This review is in two parts: the first part was submitted to TBN in May of 1999 and the second part was added when it was resubmitted to the new TBN reviews area in December of 2001.

Prepare yourself - this is going to be a lengthy review. I believe this tractor deserves it. My new 4310 is my fourth Kubota. I had one burn up in a house fire, and have gotten the others because I wanted to upgrade for features or hp. In the case of the 4310, I wanted the HST transmission. After putting a few dozen hours on my 4310, I can say I'm glad I made the decision I did. I've had all three varieties of Kubota transmissions, and I like the HST the best by far. Assuming there are no durability problems with the HST, and there's no reason to expect any, I don't think I'll ever go back to a gear type transmission. As far as reviewing the new tractor, though, let's start with the front and move back.
The headlights on the L10 series are several inches higher on the tractor, which can be a big help if you've got a loader. With the previous models, if you had a heaped bucket, you had to lower it so close to the ground that it could bottom out before the headlights would clear, but it's a lot less of a problem with the new design.

The engine is noticeably quieter. My 4310 is quite a bit quieter than my old 3600, even though the old 4200 was louder than the 3600.

Real turn signals are a big improvement on a job site or in traffic. The new seat and seat suspension are tremendously improved and a real back saver.

The three point hitch side links are much easier to use than the old style turnbuckles.

As far as I can remember, that's about it. I could go on and on about the advantages I've found with the HST vs. the GST, but that's probably better said in another forum.

Kubota has take a great tractor in the previous L-series tractors and made some very impressive improvements. They've made a great tractor even better.

Here begins the second part, added 12/30/01:
I have since replaced this tractor with yet another one, this time an EarthForce EF-5. (There's also a review of the EF-5 in the TBN reviews area, in case you're interested.) My reasons for replacing the L4310HST had nothing to do with any problems with the tractor but, as with my previous tractor upgrades, was done to get more power, versatility, and features.

In using the L4310HST for a year and half after the first part of this review was posted, I have to say that I'm just as impressed by it as I was initially. Although I made quite a few changes to it, changing the seat to one with a shock-absorber suspension, increasing the size of the loader lift cylinders, larger tires, etc., the L4310HST was an incredibly capable tractor.

I don't think enough can be said about the HST transmission. It changes a good tractor into a great one. It's far safer than any other transmission type, extremely efficient, and plenty powerful for any task the tractor is capable of performing. As I said, the L4310HST is an excellent machine, well worthy of consideration by anyone needing a first-class traditional-style compact utility tractor.

Date Purchased: 3/1999
Purchased: New
Price Paid: US$0
Pros: Power, transmission, transmission, transmission
Cons: Seat, though improved over previous models, could be better
Rating: