Kubota L-1500

[Redclay]

I saw a little old Kubota diesel tractor while scoping out the new Mahindras at the dealer. They said it was a trade in and that they wanted $2200. The owner of the dealership said it needed a radiator when he traded for and put about $400 worth of parts in fixing it. I cranked it up and ran fine around the lot. After some research on the net I determined it to be a grey market Japanese import L-1500. The tires are cranked and it needs paint, but the motor is strong and axles look good. I think this thing may be a jewel in the rough that would make a good first tractor. What do ya'll think?

[mark777]

I think they are pretty decent.

The L1500 is akin to the domestic L175 and there are many similarities but they're not identical. If you intend to use the PTO (and why wouldn't you?), keep in mind that it has a 4 speed and the first gear is slightly higher than 540. I strongly sugest an ORC for any implement that's PTO driven.

Here are the factory PTO speeds for the L1500:

Gear - RPM
#1- 597 @2800
#2- 850 @2800
#3- 1185 @ 2800
#4- 1371 @ 2800

Mark

[Redclay]

Thanks Mark. I am starting to think one that small would be dangerous on my hilly place. Thinking I need something wider in the rear. What do ya'll think of about small tractor stability on hills? Maybe I will got to the search function, I bet someone already had a thread about that.

[mark777]

The problem is REAL! The narrow frame and tall Japanese tractors are built mostly for duty in rice fields of Japan. The design is perfect for an environment where the fields are flooded (seasonally) and these tractors swim while operating tillers and related rice harvesting equipment. They can be treacherous when used on hilly, uneven properties where a momentary lapse in concentration will cause a roll over. Larger models, above 25+ HP see limited duty in the dairy industry and are not any better.

My favorite of the grey market tractors is the Yanmar brand. And now….finally(!) one of our MTF friends has offered a permanent solution to lowering the center of gravity and making the tractor better suited for domestic use here in the U.S.

Check this out RedClay…Post #4:

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=84731

Mark

[LENS12]

Some people put dual rear wheels on to widen the stance.