This tractor was purchased new in 2003, so this will be a 20 year review. The tractor is a 31 horse engine with 24hp given at the PTO. A loader was not purchased as the backhoe is around. Somewhat a regret there, but not a big one. The transmission is Hydrostatic with High, Medium and Low speeds. Topped out on flat pavement it will manage 16mph on a good day without ringing it's neck too badly. I want to note a difference with the trans. This tractor is a Grand L (top shelf), that means it gets a better trans and better steering (rams vs box), digital dash stuff, a flat pass through in operator's station, etc. About the trans...it is VERY quiet with almost no whine at all most of the time. A buddy had purchased a Kubota some years later with Hydro and I thought something was wrong with it the difference is so stark. Quiet transmission. Another perk of getting the L series is the 3pt adjustment. Rather than turn buckles, you get swinging lower links with pin detents. This makes implement changes and adjusting draft super easy. These tractors use two short hydraulic cylinders for raising the 3pt rather than internal lift, which I like very much as well. This little tractor runs out of weight or traction well before it will run short on power. I think I have managed to stall it once in 20 years. It does have a suspension seat on it, though not as nice as their current offerings. Overall the operator's station is comfy and laid out well. I stand 6'+ and do not feel cramped at all. Visual fuel filter check (clear bowl) and oil check without lifting the hood. Hydro dipstick located behind seat. Total of 4 filters on the tractor. The main purpose of the tractor was to be propery/trails maintenance and bushogging. Of course it would also be used to pull logs. I run a 5' rotary cutter and it hadles it well. Luckily there was a free brushguard promo at time of purchase giving me a place to hang some weights that I figured out it needed pretty quickly when chained to a big oak log. Later, I made a scabbard out of a walmart cutting board and some stainless fasteners and it's worked out great hanging off the brushguard. I have not done any other modifications outside of a quick hitch, which I think I wasted money on. lol. 20 years of repairs. The repair list is as follows during this tractor's 1450+ hours and 20 years. Ignition switch. - It got wonky, I think from my wad of keys dangling from it for 15 years? 3 pt lift valve. - It would bounce when in full lift position. Tried adjusting. Consulted Kubota mechs and they said a rebuild usually didn't last, so I went with a whole new valve. ...that's it. No other repairs needed unless a flat tire counts? I kid you not...this tractor has it's original battery and I just started it unassisted two weeks ago. YES...a battery that lasted 20 years under a canopy in Ohio. Japanese made...tried to get one for my truck unsucessfully. What would I change about this particular tractor? That's a big hmmmmmmm. I guess...top link connection at tractor side could be less cluttered? haha There's not a lot to dislike honestly. This is not me trying to justify my purchase. This is me telling you that I have been soundly satisfied with my purchase. An actual complaint would be that full service intervals are expensive. The hydraulic system holds 12 gallons. I will only use Kubota fluid in it...you get the idea. Every 400 hours. Full servicing takes about 2 hours time once you've done it. Much of that time is spent trying to get 12 gallons into a 3/4" hole that is chest high. High pressure filters can be a sticker shock the first time you buy one also. Otherwise....I love this thing.
