Kubota L200 - good to restore?

[N80]

I've mentioned before that I've been interested in getting one of the little old Kubota tractors like the L245 or the B7100 and restoring it to new condition just for kicks. As far as I know, restoring old Kubotas is not quite the popular thing like old JDs and Farmalls.

Well, my wife was at the local Kubota place today and they had an L200 for sale. I did not see it and I have never seen one at all. It is very hard to find a picture of one on the internet.

Here is what I know about the machine in general: It was the first model that Kubota imported to the US. It is a two cylinder diesel. It does not have headlights. And that's about it. I suspect they were all two wheel drive. There seems to be virtually no info about this machine on the internet including here at TBN.

Here is what I know about the one they have at the shop. They just finished overhauling the hydraulic system (whatever that means, remember, this is second hand via my wife). It has a modern alternator. Rear tires good, fronts so-so. It cranks and runs. Its a 1970. Sheet metal is fair. They want $1800 for it.

So I have a few questions:

How old does a tractor have to be to be considered an antique?
Would this model be a good one for a newbie to restore?
Are there any really weird things about it that would make it troublesome?
Does anyone have a picture of one?
Does anyone have one and/or have general info/knowledge about them?
What do you think about that price?
How does it compare in appearance to the L185 or L210 (I've seen pics of those)?

I'd greatly appreciate any info or links you can provide for me.

 

[charlz]

There is an L200 listed on the 'Gray Market' list and an L200F listed on the prior products list. If it's gray market it might be hard to get parts for.

 

[art]

To say it might not be worth more in twenty years to put it into the vintage of tractors that are collectable of other makes would be a safe bet.

 

[N80]

I would not be buying the tractor as an investment. It would be strictly just a curiosity/toy.

However, the absolute lack of information on this machine (as well as the lack of responses here) is probably a good indication that it would not be the best tractor for a beginner restoration project. Its sort of a shame though since it was the first model imported to the US. Kind of the one that started it all.

 

[66gladiator]

Well...................since the tractor data plate is in English, I bet it is a US product.
As I told your wife George, I have only seen two other L200s, one was at the Kubota dealer meeting last year (35th Aniv.) and the other is local, but I don't think it is being used. Last I saw it was a funky green color as it was used to pull a sprayer at a Christmas tree farm.
We don't own it, just had it in the shop repairing a hydraulic leak for the owner who wishes to sell. He has owned the tractor for at least 20 years.

 

[N80]

Right, there is no reason to expect that it would be gray market just because it is an older model.

Its funny that you mention the green one at the Christmas tree farm, about the only picture I can find of one on the internet (besides a fuzzy picture of an L200 brochure on eBay) is this one, from a post made here on TBN years ago:

Todd, I'm very tempted, and I really like the fact that it was the Kubota that started it all and would be interesting for that reason alone. The 'rare' factor is also a appealing. But I think for a first time restoration I probably need to start with something a little newer and a little more common.

I can't believe my wife even told me about it! I was kind of shocked but for some reason she sees the appeal of a cute, little old Kubota. I think she has an idea that if I got one restored that we'd take it to the Lowry's Christmas parade, etc, or maybe even to the Richburg tractor show. Not sure why this appeals to her, but if it generates enough good will to allow me to get one one of these days then I'm all for it.

 

[TheFlatlander]

Go to the Kubota Website.

Kubota Tractor Corporation - Company Information

On this page you will find a picture and that this model is the first tractor that Kubota imported, in 1969, and was an "overnight hit" and with that market acceptance led to the incorporation of KTC. They than expanded to where things are now.

It is a tractor with a little bit of history.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I know another dealership that has one of those restored in their showroom. Kubota also keeps a clean one that they ship around to shows.
$1800 is a good price for it.

 

[66gladiator]

Data plate

Tractor (notice wheel weights rear & FRONT!)

 

[N80]

Oh my gosh, you guys are killing me. That's a pretty cool looking little tractor and for its age it looks to be in great shape. I see a little sheetmetal damage, but not tons.

Okay Todd, how long are you guys going to have it?

I'm going to show the pictures to my wife and if she even hints that she thinks its cute I'm going to come take a look.

The more I think about the unique factor the more appeal it has.