The L4300DT is a lot of tractor for the money and agruably the best value in the Kubota L series.

A few highlights:

Same weight, tire size, ground clearance, torque and almost the same horsepower as the L4610.
Same 3 point lift capacity as the L4610.
Same PTO horsepower as the L48

The point here is that the L4300 is no slouch in the power or spec. department...

Independent (Hyrdaulic) PTO.
"High" headlights which can shine over the loader bucket.
2 Kubota loaders and backhoes available.
Telescoping 3 pt. hitch stabilizers (very handy)
Flat deck, hanging pedals and all the other "niceties"

The L4300DT has a lot of features for a "basic" tractor.

What options are not available?

Hydrostatic transmission


Some subjective thoughts:

This tractor, and most modern tractors, are so many light years ahead of the 8Ns and WD-45s (both of which I grew up with) of years past that it makes you smile like a kid for awhile.

The gear shift transmission is said to put up to 20% more horsepower to the rear wheels than an HST. I haven't seen any tests confirming this, but I'm sure there is some rear wheel hp advantage compared to a hydrostatic transmission. This transmission is bullet proof and will last forever. It's done everything I've needed and I haven't griped once about not having an HST. Having said that, do people with HS transmissions love them? Almost all do.

The engine is smooth, powerful, quick starting and fairly quiet. From what I can tell, the L4300, L4310 and L4610 all share the same basic engine.

The 4 wheel drive is a terrific feature to have. I've used it multiple times to continue moving forward after running out of rear wheel traction. My dealer said it will add 10 hp. to the working ability of the tractor. I have no doubts about this number.

The 3 point hydraulics haven't yet met their match. The tractor handles a 950 lb. Bush Hog with ease.

The folding ROPS is great for parking in a shed or garage.

The tractor is very manuverable with a tight turning radius.

Loader: The one area that the L4300DT falls short when comparing to the 4310 or 4610 is loader lift capacity. The Grande L series have more powerful loaders. Having said that, I lifted a new, replacement 286 Bush Hog off of a 5' flatbed truck (plus 3' high bush hog = a high lift) and put the defective one back on the truck. This Bush Hog tips the scales at 950 lbs. The loader may come up short on paper, but it impressed me with the Bush Hog exchange and I've yet to be dissappointed by it. I do wish it had a wider bucket though...

Usage:

Some of the things I've used the tractor for:

Bush hogging: The tractor has enough horsepower to turn a 6' Bush Hog 286 through brush and small saplings with ease.

Finish Mowing: I use a 6' finish mower and don't even know it's back there.

Box blading: I pull a 6' Box Blade and the 4 wheel drive comes in handy when pulling a full load of dirt with the rippers down.

Discing: The 4300 pulls an old John Deere 6 1/2' Disc nicely

Variety of loader work. Hauling firewood, dirt, manure, dragging downed trees, pushing trees over, digging a 6' (w) by 4' (d) by 30' (l) fire pit, transporting things and much more.

Attempting to pull stumps. As many others have mentioned, this is a tall task for all but the largest of tractors and I fail more than I succeed. I've got my own stump horror story in the woods next door with the pictures to prove it.

I will be using the L4300DT for some contract hay making this year. I'm looking forward to this.

Notes:

Kubota carefully sizes the wheels and tires to engine horsepower. I'd like to see slightly larger front and rear tires on this tractor.

Weight: Many of the Kubotas are lighter than comparable competitor's models. Ballast in the rear tires and a loader helps add a lot of weight and traction.

Conclusion: If you want a LOT of 4 wheel drive tractor for your money and can live without a hydrostatic transmission, RUN down to your local Kubota dealer and give the L4300DT serious consideration.

Date Purchased: 7/2000
Purchased: New
Price Paid: US$22200
Pros: Great value in a powerful, feature laden tractor
Cons: Standard loader bucket only 5', No HST available.
Rating: