Kubota L3400D PTO clutch replacement

novasbc · Apr 11, 2017

I'm looking at an L3400D. Before I purchased it, I discovered that the PTO wouldn't engage when we actually hooked it up to a load.

The seller (a farm parts place, does repairs, etc) offered to either drop the price by $500, or split the cost of the repair, and honor the original price.

I'm less inclined to split the cost of him repairing it, because it's far out of town if there continue to be issues, and also, I'm not sure if they will do everything that should be done while it's split open.

It seems to me, that while it's open, I should consider not only replacing the PTO clutch, but likely the drive clutch. In addition, I should replace anything else serviceable (seals, other things?).

From what I can see of online pricing, each clutch is a bit over $300. For the $500 he discounts the price of the tractor, if I'm willing to put in the labor, I should be able to ensure it will be in good shape to go for many hours to go.

I'm no stranger to automotive repairs, have pulled my share of engine/transmissions, rebuilt engines, rear ends, welding, etc.

It seems like splitting the tractor isn't rocket science, and perhaps I can order a service manual ahead of time to study. Are there many specialty tools required to perform these operations?

It looks like I may be able to order clutch kits with most of the wear parts on Ebay for reasonable pricing compared to the dealer, but I'll need to some research to ensure I'm getting the right parts.

Thanks!

Mark.

bspeedy · Apr 11, 2017

I read your other thread. If it were me, I would pass on this tractor. Makes me wonder what else is wrong.

Lots of machines out there.

novasbc · Apr 11, 2017

bspeedy said:
I read your other thread. If it were me, I would pass on this tractor. Makes me wonder what else is wrong.

Lots of machines out there.

This is what I have begun leaning toward, after putting in additional costs into the equation, of what else could be wrong, lying under the surface, of a higher hour tractor.

The only problem I've had is actually finding other machines. Most of the shops I come to visit in the Waco/Austin/San Antonio areas are all interested in selling me plenty of new tractors, which seem to be at $20k plus.

In terms of used, I rarely seem to come across something in this size, and the one or two times I have, it's been $13k+.

Thanks!

bspeedy · Apr 12, 2017

I just looked at your local Waco craigslist. Prices are higher than in my area. Perhaps another city within a 4-hour drive will provide better results. Since you have a trailer, it might be worth it. Get lots of pics and take a chance on a long ride to save some big dollars.

bspeedy · Apr 12, 2017

Check out Dallas CL. Just looked and their prices are more in line. Saw a Case 35 hp 4wd with loader for around 12. You will have a hard time finding a good machine under 10 grand. It's possible, but it is more likely that there will be work to do on the machine before the machine will work for you.

bspeedy · Apr 12, 2017

Sorry for so many posts, but something about the seller of that L3400 just rubs me wrong.

The seller is a 'farm parts place - does repairs, etc.' according to your first post in this thread. And they waited for YOU to find something wrong with the tractor before agreeing to SPLIT THE COSTS of repairs????!!! Why would you split the costs on a repair to THEIR JUNKY TRACTOR???!!! They are professionals and likely knew that the machine is sub-par.

That's dishonest and unacceptable. I would not give them 50 cents for a can of soda. Run, don't walk.