Kubota L3800 Reviews
2012 Kubota L3800HST - Great Tractor
Model Year: 2012
I bought a 2012 Kubota L3800 HST about three months ago. Bottom line up front: great tractor. The tractor does more than I had initially expected. I have ripped small trees (approx. 2” – 4”) out of the ground by their roots with the front end loader, dragged trees that were enormous and hauled mounds of dirt with ease. It also slings a 60” 500+ lbs. brush mower like it’s not even on the back. This is one tough tractor. I chose it over the equivalent John Deere mainly because it has a more solid construction. With this said, I have recently learned of this tractor’s limits. The recommended plow is a 2x12. I received a 2x14 for free so I decided to use it. I am in the process of plowing an approximately 8 acre field. The ground is hard and there is a major root system throughout. Yes, this Kubota is doing the job, but it is kicking its butt at the same time. The other day the plow caught a dead tree branch then lodged it into the inside rim of the rear wheel, ripping off the valve stem. This cost me almost $200.00—dumb mistake on my part—no fault of the tractor. I would highly recommend this tractor to anyone that wants a solid midsize powerhouse of a tractor. So far it has been exceptional. I would however, not recommend anyone buy a Kubota from the place I bought mine. The salesman talked me out of things I wanted, talked me into things I did not want, and promised me I could return an implement if after trying it I decided I did not like it. When I tried to return it he went back on his word and said no. But this is okay, because a buddy of mine was going to buy an L3200 from the same place but based on my recommendation he went somewhere else. And not to drag this on but I have since bought several other fairly expensive items to go with my tractor. I bought then from another Kubota dealer. I will not mention the dealership due to privacy issues but I recommend you get everything in writing if if you choose to buy a Kubota near Warrenton, Virginia.
Pros: Power, weight.
Cons: Untrustworthy dealer.
Model Year: 2012
I bought a 2012 Kubota L3800 HST about three months ago. Bottom line up front: great tractor. The tractor does more than I had initially expected. I have ripped small trees (approx. 2” – 4”) out of the ground by their roots with the front end loader, dragged trees that were enormous and hauled mounds of dirt with ease. It also slings a 60” 500+ lbs. brush mower like it’s not even on the back. This is one tough tractor. I chose it over the equivalent John Deere mainly because it has a more solid construction. With this said, I have recently learned of this tractor’s limits. The recommended plow is a 2x12. I received a 2x14 for free so I decided to use it. I am in the process of plowing an approximately 8 acre field. The ground is hard and there is a major root system throughout. Yes, this Kubota is doing the job, but it is kicking its butt at the same time. The other day the plow caught a dead tree branch then lodged it into the inside rim of the rear wheel, ripping off the valve stem. This cost me almost $200.00—dumb mistake on my part—no fault of the tractor. I would highly recommend this tractor to anyone that wants a solid midsize powerhouse of a tractor. So far it has been exceptional. I would however, not recommend anyone buy a Kubota from the place I bought mine. The salesman talked me out of things I wanted, talked me into things I did not want, and promised me I could return an implement if after trying it I decided I did not like it. When I tried to return it he went back on his word and said no. But this is okay, because a buddy of mine was going to buy an L3200 from the same place but based on my recommendation he went somewhere else. And not to drag this on but I have since bought several other fairly expensive items to go with my tractor. I bought then from another Kubota dealer. I will not mention the dealership due to privacy issues but I recommend you get everything in writing if if you choose to buy a Kubota near Warrenton, Virginia.
Pros: Power, weight.
Cons: Untrustworthy dealer.
Chains
Model Year: 2012
Got some great advice and perspective from the forum. In the end I decided to wait and just be smart about where I take the tractor. If I run into ice maybe then I will go for the chains. As long as we have snow traction has been good as long as it is not deep. Thanks for entering your experiences.
Pros: Stated above.
Cons: None.
Model Year: 2012
Got some great advice and perspective from the forum. In the end I decided to wait and just be smart about where I take the tractor. If I run into ice maybe then I will go for the chains. As long as we have snow traction has been good as long as it is not deep. Thanks for entering your experiences.
Pros: Stated above.
Cons: None.
L3800 Jerky 3pt Hitch
Model Year: 2012
Called the dealer they picked it up and kept it for 4 days, said the adjusted the valve and its okay now. Tried to use the BB on my drive (1000 ft. +) and was very disappointed; jerked like hell. Called again, picked it up, and kept it for 2 wks. Said they replaced the valve. I didn't receive any paper work showing that they did replace the valve. I've read in some of the forums that that's the nature of the beast for the 3800's. I'm thinking they didn't replace the valve.
Pros: Dealer is close by.
Cons: Jerky 3ph.
Model Year: 2012
Called the dealer they picked it up and kept it for 4 days, said the adjusted the valve and its okay now. Tried to use the BB on my drive (1000 ft. +) and was very disappointed; jerked like hell. Called again, picked it up, and kept it for 2 wks. Said they replaced the valve. I didn't receive any paper work showing that they did replace the valve. I've read in some of the forums that that's the nature of the beast for the 3800's. I'm thinking they didn't replace the valve.
Pros: Dealer is close by.
Cons: Jerky 3ph.
How I love This Purchase
Model Year: 2012
I purchased a Kubota L3800 with a tiller and brush hog. My son purchased a 57 acre hobby farm and I spent this past weekend cut all the grass and weeds on his property. I am like a kid in a candy store and can't wait to hop on my machine and start working on my own acreage. Best purchase I every made and my experience with Lano Equipment in Corcoran, MN was every pleasant.
Pros: Everything I expected.
Cons: None.
Model Year: 2012
I purchased a Kubota L3800 with a tiller and brush hog. My son purchased a 57 acre hobby farm and I spent this past weekend cut all the grass and weeds on his property. I am like a kid in a candy store and can't wait to hop on my machine and start working on my own acreage. Best purchase I every made and my experience with Lano Equipment in Corcoran, MN was every pleasant.
Pros: Everything I expected.
Cons: None.
L3800: First Tractor
Model Year: 2012
Never driven much less owned a tractor before. I was raised on a farm but we always used a team of mules for everything. Dad didn't bother with a tractor until I left home and he found out just how much work I did on the farm. When I came back from Nam in '69, my life took a different turn. I couldn't find or buy a job. Not much call for farm boys turned baby killer and probably a junkie to boot. DC Metro didn't look as us that way though and they gave me a job as a cop. Back then, we still walked beats. Beat cops didn't have radios then. You were on your own and they wanted men that had proven they could measure up. Been in Law Enforcement ever since. Bought this place (28 acres) in '73 and built a home here. The land was 90% woods and still is. Never had the money to develop it nor the time. Next year I retire and over the years, I've managed my money by investing in land. Sold a track last month and paid cash for a 2012 Kubota L3800 with FEL, Rotary Cutter, Box Blade and Disk Harrow. Only have 4.1 hours on it but I'm in love with it. Got a lot to learn about what I can and can't do with it. I already know that I'm going to need a double plow and I'm sure I'll pick up a few other implements as time goes by. I love the HST and the the 3 speed Tranny. No clutching on a hillside just find out that was a bad move. The FEL and 3 point hitch operation was easy to learn and sure as heck beats a shovel and wheelbarrow. Haven't had a chance to use the Rotary Cutter and PTO yet so I can't comment on that yet. I've graded Dad's, my brother's, 2 nieces and my driveway with it. With a 6 foot box blade full of gravel, pulling a steep grade was a breeze. Power's great. Moved a brush pile an dug up and old stump with the FEL and Tooth Bar. My wife was amazed at the ease with which it jerked the stump out of the ground and move the whole pile out of the way. That's about all there is to tell with only 4.1 hours on it. So far, I'm in love. Dang near as much fun as my Harley Ultra Classic and that's saying a lot.
Pros: Powerfull, easy to operate, and 4 wheel drive.
Cons: None.
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Model Year: 2012
Never driven much less owned a tractor before. I was raised on a farm but we always used a team of mules for everything. Dad didn't bother with a tractor until I left home and he found out just how much work I did on the farm. When I came back from Nam in '69, my life took a different turn. I couldn't find or buy a job. Not much call for farm boys turned baby killer and probably a junkie to boot. DC Metro didn't look as us that way though and they gave me a job as a cop. Back then, we still walked beats. Beat cops didn't have radios then. You were on your own and they wanted men that had proven they could measure up. Been in Law Enforcement ever since. Bought this place (28 acres) in '73 and built a home here. The land was 90% woods and still is. Never had the money to develop it nor the time. Next year I retire and over the years, I've managed my money by investing in land. Sold a track last month and paid cash for a 2012 Kubota L3800 with FEL, Rotary Cutter, Box Blade and Disk Harrow. Only have 4.1 hours on it but I'm in love with it. Got a lot to learn about what I can and can't do with it. I already know that I'm going to need a double plow and I'm sure I'll pick up a few other implements as time goes by. I love the HST and the the 3 speed Tranny. No clutching on a hillside just find out that was a bad move. The FEL and 3 point hitch operation was easy to learn and sure as heck beats a shovel and wheelbarrow. Haven't had a chance to use the Rotary Cutter and PTO yet so I can't comment on that yet. I've graded Dad's, my brother's, 2 nieces and my driveway with it. With a 6 foot box blade full of gravel, pulling a steep grade was a breeze. Power's great. Moved a brush pile an dug up and old stump with the FEL and Tooth Bar. My wife was amazed at the ease with which it jerked the stump out of the ground and move the whole pile out of the way. That's about all there is to tell with only 4.1 hours on it. So far, I'm in love. Dang near as much fun as my Harley Ultra Classic and that's saying a lot.
Pros: Powerfull, easy to operate, and 4 wheel drive.
Cons: None.
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First Time Out
Model Year: 2012
First time disking was couple of days ago. Have a Howse 16 blade 60' disk - heavy wgt. Tractor had PLENTY of power to pull the disk on unbroken ground w/dead grass on it, on aggressive angle. Did a great job w/2 passes: gave me 4" ground up dirt depth. This is what I was wanting - for deer food plot. Also used its loader to level up uneven places in field as I went. Very handy, and it's dirt moving power surprised me.
Pros: Beats the heck out of my back and a shovel! Never had a tractor before.
Cons: Possibly addictive.
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Model Year: 2012
First time disking was couple of days ago. Have a Howse 16 blade 60' disk - heavy wgt. Tractor had PLENTY of power to pull the disk on unbroken ground w/dead grass on it, on aggressive angle. Did a great job w/2 passes: gave me 4" ground up dirt depth. This is what I was wanting - for deer food plot. Also used its loader to level up uneven places in field as I went. Very handy, and it's dirt moving power surprised me.
Pros: Beats the heck out of my back and a shovel! Never had a tractor before.
Cons: Possibly addictive.
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Kubota L3800 w/HST and Ansung 2540 C Quick Attach Loader
Model Year: 2012
With the discounts and zero % loan for five years and the insurance for $17/month, this decision was a slam dunk for the L3800. It is fun to drive. The HST is awesome and the 4WD with locking rear end is a life saver in the muddy swamp. I bought it with an Ansung front end loader which saved me $1000+ and this loader is actually heavier gauge steel and stronger welds than the Kubota loader. I packaged this with an ER 062 Ansung 5 foot, 656 # Tiller and a Howse 5 foot HO500 Cutter. Great combo!
Pros: Great size and easy to drive with the HST and forward and reverse on one pedal.
Cons: Needs a bigger tool box, 12volt plug, and a basket for extra stuff.
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Model Year: 2012
With the discounts and zero % loan for five years and the insurance for $17/month, this decision was a slam dunk for the L3800. It is fun to drive. The HST is awesome and the 4WD with locking rear end is a life saver in the muddy swamp. I bought it with an Ansung front end loader which saved me $1000+ and this loader is actually heavier gauge steel and stronger welds than the Kubota loader. I packaged this with an ER 062 Ansung 5 foot, 656 # Tiller and a Howse 5 foot HO500 Cutter. Great combo!
Pros: Great size and easy to drive with the HST and forward and reverse on one pedal.
Cons: Needs a bigger tool box, 12volt plug, and a basket for extra stuff.
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Love My New Kubota L3800 HST
Model Year: 2012
Just purchased a new Kubota L3800HST with backhoe, post hole digger, loader, box scraper and pallet forks. This thing is fantastic. I have already used the post hole digger for a dog run, the backhoe for breaking up a sandstone mound and the pallet forks for moving heavy items around. This tractor replaced an old manual trans. JD8990 that I felt was not safe enough to use on my slopes (no ROPS). Friend rented a Kubota and let me use for a couple of hours. It was so easy to use and fast with the HST, so I decided I needed a new tractor. I went to New Holland, John Deere, Bobcat and Kubota dealers. None of the dealers had anything close to what I needed, except for Kubota. The Kubota dealer was also the only one to ask what I wanted to do with the tractor. I think this is because they don't deal with large farm tractors. So far it performs perfectly for every task I have used it for.
Pros: Easy to use, great turning radius, fast loader/pallet fork exchange. Backhoe has small footprint, easy to park.
Cons: Small con: seems a little tight getting on backhoe.
Model Year: 2012
Just purchased a new Kubota L3800HST with backhoe, post hole digger, loader, box scraper and pallet forks. This thing is fantastic. I have already used the post hole digger for a dog run, the backhoe for breaking up a sandstone mound and the pallet forks for moving heavy items around. This tractor replaced an old manual trans. JD8990 that I felt was not safe enough to use on my slopes (no ROPS). Friend rented a Kubota and let me use for a couple of hours. It was so easy to use and fast with the HST, so I decided I needed a new tractor. I went to New Holland, John Deere, Bobcat and Kubota dealers. None of the dealers had anything close to what I needed, except for Kubota. The Kubota dealer was also the only one to ask what I wanted to do with the tractor. I think this is because they don't deal with large farm tractors. So far it performs perfectly for every task I have used it for.
Pros: Easy to use, great turning radius, fast loader/pallet fork exchange. Backhoe has small footprint, easy to park.
Cons: Small con: seems a little tight getting on backhoe.
Very Satisfied!
Model Year: 2011
I am very satisfied with the performance of the L3800. It has an abundance of power and I have been able to do what I need done without having to get a bigger tractor. The positives are listed above. The negative concerns are rather minor, but I will list the few: 1. Short wheelbase makes for a bumpy ride on a rough field. 2. The 3 point hitch is jerky when lifting the brush cutter. 3. Had to add weights to front end. Tractor front wheels were leaving the ground when tractor was going up steeper hills. Been no problem since adding the weights. 4. Driver ignorance: I sometimes forget to release the parking brake, put sticker on to remind me! I use the tractor to brush cut approx. 30 acres, plus putting out food plots and for gardening. I recommend the tractor to those wanting a reliable and value added compact tractor.
Pros: Value, power.
Cons: Short wheelbase, jerky 3 pt hitch.
Model Year: 2011
I am very satisfied with the performance of the L3800. It has an abundance of power and I have been able to do what I need done without having to get a bigger tractor. The positives are listed above. The negative concerns are rather minor, but I will list the few: 1. Short wheelbase makes for a bumpy ride on a rough field. 2. The 3 point hitch is jerky when lifting the brush cutter. 3. Had to add weights to front end. Tractor front wheels were leaving the ground when tractor was going up steeper hills. Been no problem since adding the weights. 4. Driver ignorance: I sometimes forget to release the parking brake, put sticker on to remind me! I use the tractor to brush cut approx. 30 acres, plus putting out food plots and for gardening. I recommend the tractor to those wanting a reliable and value added compact tractor.
Pros: Value, power.
Cons: Short wheelbase, jerky 3 pt hitch.
Great Tractor - Kubota L3800
Model Year: 2011
I've used it for over a year now on a farm and acreage. We are building a new house and we used this to help clear the land and assist in the building, grading, digging & mowing. Attachments: mower, backhoe, blade, scoop and canopy. I'm amazed at how much power this little tractor has. I probably push it too hard but it is a great little tractor and I am very happy with it.
Pros: Good power, lots of attachments, great design.
Cons: Light (you need ballast) & tippy on hills.
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Model Year: 2011
I've used it for over a year now on a farm and acreage. We are building a new house and we used this to help clear the land and assist in the building, grading, digging & mowing. Attachments: mower, backhoe, blade, scoop and canopy. I'm amazed at how much power this little tractor has. I probably push it too hard but it is a great little tractor and I am very happy with it.
Pros: Good power, lots of attachments, great design.
Cons: Light (you need ballast) & tippy on hills.
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Great Machine
Model Year: 2011
We have had this machine since November and it has been great. It works well for snow as well as the gardening we are doing. Lots of power and nice to drive. My wife loves to operate it also, it being the first she has driven.
Pros: Very nice style and runs great, dependable.
Cons: There are no cons I can think of at this time.
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Model Year: 2011
We have had this machine since November and it has been great. It works well for snow as well as the gardening we are doing. Lots of power and nice to drive. My wife loves to operate it also, it being the first she has driven.
Pros: Very nice style and runs great, dependable.
Cons: There are no cons I can think of at this time.
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Kubota L3800
Model Year: 2012
The tractor is a quality piece of equipment. I purchased it with a front-end loader with quick-release bucket and backhoe. I also purchased a quick-release front-fork-lift attachment and a TR3 by ABI. I use the tractor for landscaping, moving materials and maintaining a gravel road-bed. I live on a 2-acre parcel that is on a 30 degree slope. The L3800 has the power I need for the work but is also maneuverable on my land. I purchased the HST model with 4-wheel drive. Both of these features are a must on a small lot on a slope. I stay in 4-wheel drive almost all of the time. The HST transmission is great on the hillside because it is easier to control the tractor. The quick-release option is a must if you want to switch attachments using the front-end loader. I also like the ease of removing and re-installing the backhoe. It is very easy to remove and re-install. I think the L3800 is a great product for my application.
Pros: Quality tractor that is easy to lean how to use. It is also large enough to perform serious work and has the versatility to get the job done.
Cons: I think the operators manuals could be more detailed.
Model Year: 2012
The tractor is a quality piece of equipment. I purchased it with a front-end loader with quick-release bucket and backhoe. I also purchased a quick-release front-fork-lift attachment and a TR3 by ABI. I use the tractor for landscaping, moving materials and maintaining a gravel road-bed. I live on a 2-acre parcel that is on a 30 degree slope. The L3800 has the power I need for the work but is also maneuverable on my land. I purchased the HST model with 4-wheel drive. Both of these features are a must on a small lot on a slope. I stay in 4-wheel drive almost all of the time. The HST transmission is great on the hillside because it is easier to control the tractor. The quick-release option is a must if you want to switch attachments using the front-end loader. I also like the ease of removing and re-installing the backhoe. It is very easy to remove and re-install. I think the L3800 is a great product for my application.
Pros: Quality tractor that is easy to lean how to use. It is also large enough to perform serious work and has the versatility to get the job done.
Cons: I think the operators manuals could be more detailed.
Second Kubota
Model Year: 2011
I sold my L3000 FEL (manual transmission) in 2006 and have missed it dearly. Bought the L3800 HST FEL last month because of the reliablility of the L3000. My old L3000 took a tremendous beating digging and dozing in the rocky Texas Hill Country. I was continually surprized at what it was capable of when it came to pushing out pesky cedar trees, and landscaping in rocky ground. The new L3800 with they hydro transmission feels like twice the machine as the old L3000. I always wanted the HST and am glad that I spent a little extra to get it. When it comes to working the ground it's heavier and really has a lot more power. The styling and creature comforts are much better on the new model. I'm sure that other brands are just as good as Kubota, but after my experience with the L3000 I had no choice but to get another Kubota. One thing to watch out for is when you remove the FEL! I didn't follow the instruction properly and bent the two stands and had to replace them. I would advise anyone who plans on doing this to view a couple of videos on the internet before they attempt this maneuver.
Pros: Powerful, HST easy to use, excellent FEL breakout force.
Cons: None yet.
Model Year: 2011
I sold my L3000 FEL (manual transmission) in 2006 and have missed it dearly. Bought the L3800 HST FEL last month because of the reliablility of the L3000. My old L3000 took a tremendous beating digging and dozing in the rocky Texas Hill Country. I was continually surprized at what it was capable of when it came to pushing out pesky cedar trees, and landscaping in rocky ground. The new L3800 with they hydro transmission feels like twice the machine as the old L3000. I always wanted the HST and am glad that I spent a little extra to get it. When it comes to working the ground it's heavier and really has a lot more power. The styling and creature comforts are much better on the new model. I'm sure that other brands are just as good as Kubota, but after my experience with the L3000 I had no choice but to get another Kubota. One thing to watch out for is when you remove the FEL! I didn't follow the instruction properly and bent the two stands and had to replace them. I would advise anyone who plans on doing this to view a couple of videos on the internet before they attempt this maneuver.
Pros: Powerful, HST easy to use, excellent FEL breakout force.
Cons: None yet.
L3800
Model Year: 2011
Best thing I have ever bought!
Pros: Tuff.
Cons: Price, but hey, you get what you pay for.
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Model Year: 2011
Best thing I have ever bought!
Pros: Tuff.
Cons: Price, but hey, you get what you pay for.
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I Hope It's As Good As They Say
Model Year: 2011
This is kinda a pain in the ass but I tried to put a set of chains on my tractor and found out there was not enough clearance at the wheel well. Anyone else have this problem?
Pros: Don't know.
Cons: Not enough info on after market parts.
Model Year: 2011
This is kinda a pain in the ass but I tried to put a set of chains on my tractor and found out there was not enough clearance at the wheel well. Anyone else have this problem?
Pros: Don't know.
Cons: Not enough info on after market parts.
Kubota L3800 HST 4WD
Model Year: 0
I am very impressed with everything about this tractor. So far I have cleared brush and moved brush piles, moved about 5 cu. yards of dirt for fill around forms for piers for a new solar panel array, and leveled yard areas. A very powerful machine, easy to operate and maneuver, and easy to change implements with the quick attach FEL. The HST whine is annoying but acceptable. The jerky 3-point hitch is not as bad as I had anticipated and I can live with it. The dealer in Amarillo was great. I saved about $5,000 by driving 300 miles east to buy the tractor. I went with the zero down 5 year loan with zero interest rate offered by Kubota. This is more tractor than I need right now, but I will grow into it. Thanks so much to all the contributors to Tractorbynet for their comments and experiences. It made my buying selection so much easier.
Pros: Plenty of power, history of reliability and value retention, maneuverable, easy to operate for a novice like me.
Cons: 3-point hitch is a little jerky, but still easy to position. HST has an annoying whine.
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Model Year: 0
I am very impressed with everything about this tractor. So far I have cleared brush and moved brush piles, moved about 5 cu. yards of dirt for fill around forms for piers for a new solar panel array, and leveled yard areas. A very powerful machine, easy to operate and maneuver, and easy to change implements with the quick attach FEL. The HST whine is annoying but acceptable. The jerky 3-point hitch is not as bad as I had anticipated and I can live with it. The dealer in Amarillo was great. I saved about $5,000 by driving 300 miles east to buy the tractor. I went with the zero down 5 year loan with zero interest rate offered by Kubota. This is more tractor than I need right now, but I will grow into it. Thanks so much to all the contributors to Tractorbynet for their comments and experiences. It made my buying selection so much easier.
Pros: Plenty of power, history of reliability and value retention, maneuverable, easy to operate for a novice like me.
Cons: 3-point hitch is a little jerky, but still easy to position. HST has an annoying whine.
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L3800 with Backhoe
Model Year: 2011
Really impressed with smooth operation of the backhoe. It also has more power than I expected. Only wish it had a shuttle shift. I just finished digging a 5 ft deep ditch 700 ft long for an electric line. It did great.
Pros: Pretty powerful little machine. Easy five minute backhoe attach and detach.
Cons: No shuttle shift. A little hard to get from forward to reverse.
Model Year: 2011
Really impressed with smooth operation of the backhoe. It also has more power than I expected. Only wish it had a shuttle shift. I just finished digging a 5 ft deep ditch 700 ft long for an electric line. It did great.
Pros: Pretty powerful little machine. Easy five minute backhoe attach and detach.
Cons: No shuttle shift. A little hard to get from forward to reverse.