New Kubota LX series

I saw a video on YouTube and decided to check the Kubota site. Looks like these might be replacing the larger B series. Good chance to distance themselves from the issues with the B3350. Im interested to see the specifications.
https://www.kubotausa.com/products/tractors/compact/lx-series

 

When I was looking at new tractors in 2017, the basic L model offerings from Kubota seemed cheaply made and of much older designs. To get a Kubota tractor that was comparable to what other brands like Mahindra, Kioti, Massey Ferguson, I believe even LS offered you had to step up to a grand L, which are in my first hand experience 8-10 grand more than the other brands, with specs that are worse in many cases. Standard equipment on the other brands like telescoping 3 point arms, floor mats, behind the seat toolboxes, bucket cutting edges, etc, aren't standard on the cheaper Kubota's, despite similar pricepoints. Then when you realize the lift capacity and hydraulic GPM on the basic L's are horrible compared to other brands, it becomes hard to want to buy one when the prices are no cheaper. I'm willing to bet Kubota sells the most of the popular BX tractors, then the grand L's. Too many similarly priced competition for the basic L's to do well. The Kubota name alone isn't enough to sell the under performing basic L's.

JMHO

 

I'm not an expert on Kubota products.

However, I do know a lot of people who own/have owned them. Here are my best guesses as to what will be changed. Some of these I'm pretty sure about, others I'm guessing.

Things I'm pretty confident of:

*Certain trannies are not available on the basic L's. Like the Glide Shift Transmission (GST).
*Basic L's Only have 2 ranges. Often the mid range is the most used for tractors with 3 ranges. I'm pretty sure the LX's have 3 ranges standard. Not even an option on the basic L's that I'm aware of.
*Simple things like floor mats and telescoping arms (3 point) are most likely standard on the LX

Now for guesses:

*I believe factory cabs were not available on the L, I bet they will be on the LX
*I recall hearing mid PTO's were either not an option, or were aftermarket only. I bet LX has them standard

Then there's the "nice to haves" a lot of people want like Cruise Control and Tilt Steering. Not sure if the L's have them, I doubt it. I bet the LX's will.


Those are the things I can come up with.

 

I forgot to mention. I'd assume lift capacity (both loader and 3 point), and hydraulic system capability (gpm) in general (for running hydraulic implements) would be better on the LX's.

 

Nope. Standard L HST has 3 ranges standard only (no 2 range). If you get a gear-drive, it is 4 gears x 2 ranges = 8, forward and reverse.
Cruise control is standard on the Standard L.

Standard L has a raised transmission tunnel between the legs and no rubber floor mats, Grand L is flat w/ rubber mats
Standard L has does not have extendable 3-pt hitch (optional), Grand L does.
Standard L does not have mid-PTO, Grand L does.

Here's some actual facts - TractorData.com Kubota L3901 tractor engine information
Here's a nice video comparing Standard L vs. Grand L for those of us who are visually inclined

It will be very interesting to see what the LX looks like for real, rather than on paper.

 

https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/default-source/brochure-sheets/l2501.pdf

This is copied and pasted from the brochure I linked directly above and is found on page 1.

Select HST Transmission with 4WD or Gear Drive in 2WD or 4WD The transmission delivers smooth operation with 4 main-shift speeds in two ranges (Hi/Lo) for a total of 8 forward and 4 reverse speeds. Choose either 2WD or 4WD to best suit your needs. The optional HST transmission offers simple forward and reverse change and 3-range shifting for optimal operating efficiency. Optional cruise control is also available on HST models.


Out of curiosity did you read the Tractordata page you linked Mike? It says and again a copy and paste.

Four gears (1-4) in two ranges with mechanical shuttle.

The 2 ranges I proved is accurate on my part for at least two of the Standard L models. The L2501 and the L3901. Grand L's have 3 ranges, not the standard/basic L's.

I also highlighted that Cruise Control is an option on HST models. Not standard equipment as you claim.

 

Why yes I did. Apparently not closely enough on the cruise control. Sorry about the confusion on the tranny, too A lot of price-point CUT/SCUT's are offered with 2-range HST's. I totally agree with you that is a very bad idea. 3 ranges is a must for HST. For me, 2 vs. 3 range for gear-drive is not nearly as important. Your opinion may differ. Ultimately, I agree with Neil Messick when emphasizes going out and putting your hands on as many tractors, even rent if possible, to decide what fits your individual needs rather than getting caught up in microanalysing specs, quirks and features on paper or a computer screen.

I also agree with your general thesis that Kubota has been aggressively pruning their L series lately to get price competitive with the others. But, they still are a super well-engineered and very reliable machine with great support short and long term.

 

When I bought my L3560 2 years ago, my salesman said he wished Kubota made better featured smaller tractor-like a L with some upgraded features.
I originally planned on an L, but when I added things to the tractor (cruise control, extendable lift arms, SSQA loader,etc.), the price was so close I paid a couple thousand more and bought the Grand L.

 

Excellent choice my friend! Grand L's are super nice machines.
I actuallymy found my Grand L 3710, used, low-hours (750), pre-Tier IV emissions, immaculately maintained (a.k.a. Unicorn tractor) on our local Kioti dealer's lot (trade-in) while I was checking out all the economy brands available around me. I wound up paying less than a new Standard L, and even less than a similar new Mahindra, Kioti, LS, etc. I've never been disappointed with that decision. I did have to invest a little bit of $$$ later to replace the pin-on bucket with an SSQA, again, money well-spent. Also, Messicks main location is only about 15-20 minutes drive from my house, so I have easy access to a HUGE inventory of parts and great technicians to help guide me with my routine maintenance and minor repairs. I've never had to wait for any parts to be delivered, always in stock.

 

Not sure if I should be envious or not.


Could get expensive being that close to me.

 

You got that right! They are good people, but they ain't cheap. However, they do serve a lot of very frugal farmers, so they usually offer the primo solution (a.k.a. dumb Yuppie hobby farmers like me) and then follow it up with "but, you could always do it this way..." In fact, when I bought the aftermarket SSQA from them and had them mount the plate to my old bucket (I can't weld), Neil asked me something along the order of, "Do you want my guys to repaint your bucket and SSQA? I'd have to charge you the the shop's hourly rate. Or do you want the $5 can of spray paint?" I chose the latter.

 

I've seen plenty of their videos.
Seem like good people.

I'm sure there are some that they are more than willing to help separate them from their $$$.

 

My father bought a new L3710 in 02’. It has been pretty much only standard maintenance items for the past 18 years. Excellent tractor that was used in our family business for most of those 18 years and around his 9 acre property. Huge upgrade from his old JD 750. I was pretty set on Kubota, but when I started comparing and test driving I really liked the Kioti’s. I once heard Kioti started with expired Kubota patents. Whether it’s true or not who knows.

 

Good deal. I have heard some really good things about Kioti, I did like the models that I looked at and very importantly our local dealer is a super standup guy. If I hadn't run into my L3710 on their lot, I would probably have gone with a new Kioti.

I believe that Kioti worked with Kubota back in the early '80's on a single tractor that was never sold in the U.S. Ever since, Kioti has tried to play up the link with Kubota to the point that Kubota had to sue them and a dealer in California for trade dress infringement (physical resemblance of their product) and spreading false information implying a relationship. That suit was settled out of court in 2004. Again, this doesn't have anything to do with the quality of Kioti, but it is amazing that this is still talked about.

 

Current L series HST has 3 ranges, not 2. Kubota basic L series is intended for the person who wants a basic tractor that’s reliable and easy to use, easy to repair, and with parts availability over the long haul. They also offer lots of options and add ons for down the road or the guys who want a little more capability without all the bells and whistles. Those are for the urbanites that mostly want a fancier rig than their neighbor. I bought a tractor for it’s all around capability and chose one that I know will outlast me without major issues. The basic L series fits the bill better than anything else on the market imho. Working on and around this type of equipment most of my life gave me some insight on what is important to me. YMMV, especially if you’re not that familiar.