Kubota L2850 4.70 star(s) (7)

Great Tractor
Model Year: 1989

I upgraded from a smaller Ford 18 HP tractor to this one for blowing snow and ground work with the bucket and rear blade. To date, it has been flawless and has exceeded my expectations. Only thing I wish I had was a cab for it as the winters do get cold. Starts like a dream at -40. Can't ask for more than that. Also amazing on fuel.

Pros: Starting in cold weather and have only had to replace 1 rear tire to date.
Cons: None.

L2850DT
Model Year: 1984

I purchased this tractor this summer mainly to bush hog about 5 acres at my mom's house and do some odd jobs (scraping / leveling / etc). Utility: It pulls a 5' bush hog (L&S Line) very well, even in the thick stuff. It does run toward the top of the temp gauge in the really thick stuff, but hasn't overheated. Engine/Transmission: Its very low hours for its age (had about 590 when I bought it; 620 now). It starts and runs flawlessly. It has 4-spd. column shift with shuttle shift and hi/low range---ll smooth as silk. Other: 4WD works well, and power steering is smooth (even in 4WD). Traction is great and rear diff lock works well. No leaks.

Pros: Build quality, strong engine, smooth drivetrain.
Cons: Steering rods in front of axle should be more protected.

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L2850 Kubota
Model Year: 1985

I got this tractor from my work payed $200 for it had been siting at the shop half disassembled for about 5 years. Know one wanted to spend the money for parts. Needed a new shift fork 3rd and 4th. I new it always ran good. In December I loaded it up on a trailer and brought it home. After going over it I found I could still use 1st and 2nd gears with out replacing the 3rd and 4th gear shift fork. So after wiring the broken shift fork in place, I started to put the old tractor back together. Change the oil flush out the cooling system hooked up all the wiring. Also had to repair the rear rim and get inner tube. Put diesel in the tank and took the battery out of my truck and after about 5 mins of cranking it over she came back to life. Ran as good as I remember. I may not have 3rd & 4th but I don't really need them. Altogether I have about $350 in the tractor; not bad.

Pros: Takes a beating and still keeps going.
Cons: The only thing I found with this tractor is the exhaust pipe is always throwing exhaust fumes back at my face.

So Far, So Good
Model Year: 1986

Purchased used. The previous owner of 10 years did not know a lot about tractors. He mostly used the bush hog to mow grass. It has turf tires. He did use the bush to clear some land. I have gone through the tractor in pretty good detail. It was neglected for a number of years. He did not perform any lubrication while he owned it, so the detail which follows may seem like a lot of problems, but many are minor. I am using it to clear land and it does more than I expected. The tires do skip on occasion. I will be changing to ag tires. The tractor is strong and built very well. It has a few electrical reliability problems due to design. There are some sensors on it which are broken/disconnected. They are the battery level, and air filter flow. Due to the expense, I do not plan on replacing them. The rear light wiring has been hacked up pretty well. The wires are not protected. Also, there are some cheesy flexible clamps located around different parts of the tractor, some are broken off. There were some other electrical issues I consider to be routine maintenance of an outdoor piece of heavy equipment. The key switch diesel fuel cutoff solenoid was fried, as was the timer relay. The starter fusible link/connector had corrosion, causing starting problems. The battery was 8 years old and Auto Zone's checker said it was dead. The PTO clutch needs some work, the 3PH hydraulic cylinder speed knob is frozen, the driver's seat support pins are worn making the seat wiggle a bit. These are the only mechanical issues I have found. For a tractor which is over 25 years old, it is strong and has no engine, transmission, or hydraulic system leaks. Pretty good having been neglected. I bought it for $4,500, it came with a dual axle trailer, 4 ft. bush hog and 4 ft. box blade. I am pleased so far.

Pros: Strong mechanically.
Cons: Some electric reliability issues due to design.

Tractor to Do Anything With
Model Year: 1986

My Kubota is 4x4 with a front end loader. I have used it to a 5ft & 6ft Bush Hog plus post hole, sub-soiler, MF 72" disk, 2-16" bottom turning plow, roto-tiller, 72" Finish mower,of course I have used the front bucket for bunches of things. The tractor has lived up to everything I have asked it too do.

Pros: Everything.
Cons: Nothing.

Kubota L2850
Model Year: 2006

Fine little tractor for how I use it - rotary mower, tiller. And I mow some tough stuff, which is why this tractor has one major drawback. The leading edge on this tractor is the tie rods. You want to push over a sapling and mow it, your tie rods are going to be what pushes anything that you're mowing. This is not good. I have had to replace one tie rod. Since then I had a bumper made for the tractor. Doesn't seem like I should have to make a bumper to use my tractor for mowing. Other than that, this is one fine tractor.

Pros: Always starts, runs great, easy to clean.
Cons: Leading edge is the tie rods.

Pretty good tractor
Model Year: 1987

We've used this tractor for work that bigger tractors would have problems with. Its also great on fuel. Currently, we looking at replacing the clutch (its very worn) and maybe the (external) hydraulic pump.

Pros: Very powerful, lots of reserver power, very reliable
Cons: No cab. 3 pt hitch is a pain to work with.