Exploded view diagram of a crankcase from a Kubota L3600.

Tools, Knowledge and Part Numbers
As a proud and perhaps frugal Kubota equipment owner, you have decided to take some of the servicing, repair and maintenance of your orange equipment onto your own shoulders. The right tools, some like minded friends and correct part numbers go along way. The tools you can beg, borrow or steal. The advice – that too is freely available if you pop into our forums and ask around. The tricky bit is figuring out those part numbers.

Part numbers for consumables like filters, fluids or clutches are easy to discover but what if you need to rebuild the entire steering box? What if you are not exactly sure what the broken pieces in your hand are but you know you need a new one? This is where a good parts manual comes in.

More Than Part Numbers
Parts manuals are actually not only just for sourcing part numbers. We use them to help diagnose and plan our dis-assembly and reassembly because they feature exploded-view diagrams, essentially giving us “x-ray vision”. They provide peace of mind knowing that the part we have in our hand is the same one on the diagram. We waste less time returning incorrectly ordered parts and save money by not paying restocking fees. Anyone serious about maintaining or servicing their Kubota equipment has a parts manual at hand.

Where to Find a Parts Manual?
Up until now you could either purchase a printed parts manual from your local dealership or try to find a . The trouble with both of these approaches is:

1. you have to wait for your manual to arrive so you might be blocked for a few days or weeks
2. they are not automatically updated with superseded part numbers and
3. you have to pay for them

Kubota’s Online Parts Catalog
For a little while now Kubota has made available on their website a comprehensive illustrated parts list (US) (or click here for the Canadian version). This is essentially an online portal view into Kubota’s EPC (electronic parts catalog) which dealers also use for their parts lookup requirements. The catalog is easy to use, covers models as far back as the Nixon Administration and is free. Gray market models are excluded but that is business as usual for Kubota in North America.

Searching for L3600 returns results for models with and without ROPS and GST (glide shift) transmissions.

Other Handy Features
One feature we like is the ability to see related parts manuals for any given model. Simply click the “Local Options” link to the right of your model in the search results. When we tried this for an L3600DT we see manuals for the optional grill guard, mid-mount mower and rear mount mower to name a few. This is helpful feature because it lists the model numbers of those optional pieces of equipment as well.

Related and optional equipment for an L3600DT.

Another nice feature is the ability to 1-click PDF any of the pages you see online. Print off just the sections you need and bring them over to the workbench. No need to worry about getting dirty fingerprints on them.

It’s About Time…
Although we are very impressed that Kubota is now offering an online parts catalog, something of this nature was long overdue. John Deere has hosted its own online parts catalog for many years now and we had always wondered when Kubota would also begin to leave printed material behind. Keep this up!

Mr. K

After this article was written, Will from Avenue Machinery in Abbotsford BC Canada contacted me. He was reminding me that Kubota Canada and Kubota USA are two different organizations and as such sometimes the parts between the two are different. If you live in Canada you should be referring to Kubota Canada’s online parts catalog instead. Thanks for keeping us honest Will!

Related Articles
Kubota Parts, Service and Operator’s Manuals – Get Them
Kubota Online Illustrated Parts Catalog (US)
Kubota Online Illustrated Parts Catalog (Canada)

Kubota's new L3800, 4WD HST, R4 industrial tires, LA524 loader and foldable ROPS.

The new L3800, which was officially announced December of 2010 along side its brother model the L3200, is Kubota’s attempt at introducing some premium features to the standard L-Series lineup. Features like an upgraded electronic dash panel, cruise control, power steering, suspension seat, a refresh of operator controls, larger fuel tank as well as body and hood panel styling more consistent with the Grand L40 Series.

Deen Implement a Kubota dealer based in Forney Texas has posted a very comprehensive video highlighting some of the L3800s newest features.

OrangeTractorTalks recently had a chance to interview the owner of a new L3800. Skip to the interview or continue reading for an overview of the L3200 and L3800.

Model Lineup
Up until now, the standard L Series models consisted of the L2800, L3400 and L4400, all of which represent very good value for the money in a fairly simple and straightforward package – ie. no air conditioning, radios or massaging seats. Owners of these “standard” L Series models, that are comfortable with the horsepower requirements offered in the range, are getting all of what they want and not paying for luxuries that Kubota does make available in its Grand L40 offerings.

Horsepower Comparison
Horsepower for the lineup ranges from 30 hp for the L2800 through 45 hp for the L4400. The L3200 and L3800 are rated at 32 hp and 37 hp respectively so these models occupy the middle of the horsepower range offered by the lineup. Power for the L3800 is supplied by a 1.8L, high efficiently, low emission 3 cylinder water cooled diesel engine.

Stepping up in power from the L3800 means considering the larger L4400 or the L3940 Grand L40. TractorByNet has an interesting discussion concerning L3800 vs. L3940 that is worth reading for anyone considering adding an L3800 to their garage.

Transmissions
As with the other standard L Series models, the L3800 is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations with an 8 forward, 4 reverse gear transmission standard and 3 range HST optional. HST models are available in 4WD only.

A quick word about the HST – if you have never driven an HST Kubota before, be sure to try on the lot it before ruling it out. Kubota’s HSTs are best of their kind and really help to reduce operator fatigue. Yes there is additional cost (in terms of both money and horsepower rating) but we feel this option is worth taking. A HST equipped 4WD Kubota with a set of R4 industrial tires is our favorite combination.

Implements and Attachments
Kubota introduces a new 60″ LA524 loader specifically for the L3200 and L3800 which comes with a front grille guard standard – handy for when you would rather not have that boulder in the loader roll back and smash your radiator and headlights out. If you find yourself changing the bucket to a set of forks, or vice-versa, toolless quick detach buckets are an available option.

Loader lift capacity is rated at 855lbs at a maximum height of 94″ – plenty for most landscaping or small farming jobs. Refer to the complete L3200/L3800 spec sheet for fine details.

Kubota LA524 loader.

Other available attachments include:

• the BH77 quick attach/detach backhoe with optional 6 position mechanical thumb
• 40″, 50″ or 60″ rotary tillers with integral slip clutch so if the tiller hits something solid your equipment does not suffer damage
• rear 3-point, 2 stage, snowblower with 64″ or 72″ widths

Interviewing a New L3800 Owner
Service Department Vic recently had the opportunity to interview Ed who recently purchased a new L3800 for use on his land just outside of Calgary Alberta, Canada.

Vic: Tell us a little about yourself, about your acreage property, its size and terrain.

Ed: We have 15 acres of rolling pasture with several tree groves close to Spruce Meadows, just south of Calgary Alberta. The acreage is set up to support our private use of horses, has one dwelling and several small outbuildings. We have horses, so most of the tractor duties support them, such as raking the field, moving manure around and chores like that. The acreage also supports a private 18 hole “disc golf” course which requires a fair amount of tractor related grooming and grounds maintenance.

Ed, our interviewee.

Vic: Is this Kubota L3800 your first acreage tractor? If no, tell us a little about the tractor this new one replaces?

Ed: No, this is my third tractor. The first one was a 20 hp gas John Deere 400 – basically a large garden tractor with hydraulic blade and a 3 point hitch. We found that unit hard to get traction and very hard on gas. When we really needed a tractor with a front loader, I expanded the search to include other brands such as Kubota.

I found a good condition L1802DT at Acreage Outfitters and had Vic install a new Allied #95 front end loader on it for me. This was a huge upgrade over the JD and serviced us well for the last six years. I found, however that the hydraulic support on the L1802 to be too limiting for our needs.

Vic: How is this tractor different from your previous model?

Ed: This tractor is significantly different. The most notable difference is the amount of available horsepower – quite a upgrade over the older L Series. Hydraulic lift capacity and a significantly beefier loader support system are also vastly superior on my new L3800. The HST transmission is a welcome upgrade over the traditional gear drive system on the L1802 and I’ve found it extremely easy to use.

The L3800 body is about 10 inches longer than my old Kubota which I found to be a little narrow and a bit “tippy” on some of the steep hills we have. The R4 industrial tires should be a little easier on my lawn. The 23 degree AG grips on my older Kubota had great traction but ripped up the ground pretty good.

Found out the same day after taking delivery that the new L3800 will not fit into my existing tractor shed – just a wee bit too tall, but this gives me an excuse to build a new one! Basically, my new L3800 is bigger, stronger, and easier to use – those are the main differences.

Ed's older L1802 sitting next to the new L3800.

Vic: How much comparison shopping did you do before settling on the L3800?

Ed: I did not consider buying any other brand. If I was going to get a new tractor, it was going to be a Kubota!

My main comparison took place within the Kubota line-up itself – comparing the different B and L Series models. When it came down to it the few reasons I was upgrading in the first place really pointed me to the L Series – better loader support, more mass and stability.

I started out looking for an L2800 but discovered it was no longer available so I started pricing out an L3200. I contacted Vic at Acreage Outfitters to undertake the resale of my old Kubota and once he found out I was buying a new Kubota made a couple of calls and quarter backed a deal on a brand new L3800 at a price comparable to what I had been given on an L3200. Making the decision to go for the model with more ponies and less money was a no brainer.

In reality, I did not do a lot of product shopping, I kind of knew what I wanted and went out to find it. In the end, price and availability won me over.

Vic: What implements do you own now that will be used on this tractor and what if any do you plan on acquiring?

Ed: This new L3800 is fitted with the LA524 loader (which is great). I purchased a new 7′ rear blade from Acreage Outfitters for snow removal, manure cleanup, and general scraping. I also have a 60″ Buhler Farm King box scraper for landscaping work and a 72″ rear finish mower. We have a heavy chain rake for scraping the field and I’m considering purchasing a rototiller and possibly a post auger in the next little while.

Vic: What type of work or projects on your property will this new Kubota typically be used for?

Ed: Scraping the field, moving dirt, piling material dealing with manure. Landscaping chores using the box scraper and bucket – typical work anyone would do when contouring terrain. This will also be used to pull a utility trailer that I’ll load with firewood, dirt, hay bales, or deadfall from around the property.

The finishing mower will look after the grass by the house and maintain the disc golf course fairways. Snow removal duties include looking after my 200m long driveway, plus post pounding, auguring post holes, maybe pulling out a few stumps.

We do use our tractor heavily for about three weeks non-stop during spring clean-up, so reliability and availability during this time is very important.

Where (some) of the magic happens.

Vic: Where did you purchase your new L3800 and overall how would you rate the purchasing experience, the dealerships, your salesman and the degree to which you were familiarized with the controls and operational aspects of your new Kubota?

Ed: Bought it at Farmway Machinery in High River Alberta and neither the dealership or my salesman had much work to do selling me this Kubota, as I already knew what I wanted.

They gave me a good price with a few unexpected freebies thrown in like a grille guard, the quick release bucket option, and a block heater. I think I got great value for the money through this transaction.

My salesman, Buster, was easy to work with and was very prompt at closing the deal and getting my unit delivered. He went over all the features with me, but as an experienced Kubota user I didn’t need very much instruction. No complaints.

Vic: You could have purchased a new Korean or Chinese tractor of similar horsepower and saved several thousand dollars over the price of the L3800. If the lowest price was not the primary reason for going with the Kubota, what would you say influenced your decision the most? What it the known quality, brand reputation, re-sale value, ability to service yourself?

Ed: Sure, Kubota is not the cheapest tractor buy out there, but initial purchase price is only part of the overall costs. This is certainly going to be the last tractor I’ll ever buy, something I wouldn’t have confidence saying with another vendor. You get what you pay for, enough said.

Vic: Besides being brand new, what are a couple of upgrades or mechanical improvement your L3800 has that your old Kubota did not have? Were these upgrades considered beforehand as “must haves” or “deal breakers” or were they just nice features you discovered after taking delivery?

Ed: The HST transmission is a nice feature over the gear drive stick shift transmission on the L1802. Gear drive does have its benefits from a power and gear range perspective but the HST transmission is far more convenient and easier to use. One of the operators in our family has bad knees, so the HST was pretty much a requirement. I had never operated an HST tractor before and found it surprisingly easy.

I like the foldable ROPS on this L3800, the tractor’s wider foot print and the lower profile R4 industrial tires. The L3800 tips the scales at 600 lbs heftier than the old Kubota so the increase in weight will provide me with increased stability on some of our hilly terrain.

I did spend a fair bit of time ensuring that my new Kubota had a much more substantial lift capacity on the loader and I feel that was met by the L3800. The ability to run post pounder or auger was also something I considered. Oh ya, and a cup holder – the new tractor just had to have one!

Vic: What advice can you offer a new acreage owner who may be considering the purchase of a compact diesel tractor? Any pitfalls or things to be aware of?

Ed: Well for one, I would certainly recommend a new acreage/property owner to include Kubota in your search!

When I bought the L1802 and had the new loader installed on it, that was pretty much the only thing within my price range that I could find that would do the job. If you are going to buy a second hand or even a grey market tractor, make sure you can handle some basic maintenance yourself (changing oil, filters and fluids) or buy from someone that can offer you after sale service, parts and tech help – it’s priceless. Knowing a good diesel tech and performing regular maintenance on your tractor, regardless of it’s make, will reduce the chances of problems a new tractor owner may encounter.

Mr. K

Related Articles
An Overview of Kubota’s Grand L40 Series

What do the letters DT mean after the L1501? Well in this case it is written right alongside - Double Traction - which is Kubota's way of saying this is a 4WD tractor.

Ever wonder what those letters mean at the end of most Kubota model designations? For example, what is the difference between a L175F and a L175DT? What type of agricultural setting might you find a M8540DTNHC in use?

Lettering to identify variants within each line is littered everywhere – Kubota’s brochures, service, parts and operators manuals, online discussions, reviews, auctions, advertisements and so on. Knowing how Kubota identifies variants within a model range is very helpful when it comes time to make buying decisions or afterward, when performing regular service and maintenance.

It is very common to find the variant lettering appended to the main model number right on the hood for older Kubota equipment (1970s-1990s). In recent years Kubota has really toned down how many letters they physically apply to the hood although reference literature and brochures still make use of lettering.

Some Tips
Some general guidelines that hold in most cases:

• C refers to cab model
• CS refers to creep speed
• D or DT refer to four wheel drive
• E or F refer to two wheel drive
• HST refers to hydrostatic transmission
• GST refers to glide shift transmission
• N refers to narrow tread model (think orchards or vineyards)

So our M8540DTNHC from above would be a M Series 8540 four wheel drive, narrow and high clearance tractor. We would likely find this in use on a vineyard (a very big one for that kind of horsepower).

Detailed Lists
What follows are more detailed lists for various model designations that Kubota has usedin the past and currently offers on their new models. This is not a complete list but is a very good start. Jump to a section or scroll down.
B Series
BX Series
L Series
M Series

B Series Model Variants

BX Series Model Variants

L Series Model Variants

M Series Model Variants

Marshall Klinefelter's L5740.

Today we take a look at Kubota’s popular Grand L40 Series lineup and also share with you some snapshots sent in from OrangeTractorTalks readers. We want folks to know that we appreciate not just Kubota’s smaller compact tractors but also their larger offerings as well. In recent years Kubota has put serious effort into expanding their larger horsepower lineup by introducing models such as the MX100 or MX135. The Grand L40s contain no 100+ horsepower monsters but they certainly hold their own.

Series Overview
Introduced in early 2007, the Grand L40 Series is crowned by the L5740. Others in the family include the L3240, L3540, L3940, L4240, L4740, L5040 and L5240 ranging from 32 to 57 horsepower for the L5740.

The next size down from the Grand L40s are the standard L Series models such as the L2800, L3400, L3700 or L4400. These models tend to be simpler to operate, have no cab option, and have fewer fancy features when compared to a Grand L40 – and their pricing reflects that. They are still very capable Kubotas and represent very good tractor value.

If 57 horsepower is not enough for you the next stop is an M Series, most likely an M40 Series where power starts at 52 horsepower and stops just shy of the magic 100 at 95 horsepower for the M9540.

Two “brother” tractors to the Grand L40s are the specialty TLB models, the L39 and the larger L45 which come equipped with a loader and backhoe as standard equipment. These two TLBs share a lot of the features and technology from the Grand L40s that we will get to in a moment.

Engine
All Grand L40s use Kubota’s latest interim Tier IV compliant 4 cylinder diesel engines manufactured in their Tsukuba, Japan engine plant. The Grand L40s powerplants belong to the 03 Engine Series which uses Kubota’s own TVCS (Three Vortex Combustion System) combustion chamber design. TVCS which means lower operating noise, shorter plug preheat times and most importantly, compliance with the United State’s EPA diesel engine emission requirements.

Five engine models cover the eight model lineup with natural aspiration giving way to turbochargers for the L50/52/5740s which share the V2403. Maximum operating spec varies between 2700 and 2800RPM.

Mechanical and PTO
4WD, hydrostatic power steering, halogen lights, rear differential lock, wet disc brakes and parking brake are standard across the line except for the entry level L3240 which comes with 2WD. Mid PTOs are optional if you are interested in running a snow blower or perhaps the 72″ RC72-38 mid-mount mower. A live independent PTO clutch permits individual control over engaging the mid and rear PTOs.

The business end of a L5740.

PTO output ranges from 25 to 50 horsepower – plenty enough to drive most implements around the acreage or tree farm. Telescoping lower link arms are standard equipment and 3-point lift cylinders significantly boost lift capacity of the hitch.

Transmissions
Three transmission choices are available. The standard 8 Forward/8 Reverse FST (fully synchronized transmission), with GST or 3-speed HST transmissions optional on entry/mid level models and standard equipment on the L50/52/5740s. The entire Grand 40 lineup has access to a HST transmission if you so desire.

HST Plus
New for the Grand L40s is what Kubota calls HST Plus. The usual HST pump supplies oil to a new 2-stage (high/low) drive motor which is electronically controlled depending on the operator’s settings, the engine RPM, the HST pedal position and the load sensors. All of these features make using the HST a bit more user friendly in addition to helping overcome some of the most common problems of stalling, jerking or bogging down when an implement “digs in”.

Messick’s has an excellent overview of HST Plus along with videos which is required reading if you are considering adding a Grand L40 to your collection.

The basics features of HST Plus are summarized as:

• HST Response Control – the HST pump is modulated according to 1 of 13 fast/slow settings. The result is smoothing out starts and stops when set to slow or increased responsiveness on HST pedal directional changes when set to fast. Inexperienced or new operators have a tendency to be quick on the HST pedal so a slower setting here helps build confidence.


HST Response Control provides 13 settings of HST pedal response. Slow dampens starts/stops whereas fast increases responsiveness of pedal directional changes.



• Stall Guard – a marketing name for load sensing. Power to the wheels is constantly monitored to prevent or reduce the likelihood of engine stalling or HST bypass when moving over terrain with heavy loads or digging into a pile. These two videos below demonstrate what it looks like to dig into a pile with Stall Guard disabled versus enabled.



• Hydro Dual Speed (H-DS) – the 2 stage drive motor is switched between high/low settings either manually by the operator or automatically by the computer. In manual mode, if the operator knows the engine will become bogged down, they can use a lever on the steering column to switch the drive motor from high to low settings – effectively trading off 40% travel speed for a 60% increase in torque. Automatic mode leaves the switching between high/low (speed vs. torque) up to the electronics – automatic up/down shifts will occur depending on the situation.
• Auto Throttle Advance – links engine and travel speeds, similar to the experience of driving a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. It does this by letting the HST pedal dictate engine speed and the electronics match up the HST pump and 2 stage drive motor.

HST Plus can also be found on Kubota’s L45 and M59 TLBs.

Grand Cab
Grand Cab is Kubota’s trademark for their very well appointed cabs that sit atop all of this heavy machinery. Some of Kubota’s literature describes these glass bubbles as “luxury” enclosures which is hard to disagree with when you hear what they can pack into it:

• wide cloth reclining seat with arm-rests, springs and seat belt
• wide rubber-cushion foot platform
• air conditioning and heater with 7 adjustable vents and 2 zone heating – one zone for the operator’s body and another for his/her feet
• front and rear work lights
• CD/cassette/radio
• cup holder
• 12V power
• various storage pouches
• interior dome light
• front wiper
• front, corner and rear window defoggers
• rear corner windows and rear window that open to allow air to circulate
• tinted glass
• side mirrors
• tilt steering wheel
• computerized information panel (IntelliPanel)

Cab shot from the left-side door.

Sitting in the cab of the L5740 you cannot help but want to touch all of the controls, knobs and begin making various adjustments and tweaks. Unless you go cab-less, the head room is unmatched, and despite the goodies crammed into the cab you never feel crowded. A person could get real comfortable in this cab whilst blading a few feet of snow out of the driveway.

IntelliPanel dashboard with HST Response controls on left.

Pricing
As of September 2010, prices range from $21,000CAD for the entry 2WD L3240 to $43,000+ for the L5740 with the Grand Cab. The cab option itself is a $10,000 touch and once you add on helpful extras like the LA854 front end loader or BH92 backhoe, a fully appointed L5740 would cost well into the $50-55,000+ mark.

One Reader’s Buying Decision
Now that we know approximately what a Grand L40 is and what you get for your money, why not find out more as to what goes into a buying decision for such a model.
OrangeTractorTalks reader Marshall Klinefelter sent us a few night shots of his L5740 at our request and also gave us some insight into his purchasing decision.

The heavy bucket with reinforced corners means Marshall can pop stumps and with a box blade on the back, he can regrade the farm lane with ease.

Marshall uses his equipment to service his 26 acre tree farm and also to clear the lane way for himself and his neighbors during the winter. In addition to the L5740 he also had his eye on the John Deere 4720, a 66 horsepower, 4 cylinder turbocharged diesel with similar hydrostatic transmission features as the Kubota (HST Plus vs. John Deere’s eThrottle and MotionMatch). Understandably he was torn and his friends were all either entirely from the orange or green camps.

Marshall upgraded his L5740 with rear wheel weights, rear lights and quick disconnect front bucket.

From my discussion with Marshall there were three things that clinched the Kubota for him:

1. A recommendation from a fellow respected contractor (who bleeds JD green) that John Deere is king of large equipment but the compact tractor experts are more of the orange variety.
2. Feeling at home with the online information, schematics, and easy parts ordering offered by the biggest Kubota dealership in the United States – Messick’s.
3. HST Plus with stall protection.

Marshall got back to me a few weeks later and added that part of his homework on the JD 4720 was running the tractor and engine serial numbers. The Deere had undergone a complete disassembly and reassembly along with a new hydro unit in only 500 hours of operation. Good call on the Kubota I would say!

Conclusion
The Grand L40 Series are Kubota’s premium L Series offering. Even entry or mid level models like the L3540 or L3940 are well appointed with standard features such as 4WD, differential lock, power steering and a wide seat and operator deck. If you want, the L5740 lets you pop stumps from the comfort of your air conditioned cab. Owners that opt for the HST transmission are receiving one of the most advanced HST solutions offered on the market today for a tractor of that size.

The entire Series is about customization. There are 5 engine choices, 3 transmission choices, 3 loader choices, 2 backhoe choices, multitudes of tire options and then after all of that you can ad a cab on top.

Kubota’s tag line for this Series? Life is Grand. What else is there to say?

Mr. K

Even larger equipment is also stacked – B, L or M series included. The gents in the shipping department skip the wood frames in the case of larger equipment and stick to steel cages that better protect the orange paint. It is a long boat ride across the Pacific!

Here we have a M7040 that is folded up nicely to fit into its enclosure. I’d imagine a dozen or more of these would fit into a standard size shipping container. Better make sure your forklift is in good running order.

Anyone want to guess what is inside every orange box that is included? No really – I forgot to open it up and take a look when I had the chance!

Kubota's new L45 replaces the outgoing L48 which was discontinued last year.

Rumors of the L45’s arrival have been circling since mid 2008 and earlier this month Kubota officially announced their new L45 tractor-loader-backhoe, part of their TLB series that includes the L39 and the new B26 and M59 models. Previous favorites of this lineup included the L35 and L48, discontinued in 2004 and 2008 respectively. The arrival of this model restores the number of L-series TLB models back to its usual two offerings.

HST Transmssion Introduced
The big changes for the L45 are the introduction of an HST transmission and backhoe thumb controls. Unlike the L39’s glide-shift transmission, a hydrostatic transmission means the L45 can creep along – handy when performing repetitive tasks and you do not want to take your hands off the trigger (or thumb stick in this case).

Dual speed control on the HST pedal also mean not taking your hands off the loader or backhoe controls when shifting gears. Kubota also introduces auto throttle advance which kicks up the throttle automatically if climbing a hill with a load or moving into a pile that would otherwise ordinarily stall the engine. Handy.

Outside cover and inside details of the Kubota's L45 brochure. Click image to see inside.

Availability and Pricing
Quotes on pricing for the new model are around $43,000 to $46,000 MSRP depending on having any auxiliary hydraulic kits installed, plus an additional $800-1000 freight and final destination assembly fee. This pricing is a bit above a similarity equipped L48 that Kubota introduced in 2001 for $40,000+. Look for the L45 to show up at your local dealership’s lot this spring or early summer.

Update March 21/2009: Our sources say to look for the L45 to show up at your dealership’s lot within the next couple of weeks (late March early April 2009).

L39 versus L45
The L45 runs on a 4 cylinder, 2.2L power plant and offers a bit more horsepower than its brother model – 45 versus 39 horsepower. Size and weight-wise, the models are comparable with the L45 weighing less than 200lbs more than the L39 and having only a slightly longer wheel base.

L39 versus L45 Specifications

The L45 is equipped with a TL1000A loader which is a modified TL1000 found on the L39 and loader specifications are beefier on the L45. The TL1000A increases maximum lift from 2760 lbs to 2848 lbs, and breakout force from 3560 lbs to 4530 lbs. Both tractors have auto leveling loaders.

Backhoe specs are identical between the two models with both boasting 10″ of maximum digging depth and more than 5800 lbs of digging force on the bucket.

Pictures Wanted
Thinking of buying an L45? Have pictures from your dealer’s lot or trade show? We would love to post up some non-stock photos – mrk@orangetractortalks.com.

An article the gives a quick overview of five engine models in Kubota’s Super Three series of engines. Kubota manufacturers these engines in their Tsukuba Japan facility and they are found on modern equipment.

Super Three Engines – Where They Fit In
Kubota’s Super Three engines are 3 and 4 cylinder engines that have an operating range of 2600-2800 rpm and outputs of 29 to 57 horsepower. They are liquid cooled and for the most part, naturally aspirated (only the V2003 is turbocharged). All Super Three engines have a “03” designation and are found on newer Kubota models as well as third-party equipment that Kubota supplies to (Bobcat, Skylift, track-hoes, etc).

On the lower power end, the “03” series overlaps a bit on the range of high revving Super “05” series but covers the 40+ horsepower range nicely until the larger, beefier, V3300 series takes over. Design of the Series Three engines began in 1990 and their production continues today.

Super Three engines, D1403, D1703, V1903, V2203 and V2003 cover the gap from the Super Five to the heavy-hitting V3300 engine models. Horsepower rating runs along the bottom of this chart.

Low Emissions
Kubota built these engines with low emission technology – the design of the engine lowers the intake temperature and creates a unique air/fuel vortex in the combustion chamber via a concaved recess on the piston head. The result is reduced emissions while still maintaining high output. This low emission engines were built, among other things, to meet the United States EPA’s requirements for lower emissions for agricultural equipment.

A cross-section of the combustion chamber of Kubota's Super Three engine. The fan-shaped concave recess, #7, causes the air/fuel mixture to swirl, #3, in a specific way that yields lower emissions.

This engine series, and the others that Kubota produces that are low emission, is something they are really proud of. Quoted from their industrial engine website:

The ability to produce engines that are capable of clearing all emission regulations is the Division’s driving force in producing advanced, high quality engines of the future.

I’m sure another, unspoken, driving force for the Division is the buckets of cash Kubota reels in from its engine division. They’ve got bills to pay like everyone else.

Engine Specifications
The table below shows layman specifications. For the complete set and for power band graphs, check here.

Kubota Super Three Engines

Related Articles
A Look at Kubota’s Tsukuba Factory

An aerial shot of Kubota's Tsukuba Japan manufacturing plant.

Big Facilities
Kubota has three engine building facilities: Sakai, Sakai Rinkai and Tsukuba plants – named after the cities in which they reside. All are located in Japan on the eastern coast and all are of substantial size. The Sakai plant has been around since before World War II and employs more than 2100 people. The Tsukuba plant, pictured above, covers the largest area at around 83 acres or the same size as 63 American football fields.

These plants in Japan serve as both the facilities for Kubota equipment and engine building. There are research and development centers on site as well as engine emissions testing and compliance labs. Kubota is very keen on meeting and exceeding United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards. In the photo above it even looks like there is testing area for equipment on the green space bottom left – one can definitely see orange equipment dotted about.

State-Side Operations
All told, the three plants in Japan employ more than 3300 people. In addition, Kubota has two more plants state-side in Georgia, Jefferson and Gainesville. These plants are actually only about a 30 minute drive from one another and together employ another 1700. The Gainesville plant supplies one third of all equipment sold in the United States and manufactures the RTV, BX, lawn tractor and Kubota’s zero-turn models. The smaller Jefferson plant opened in February of 2006, employs 500 and primarily manufactures implements – loaders and backhoes – about 70,000 of them a year!

Serious About Engine Building
Kubota has been known to manufacture tractors for other organizations but some folks do not know that Kubota builds and sells engines not just for their own equipment. You can find Kubota engines in Bobcat, Skylift, Ingersol, Cub Cadet and a ton of other skid steers, mini track-hoes, free standing generators, marine applications, light panels and refrigeration units. It is Kubota’s Industrial Engine Division that handles this demand.

Kubota has dealers that are engine-only and do not have tractors or implements on the showroom floor. Northern Power Products is an example of such a dealership.

Tsukuba the City
The city that resides nearby Kubota’s plant, to the east, actually itself has some history. It is the result of a planned city that Japan started back in the 1960s. The Japanese government has bred the area into sort of a scientific hot spot with numerous research labs, two universities and around 240 private research facilities – all of this in a city of only about 200,000 people. About 50% of Japan’s research and development budget goes to the area. The city hosted the 1985 Expo and has its own very high tech transit system. Read more about it at Wikipedia.

Tsukuba Facility
The Tsukuba plant was built in 1975 and employs about 600 and Kubota manufactures its Super Three series of engines at this plant. The rumors you have heard regarding Japan, robots and a quest for efficiency is true – one third of the assembly line is automated. 15 robots perform basic engine assembly: crankcases, crank gear, pistons, connecting rods – all assembled automatically. 16 CNC robots perform the high precision task of machining engine blocks which leads to improved consistency and quality across the line.

A robot installs pistons on Kubota's automated assembly line.

Unfortunately we are not allowed to see inside the facility, but, we are still able to see what it looks like from space! Use Google Maps below to explore the Tsukuba facility from a satellite’s perspective. This will have to do until next time we are in the neighborhood to take pictures in person!

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Not a bad deal

KCC, Kubota Credit Corporation in the United States, announced last week a new 0% financing plan effective until the end of the year (December 31, 2008). Among other things, Kubota extends 0% financing on B, BX, F, G, GR, L, M, RTV, T, ZD and ZG series – pretty much their entire lineup!

0% Down Too!
In addition to offering 0% finance APR you can opt for 0% down as well. Kubota limits 0% down and 0% finance terms to 36, 42 or 54 months depending on the model. 15% down bumps all terms up by 6 months.

Best-Ever Credit Program
Kubota has run 0% financing incentives before, for example, as early as this time last year. For comparison purposes however, the 0% financing offer in 2007 was limited to 12, 24 or 36 months and in most cases required a 25-35% down payment. Anyone looking to get into a new Kubota this fall is in for an absolute sweetheart of a deal…

The Fine Print
…unless you are looking to get into a Kubota excavator. Sorry! The KX series are missing from this offering. Also, if you are a purchaser for the government or a fleet, this deal doesn’t apply to you either.

You can read the credit promo details for yourself at Kubota Credit’s website.

Taking it to your Dealer
For those less mechanically inclined, the dealership might be the better option:

Advantages
• your equipment is serviced by mechanics that are specifically trained
• you don’t have to source and purchase specialty tools you might use once or rarely
• your dealer warranties the repair so the burden of the repair is out of your hands
• lower overhead as you do not have to concern yourself with the details of getting part numbers, sourcing parts, waiting for them to arrive and then attempting a fix that may not be the source of the problem to begin with

but there are much higher time and dollar costs associated with dealer servicing of your equipment:

Disadvantages
• trailering the equipment and getting it to the dealership
• waiting for an inspection and quote
• waiting the work to be completed
• tailering the equipment and getting it back to the job site

Another thing to note is that although it might be more convenient to take your equipment to the dealership, it also makes it hard to shop around for a repair quote as the next nearest dealer might be a few hundred miles away.

Avenue Machinery

Tackling Repairs Yourself
For those that love a challenge or that are more mechanically inclined there’s the do-it-yourself approach. This route may have been more daunting 10 years ago but with the accessibility of the internet what it is today and with help from us folks at OrangeTractorTalks, there is lots of good guides available.

Advantages
• lower cost
• ability to learn how to perform common repairs on your own
• satisfaction of a job well done

There’s trade offs too:

Disadvantages
• more time consuming, especially if you are not sure what parts you need or where the problem is to begin with
• risk of further damaging your equipment
• can be very challenging without the right documentation or repair literature

For the most part, we do push for the average owner with some mechanical inclination to attempt their own repairs. It helps you learn about your equipment and become self sufficient. You’ll still build a relationship with your local dealer when you order parts or tools from them. The exception to this rule might be if you are a landscaper, contractor or use your Kubota in the regular course of business. The time it takes to look up parts, order them, wait and attempt a repair might not make sense. Sure you’ll save money doing the repair yourself but that equipment might be out of service for weeks costing you more – weigh your options carefuly in this case and bite the bullet if needed.

Kubota Parts Manual
Okay, so you’ve decided to tackle the repair yourself. The most important manual you will need, even more than the service manual, is the parts manual. The parts manual will help you identify the part numbers that you will need to place on order with your local dealership. Your dealer will also thank you when you order by part number and not try to explain the situation over the phone or fax. If you order by part number you can be sure of the part you will receive – not hoping and wishing the the parts man understood your situation.

Kubota part numbers are 10 characters and always in the format XXXXX-XXXXX such as 70000-15241 which is an oil filter or 97897-12960 which is a service manual. When you place your order, have your part numbers in a list with a quick description beside each. This will help the parts man line up your order correctly.

Kubota’s parts manuals are in printed format and are typically 200+ pages in length. They contain full, exploded-view diagrams of your entire equipment breakdown. Besides getting part numbers out of them, since they do show exploded-views, they are very helpful during the course of disassembly and reassembly – something that a service manual does not show. Expect to pay $40+ for a new parts manual (more for larger equipment) and as low as $15 for a used parts manual available online.

Kubota Operator’s Manual
We often get inquiries as to what type of information is contained in Kubota’s operator’s manuals and if they are sufficient for performing service work. The answer is: they do contain some troubleshooting tips and hints for common equipment problems but not nearly enough detail to perform serious repairs. Some of the things you would find in an operators manual might be:

• equipment specifications (weight, dimensions, lifting capacities)
• fluid types, levels and capacities
• overview of controls and safety procedures
• overview of recommended maintenance intervals and basic procedures
• wiring diagrams in some cases
• troubleshooting procedures and where to turn for more help (ie. service manual or your dealership)

Kubota’s operator’s manuals are in printed format and typically 40-50 pages in length. Expect to pay around $35 for a new operator’s manual and $20-25 for used.

What a typical Kubota operator's manual looks like

Kubota Service Manual
Kubota’s official name for its service/repair manuals are Workshop Manuals or WSMs. These are the manuals one would use, in conjunction with a parts manual, to perform more serious repairs. They are in printed format, typically provided in a orange plastic Kubota 3-ring binder and are usually not less than 200+ pages in length. Some of them have fold-out schematics and all of them are full of handy photos, diagrams and illustrations. They are exactly what you would expect professional repair literature too look like.

Expect to pay $100+ for a new manual and around $50-75+ for a used one. Interestingly, Kubota actually prices its service manuals fairly reasonably. As these manuals are the same ones used by your local dealership, there is the opportunity to price these manuals very high in an attempt to push more clients toward their dealership for simple repairs. It is known that other equipment manuafacturers price some of their repair literature as high as $700 a manual. Clearly, when faced with this much up-front cost, most owners would feel detered from attempting fixes on their own.

A typical Kubota WSM, this one for the L345

Which Manuals do I Need?
For those long term owners, all of them! To start, we would recommend at the very least a parts manual. During the course of regular maintenance and ownership there will be parts that you discover are worn and need replacement. Having this manual on hand shortens repair time.

The exception to the “parts manual first” rule would be if you do not receive an operator’s manual with your equipment. Get your hands on the operator’s manual in that case and read over how to safety use your equipment and its maximum capacities and limits.

Another thing to keep in mind if you plan on selling your Kubota; a fresh operator’s manual is a great selling feature. That new owner might not know how to safely operate your equipment and having this manual available is something that sets your tractor apart from the others.

If you are planning on long term ownership, equip yourself with all available reference literature now, which it’s still in print. Kubota’s manuals, like those from GM or Ford, are not in print forever. Eventually they stop the presses and when they do, those manuals get harder and harder to get ahold of. Do yourself a favor and buy them!

Mr. K

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