Kubota L245DT 4.40 star(s) (11)

Early Production L245DT
Model Year: 1977

I purchased this tractor used in a private sale with 1920 hours on it. It is in cosmetically rough shape, but runs well. The tractor is missing the lights and handles from the rear fenders and most of the paint. The hood is dented and cockeyed from the previous owner dropping wood on it, and is faded. It appears to have the original rear R1 tires, filled with calcium chloride that is gradually dissolving the wheels. The front wheels appear newer (something I've noticed on all the L245 tractors, so maybe different paint that doesn't fade?) and have mismatched newer R1 tires. It came with a front end loader branded Kubota (but is not the more common 1200/1700 model) with a sub-frame and uses the tractor's own hydraulic pump to operate it. The loader is somewhat slow and uses the two lever system, but has good lifting capability, especially with the ballasted rear tires. It is a gear driven 4-wheel drive tractor, with four forward, one reverse, low/high ranges, and differential lock. It has a three speed power take-off, and standard three-point hitch. The engine runs strong with 1920 hours, and occasionally smokes on starting cold or under significant load. The controls are mostly intuitive, but has a key that serves as the off/on/lights switch and a knob that rotates for glow-plugs and starting. The sole gauge is a RPM/hour meter. The seat is adjustable by re-bolting the attachment bracket to three positions. This tractor does not have factory power steering. This particular example has the exhaust venting underneath out the rear of the tractor.

Pros: Good combination of physical size and horsepower for hobby farm use
Cons: Exhaust vented out the rear covers implements in soot over time - add an elbow downward

Great Little Tractor
Model Year: 1984

I had the chance and got this little L245DT Kubota and i have to say now that I have had it fixed, it is a great little tractor. It is a 4x4 so pulling a plow is no problem. Just for laughs, i hooked a 2 row turner to this thing, sunk it as far as it would go, and it never whined. If any one wants a good tractor get one of these or one close to it but make sure it is 4x4 makes the whole difference in the tractor world. I hope to keep this one till i die. I want a front bucket but can not find a cheap one to go on it.

Pros: Great Tractor
Cons: None

Kubota Re-Manufactured Small Farm Tractor in Australia
Model Year: 2011

I have a 25 acre small farm running cross bred sheep. I first owned a Kubota L1-2402DT (see photo), a 4 wheel drive 26 horse supplied with a package of implements before moving up to the L1-24DT 28 horse with shuttle shift. These tractors are sourced in Japan and arrive in Australia via a rebuild in Vietnam. The 2402 didn't last long as the hydraulics failed 90 minutes into each job. Mechanics couldn't sort the problem after numerous visits so I opted for the 24DT as a replacement. This model was an improvement with shuttle shift being a big plus. I use it mainly for slashing paddocks for fire prevention and the bucket and blade for road maintenance. It has proved reliable and up to the jobs I give it on a farm of this size. The main drama I had with this model was overheating when slashing. The tall fine husked grass I slashed clogged the small sieve screen behind the radiator quite quickly causing frequent stoppages to blow out the sieve, side covers and radiator. This task meant dropping the side bar of the FEL to allow the sieve to be completely removed. A down size of compact tractors I guess. I don't let the paddocks get so overgrown now that I am on top of it.

Pros: Reliable, maneuverable and versatile package for a farm of this size.
Cons: Inconvenience of compact design around the radiator screen.

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Expensive, Oil Leaking Toy
Model Year: 0

The person who designed the rear planetary drives, never owned one of these. No matter what we have done, those casings still leak. The front drive system is so complex that it is a lot of fun to replace bearings and seals in. And the oil levels are a pain to figure out.

Pros: Can't think of any.
Cons: Leaks oil everywhere, needs a real hyd. filter.

L245DT Performance & Reliability
Model Year: 1989

Since purchasing my Kubota L245DT, I have been impressed with the tractor's capability, reliability and economy. This machine, while limited in horse power, has consistently exceeded my expectations when it comes to getting the job done! The 4-speed transmission along with high-low range and shuttle-shift really make it easy to match the speed to the task. The 2 speed PTO also adds to this tractor's flexibility. In all weather seasons, it has performed the tasks it's been faced with without hesitation. Aside from the FEL (60" bucket), it's been augmented with a Kubota back hoe (8" & 12" buckets), 60" York rake, 60" back blade, 60" Earthcavator (roll-over box blade), Danuser post hole digger (8" & 12" augers) and a Bearcat 4" chipper. Depending on the season's tasks, either ag or turf tires are able to be installed. This tractor really sips diesel fuel too. It's been well-maintained with routine greasing as well as oil and filter changes. The battery lives on a "maintainer" when not in use. As a result, it has never failed to start in all weather conditions. Finally for night-use, I've installed a variety of LED lights to provide front-rear visibility.

Pros: Size and maneuverability, reliability, capability.
Cons: Cost of dealer-specific parts.

Toy
Model Year: 1978

I bought this as a toy, just to bush hog 2 acres and grade the driveway. The tractor sat a lot and needed a lot of TLC. Kubota parts are very expensive down this way. The only issue I have is the final drive cases leak. No matter what you do, they just leak. The rest of the tractor is fun and I love working on it. But I did buy a real Kubota manual and threw that IT manual away. It does what I need and I am in the process of repainting it now.

Pros: Fun to play with.
Cons: Parts cost.

Kubota
Model Year: 1975

Has been a great machine. Now it doesn't run and I'm perplexed.

Pros: Plenty of power.
Cons: Unstable with front bucket attached.

Mr. Kubota
Model Year: 1982

This was my second tractor I had a ford 801 gas burner before. Has been used for cutting, clearing, and home gardening. It has done an excellent jog for 15 years and has just been replaced by a L2900 which I haven't got to use but one time. The L245 was bought from me by a neighbor to use for mowing lawns and I will be using the l2900 to mow 7 acres and a garden. I also have a Kubota L345DT with forks for loading cars motors and hay that I am fixing up for a friend.

Pros: Very dependable, great 3 cyl motor, use very little fuel, still works good.
Cons: The loader on this was not a Kubota and has have had to make it stronger.

Bobs Toy
Model Year: 1979

Bought tractor 3 weeks ago. Unit came with Kubota FEL & 5' Brush Hog. It needs some maintenance, which will have to wait until weather breaks. Put new glow plug on; didn't help much. Ordered new glow plugs. I am going to change oil and fuel filters. I pulled air filter; it was full of dirt---replaced. Engine is dirty has fuel leak. Rear tires are worn.

Pros: I think it will do the job.
Cons: Needs maintenance.

Purchased from 2nd Owner
Model Year: 1985

I recently purchased this small tractor to help around the horse rescue farm where my wife boards her horse. Not having been on a tractor since I was about 14 and never having used one in the field I didn't know what to expect. It was advertised on Craigslist and had a brush hog with it. When talking with the owner I found that it also came with a box blade. This owner, not knowing it had glow plugs had it hooked up to a trickle charger. After getting it to the farm, I realized it did have glow plugs and the battery was in great condition. We now also have a donated hay pick. The 3pt hydraulic lift will easily move 900 pound round hay bales. It easily pulls the box blade and smooths a gravel drive. Pulling a 6 ft. brush hog for mowing is a piece of cake. Pulling a 5 ft. drag around a horse arena is like going for a Sunday drive. The only obvious problem was a transmission leak at the shifter boot. After much trial and tribulation I found the transmission was grossly overfilled, and the transmission vent under the seat had been sealed shut by mud daubers. Easily fixed by unscrewing it and cleaning the tube. I also drained 9 qts. of trans fluid and it is still overfilled. I was lucky to find this gem as it is one amazing little giant of a tractor. I would recommend it to anyone.

Pros: Convenient but powerful size for the jobs needing to be done. Diesel engine.
Cons: I would really like a front end loader but will probably never have one.

Kubota L245 DT
Model Year: 0

Older tractor but the 3cyl deisel is strong. Lots of leaks but it's an old unit. Well built tractor but because of age options are limited.

Pros: Well built.
Cons: Old late 70's. Parts availability.