Question about Kubota L285 - looking to sell

[Mercier]

I've recently come into possession of a Kubota L285, and not being familiar with its value, I thought I'd see what you guys thought.

From what I understand, it's got a 30hp 4 cylinder, 8 speed, hi/lo, with 590 hours on the clock.

It hadn't been run in about 5 or 6 years. I was skeptical as to its mechanical condition, however by draining and replacing the fuel and oil and appropriate filters, and purging the fuel system of the remaining old fuel and air...it now starts right up. Idles and drives well. Transmission feels tight. Hydraulics work as well.

Now for the bad: there is quite a bit of rust. The hinge that holds the hood on is all but gone and the hood just now sits loose on top. There is rust on most every panel, but nothing that would seem to interfere with functionality.

Aside from some electrical issues (the headlights / taillights are not hooked up but I will look into this), it seems to be mechanically sound.

It is located in Baton Rouge, La.

Sorry to be so long winded, but I wanted to describe it fully. So, how much do you guys think it is worth, and what do you think my best outlet is to sell it?

I appreciate feedback and comments of any kind. Thanks in advance!

 

[rbargeron]

The older Kubota L series tractors are great machines but they can get looking sad - the paint is not sun/weather-resistant, the sheet metal is not very thick, so even if they run well, they get pretty unattractive. The market cares about a pretty face. A shiny hood can bring more money than a quiet clean-burning engine (go figure). Does this tractor have a loader? If so, a rough-looking 4wd tractor with serviceable rubber might bring $5k? (rank guess) Maybe $3k without a loader? Add $2k if it's shiny?

As alway, prompt cheerful refund if bogus.

 

[RobJ]

You ever decide anything on this one? Mine fell through (sent you a PM). If you have any pics send them to rob_n_houston@yahoo.com.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Mercier]

I apologize for my absence following my initial post, I've been out of town the past few weeks. Here are a few things to clarify:

(1) The tractor shows 639 hours isntead of 590.

(2) There is no loader. A box is currently on it but it has no teeth, and my father feels it is too big for the tractor (though it never stopped him from using it). We also have a scoop and blades for it, though I'm not sure if they are useable anymore. I will look into this.

(3) It is 2wd.

(4) The rubber is in fair condition.

Here you can find pictures taken about a month ago before I got it running:

http://www.geocities.com/lsurebel7/tractor.zip

You may have to copy and paste the URL into your browser window. If all else fails, email me at smerci1@lsu.edu and I will email you the pictures.

I am a bit swamped right now but I will try to reply to my PMs by tonight. Any further questions or comments are appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

[Mercier]

C'mon guys, please take a look at the pictures and give me some more input. I need to know what a fair asking price is. Thanks in advance.

 

[BillG_in_TX]

Mercier,

I think rbargeron gave you some numbers up above, and he is very knowledgable on this series of Kubotas. It sounds like $3k would be about what to expect. It's probably worth more than that to you, though, if you have 4 acres to maintain. Why are you selling it?

 

[Mercier]

Re: Question about Kubota L285 - looking to sell *DELETED*

Post deleted by Golfgar4

 

[RobJ]

Well I tried to contact you while you were out about it but in the mean time found me one and purchased. There is a L245 on North Shepherd here in Houston that is in much cleaner shape, has been running asn has been used, comes with a 2-3 year old 5' Howse mower and a 4' box blade. $3000 gets it. The tractor need some minor things as expected, couple leaking freeze plugs, brakes, etc but the engine sounds pretty good. For a little less I would have gotten it. But on Ebay it toped out at $2200, not always the best indication. The bush hog and box blade is nice but I needed a finish mower, the one I found had a finish mower, 4' bush hog and is a 1999 Kubota, 21 years newer. More money but I felt I was getting more.

Depending on a closer look it could be worth less than $2,000. As said earlier looks do play a big part in the value of a tractor...allbeit an unfair part. JMHO, Rob

 

[Mercier]

Rob,

I apologize for not getting back to you, but I'm glad you're happy with your purchase. I also appreciate your input. After a little further research last night and consulting a neighbor down the road with a couple Kubotas of his own, I've decided to change the price to $1500. I need to sell this soon, and I think it's well worth the money.

 

[RobJ]

It could go quickly at that price. HEck if I didn't have one already I might have drove over to have a look. I forgot to mention that I'm not a tractor expert but have looked at many. Also most of these were local sellers, not dealers. Dealers want arms and legs for these things. Case and point my brother in law just traded in a tractor, the dealer did nothing but stick a price $1000 more than the trade in and put it on the lot. If you put it on ebay I bet it would go quickly, just try and get some better pics, out of the bushes and such.