Kubota Gray Market Tractor List

[mark777]

The following is the Most current tractor models I’ve found on Kubota’s list of gray market tractors exported to the U.S


Kubota Gray Market Tractor Models


A-13, A-14, A-15, A-17, A-19, A-30, A-155, A-175, A-195

B-10, B-40, B52, B72, B92, B1200, B1400, B1402, B1500, B1502, B1600, B1702, B1902, B5000, B5001, B6000*, B6001, B7000, B7001, B1-14, B1-15, B1-16, B1-17,

GB13, GB14, GB15, GB16, GB18, GB20, GL-19, GL-21, GL-23, GL-25, GL-26, GL-27, GL-29,
GL-32, GL-33, GL-35, GL-40, GL-43, GL-46, GL-53, GL200, GL201, GL221, GL240, GL241,
GL260, GL261, GL268, GL277, GL280, GL281, GL300, GL301, GL320, GL321, GL337, GL338,
GL350, GL367, GL368, GL400.

KL23, KL25, KL27, KL30, KL33K

L27, L33, L46, L120, L140, L170, L200*, L240, L260*, L270, L280, L350, L1500, L1501, L1511,
L1801, L1802, L2000, L2002, L2200, L2201, L2202, L2402, L2600, L2601, L2602, L2802, L3001,
L3202, L3500, L3602, L4202, L4214, L1-18, L1-20, L1-22, L1-24, L1-26, L1-28, L1-33, L1-38, L1-43,
L1-45, L1-185, L1-195, L1-205, L1-215, L1-225, L1-235, L1-245, L1-255, L1-265, L1-275, L1-285,
L1-295, L1-315, L1-325, L1-345, L1-385, L1-435, L-455.

RW 25 (Submitted by “Buckone” on 2/25/09)

T22

X-20, X-24, XB-1.

* Models common to U.S. and Japan with materials and safety differences on each model.


Any information, changes or updates are gladly welcome to keep our MTF quick reference lists accurate and up to date.

Thanks, Mark

[mark777]

To the best of my knowledge there are no known specifications, including engine sizes, number of cylinders and tractor dimensions available for the gray market Kubota in the U.S.

Anyone who owns, has accurate information on spec's and willing to share please let me know and I will edit the list (with *'s) and display your model information.

Thanks, Mark

[shimp]

i nominate this for a sticky...

great info :fing32:

[glenn27]

Thanks Mark.....There's just not many over on the east-coast....
The whole history of these just fasinates me... :thThumbsU

[mark777]

Thanks guys.

I hesitated to even post it as it's nothing more than a bunch of models numbers Kubota has itemized as illegal to import....but many are already here in the U.S.

It would certainly be more helpful (useful) if I could access specifications for each model, but that seems to be one of the few best kept secrets maintained by the manufacturer.

Mark

[lt230s]

Makes me wonder if my B6000 is gray market. How would one know?
I've gotten parts thru Kubota with no problems to date, but still makes me wonder.

[mark777]

it230s,

I think it would be a pretty safe bet yours is built for the U.S.

The hand throttle would be wide open when pulled back, very thin or no PTO shield or cover, some grays had no neutral or clutch safety switch and most all grays had 3 speed PTO's (approx 540, 770 and 1000 RPM)

Mark

[lt230s]

it230s,

I think it would be a pretty safe bet yours is built for the U.S.

The hand throttle would be wide open when pulled back, very thin or no PTO shield or cover, some grays had no neutral or clutch safety switch and most all grays had 3 speed PTO's (approx 540, 770 and 1000 RPM)

Mark
Now you got me really wondering and confused. Maybe mine is a half-breed or off-white market?:fing20: :sidelaugh
My throttle pulls back for WOT, no PTO cover, and 3 speed PTO, but it does have clutch safety switch (clutch has to be depressed to crank over)
Oh well, I'm not gonna worry myself over it any. It runs and gets the job done, and I can get parts for it, so...:lalala:

[mark777]

Yeah,.....er, ah.....Yours must be one of the cream machines :fing32:

Maybe in this rare instance both models are equally equipped with no differences?? I thought I was but now....I'm really not sure on the B6000 model. That model seems to be VERY popular.

Mark

[Michael]

It230s about the only way I have found is the fact that most grays from Kubota will not have a serial number on the tractor. If you have a serial you have a U.S. model. My ZL1801 has no serial number, One other thing is if there is a Z in front of the model number it is a gray, a farm coop (Zen-Noh) orginally bought the tractor and sold it to the farmer there.

[Mickey]

Now you got me really wondering and confused. Maybe mine is a half-breed or off-white market?:fing20: :sidelaugh
My throttle pulls back for WOT, no PTO cover, and 3 speed PTO, but it does have clutch safety switch (clutch has to be depressed to crank over)
Oh well, I'm not gonna worry myself over it any. It runs and gets the job done, and I can get parts for it, so...:lalala:

I wouldn't let the clutch safety switch throw you. My gray market Yanmar has 4sp pto, clutch safety switch and a pto shield. Oh, the throttle increases speed when i pull down.

[Albert]

I have a kubota # 1500 and would like to know what you mean by the clutch saftey switch.

[mark777]

Welcome to MTF Albert.

A clutch safety switch is a button under the clutch peddle that prevents the tractor from starting. Even when the ignition switch is fully turned to the start position, the tractor won't start unless the clutch peddle is fully depressed bridging the start circuit.

The neutral safety switch is a fail safe to prevent anyone accidentally starting the tractor while someone else might be near the front, rear or working on hooking up implements.

We would love to see pictures of your Kubota, attachments and any pictures of your place in Oregon. In the meantime hope you check out all the forums, kick back and enjoy yourself.

Mark

[Ken N Tx]

:Welcome1: Albert..

Enjoy all of the many Forums on MTF!! :fing32:

[cappys tractor]

I have a 'new' B6000 too. I have not found definitively whether it is a grey or not. I can't find a serial number anywhere on the left side of the frame, (indicating grey status), but all the other labels, warnings and words are in english, with correct grammar, and are original (which indicates legally imported)

The label above the transmission indicates a Z600 engine (IIRC), but again it is in english, so no further help there.

The front end loader OTOH, is definitely a grey. all labels are in japanese, no warnings, and the label is a definite grey model.

[Buckone]

Here's another Kubota model to add to the gray market list. I saw one similar to this for sale on craigslist and got my curiousity up. Received an email from Kubota after sending them several photos and they confirmed it to be gray. The model is RW25, full time 4x4 with rear wheel steering.

[mark777]

DONE!

And thank you Buckone for your contribution :fing32: . I did search that model for any specifications...but very little seems to appear other than a few pictures of the loader-backhoe.

Mark

[Kenneth H]

I have heard that all the lables on Gray tractors are in Japanese.

[mark777]

Yep....every one I'm familiar with anywayt (with picto-grams on the later models).

[lamgar]

anyone know what a L1-33 kubota would cross with in american model?

[m.jodrey]

I had a mid 80's B1200 a couple of years ago and basically, I couldn't find anything for it. Luckily I was able to sell it. I wouldn't have bought it in the first place if I had known it was grey market.

[maltesefarmer]

hello,

i am looking into buying a small kubota for our small hold - and just been surfing about these machines. i will try buy it through Great Britain since i am from malta - US import would be to expensive.

re the grey factor is this a world wide problem with part supply or only US related - do you mean parts are not available or just available from Japan - making it a great wait?

i htink there is a Kubota main dealer ship and agent in the UK supplying parts there and so was wondering if buying a grey item would still interfeer - sorry posting here but couldnt find a Uk based forum about this topic i was actually into a b6000 or a b7100 item.

i was also warned off the B6000 due to the directionality of the PTO revs. ppl saying it goes the wrong way - anti clock making it incompatible with other rotavators or applications.

there is also a used tractor importer saying he is getting some tractors from japan.. should i be warned off then ??

as regards to a previous input.. the Zen noh variants are all grey ?

joseph

[mark777]

Hello Joseph and welcome to MTF!

Gray (or Grey) Market tractors are usually considered to be grey IF they are manufactured to be sold in one specific area...and find their way to another country for which it wasn't intended.

There are some very early model Kubota tractors that did have the PTO run in reverse. Most all reliable grey market dealers avoid these models and will NOT purchase them for resale.

So, some tractors that find their way here in the U.S. are considered grey market but may not be considered such in your country. This will mean parts and service support may be readily available in your area. IMO the best way to prevent any unnecessary buyers remorse is to call around to local dealers in your area concerning a specific model and ask if they have parts inventory.

Importers of Japanese tractors that get their supply From Japan are a much better choice and should have a service center and parts inventory available to you. They should also offer a limited warranty.

All Zen-Noh tractors, regardless of brand, are considered to be grey market in this country.

Mark

[maltesefarmer]

hi,
the problem is this that we do not have any big dealership here just farming/tractor supplies or used commercial vehicle dealers who buy from abroad and just resell. but this guy has been stocking up with a good array of parts and acessories for the kubota line however no new tractors are sold over. prety expensive :( to buy a new..

thanks for the info. i will just see if i can contact the Uk dealership which seems to be proper and with a good website too.

joseph

[maltesefarmer]

so.. hufff.

while on my trip to UK this xmas, i went across a grey market model up for sale at a compact tractor reseller - started nicely ith just a small puff of smoke and pedals seemed not so worked out and worn it was a kubota B7001 not at around 5'C and it was outside.. body looks very nice and free from critical rust...

i drove the kubota for some metres and looks like it has no broken gears??...:S problem is that is grey. as said above. it has got a number stamped on the casing on the left as most talked about here... it is
B7001-50533

DO YOU KNOW IF I CAN MAKE A YEAR SEARCH SOMEWHERE ON THIS MODEL?

the guy said he will service and fit three point hitch and replace all labels by putting new english stickers. and do free delivery to shipping agent.. so i am tempted.. ..

happens to have come across a person who can freight it to malta for a cheapish price tag.. :S

.. help..
joe
:(

[maltesefarmer]

hi,

been searching a bit on this topic.

dont know if this is relevant or right or common sense to you guys. but may help. i have been searching on the web re parts and got through this site.

http://www.orangetractortalks.com/2008/09/common-abbreviations-and-terms-explained/

which leads to

http://en.yenibiz.com/prime.php?catalogue=2 which is a european site but guess should be helpful.

common sense gets me into reasoning that some consumable parts such as cluthces (can be reserviced with new linings and required work), bearings and seals are common parts off the shelf from regular suppliers.. so... hm..

joe

[mark777]

Hey Joe,

Just wanted to say I hope you don't think nobody is reading this! It just seems like you get your own answers to questions faster than anyone else.

Your link to "Orangetractortalks.com" is a great source for information and support of the grey market Kubota's.

If you are comfortable about parts support for this machine, you wont be disappointed about the performance and reliability.

Mark

[maltesefarmer]

the very bit of problem is i am thinking of quiting the allotment and animals for the time being due to family problems but still would like to have it in a turnkey project to restore a house.. .. it is translating into about 4000 euros of pricetag for me which is a bit high.. :( but i really like small machines too so.. :( why is money always an issue in this life :D

didnt want to cause any distress or shake any waters with my last post.. i was also concerned about how truthful that site was.. many ppl tend to look at internet as full of info to avoid.. :S

...since locally no 7100 or 7001s are available.. i was hoping to bite this bullet.. and check here if it makes some sense.. :S

thanks

joseph

looking forward to post good and better threads :)

[GilCarrick]

I inherited an L260. It has no PTO shield, no clutch safety switch and no seat belts (something I read elsewhere.) But, the labels and manuals are in English as are all the labels. I will look next time to see if it has a serial number on the chassis. The PTO has two shifters so I guess it has 4 speeds. Does this make sense?

Here's a picture of the beast when I had it jammed around a tree:

http://24.242.219.177/rep/L260.jpg

I have a shop manual and an operator's manual. There are lots of specs. Let me know if you want to see anything in particular.

[Michael]

The L260 is a U.S. specification tractor and is fully supported by your Kubota dealer. In the late 1970's when the tractor was produced Kubota did not put much safety equipment on the tractors and slowly introduced the safety equipment.

Most folks confuse the PTO lever and the lever right next to the PTO lever as 2 levers for the PTO when the 2nd lever is to control the high low range of the transmission.

[Paul J]

Most have this list of greys, http://www.kubota.com/priorproduct/GrayMarketList.aspx

But read this if you own or figuring on buying a grey and possibly ease your mind;
Used Grey market tractors myth http://www.best-used-tractors.com/used_myths.html

[Inky05]

The L260 is a U.S. specification tractor and is fully supported by your Kubota dealer. In the late 1970's when the tractor was produced Kubota did not put much safety equipment on the tractors and slowly introduced the safety equipment.

Most folks confuse the PTO lever and the lever right next to the PTO lever as 2 levers for the PTO when the 2nd lever is to control the high low range of the transmission.


I also have an L260 and it has two PTO levers. the HI-LOW range selector is on the transmission. The PTO levers are next to the seat.

Mine has the PTO cover and the labels are all in Janglish. I also have the operators manual and maintenance manual (also in Janglish). It has an overrunning clutch on the PTO. Definitely not gray! Parts are available (Though VERY pricey).

[maltesefarmer]

can i try ask for help.

on the ZEnnoh ZB7001 model. what is the sort of serieal number to expect is it like the same kubota b7001 starting with a B7001 or the seriel number starts with ZB7001-

joseph

[mark777]

Joseph,

I'm pretty sure you wont see any changes in I.D. plates, castings or manufacturing numbers that are from the Kubota factory. All Kubota did for Zen-Noh is make a specified amount of tractors for their Cooperatives and probably did so for a discount in their factory selling price.

They Did attach labels and some badges to their Kubota tractors to designate them being built for Zen-Noh.

Here is a link that you may find interesting as it's full of information about grey market Kubota and this explanation of the Zen-Noh Cooperative history:


http://www.orangetractortalks.com/2009/02/zen-noh-and-kubota-part-1-a-partnership/

Mark

[maltesefarmer]

oh thanks

well then i have gone through that for a bit of back up knowledge to see what this zennoh thing was way before i left for UK shopping for them. so .. whatever i might as well remove the bloody zennoh badge from the grille and see how i get along with it.

it has B7001-44430
compared to the other B7001-50533 which according to numbers is younger??

i also was in the UK and saw a used and worn out B7100 model.. which its number also started with B7001-???? is this the same way the B7100 non grey tractors should be labelled with?

sorry lot for the questoins but i am not a person who just owns a piece of machinery because it is ment to perform work. it is jut like a good bond/love affair for me.. :(

joseph