said, if you can, have someone with experience give it the once over. If you go by Kubota manuals, youll go broke replacing belts, hoses etc. that don't need it; replace "as needed". Seventeen years is not old for a tractor.

A reputable dealer will steer you right, so seek advice when you take it in. Once serviced you should be able to service it yourself.

 

[Piston]

I have the identical tractor with 3 more PTO hp (L4610). They only made this model for 2 years.

I have done an incredible amount of work with mine, and have not really treated it too nicely, I work it very hard, but smart at the same time. I have owned it 7-8 years now maybe have about 1300 hours on it.

I’ve changed the hydraulic fluid/filters, engine oil/filters, and fuel filter/air filters as recommended in the manual.

I have not had a single mechanical failure with it.
Electrically, I need to replace my glow plug relay. That is the only thing that has failed.

If you have specific questions feel free to ask, but there is t anything bad I can say about this tractor.

If you look up the “grappling fun” thread (I think there is a link in my sig) you will see a fair amount of pics of things I’ve done.

I’ve also added four rear remotes as well as a third function front remote.
(Very detailed process in my sig as well if you wanted to do the same)

Personally, a lot of the jobs I do are much better suited to a commercial duty dedicated TLB, but this little guy just keeps on getting it done!

And, keep in mind that the loader on this tractor has the identical specs as any of the larger Grand L’s as well as MX5200 etc.

 

[skipperbrown]

I would simply change all the filters and fluids unless the seller can provide evidence that they meet the scheduled service times.

 

[jhendric]

Great advice, thanks guys! One more question, Generally speaking will a Kubota dealer be receptive to servicing a tractor they didn't sell?

Piston, I may take you up on that after I get to know the tractor and have better questions.

 

[TripleR]

If they are a good dealer they will welcome a new customer. Have to think long term. I bought my first Kubota elsewhere when I need some work and have bought four more from the "new" dealer.