Greetings, looking at a Kubota L3400d

[novasbc]

Went ahead and moved the discussion of repairing the clutch to the appropriate forum.

The more I think about it, the less I am wanting to mess with this tractor. I already received a response along those lines in the repair forum as well.

I suppose I need to figure a better way to widen my search. Generally, I have been watching Craigslist, but finding the pricing there to be a lot higher than the tractor I've been looking at currently. Repair shops around here seem to rarely have one in this size, or just a bit bigger, they always seem to have giant John Deer's for sale. I'm looking to be able to easily put this on my 16' trailer.

 

[bspeedy]

Sometimes we may need to pay a little more to get a better machine. Buy once, cry once as they say.

Some points to consider when trying to get a good deal on a tractor:
1. Have the cash ready. In the safe at home or whatever.
2. Along with #1 - be ready to contact the seller and go see the tractor immediately with a trailer and cash. Don't miss the deal.
3. Don't be afraid to make an offer. Look for ads on CL that are a month old or more. Make an offer a few grand under their price. Just might get lucky.

Good luck.

 

[novasbc]

Went ahead and cancelled this deal. Lots of good advice to avoid this tractor.

 

[novasbc]

I was in town last weekend for Easter. I was talking to an extended family member who is a long time mechanic at a Kubota dealership.

I mentioned the problems and he concurred that the clutches likely needed to be replaced, and since the previous owner didn't use the PTO, that clutch is likely rusted on.

It was his assertion that the repair would be well in my capabilities. I decided on a dollar amount that I felt was more realistic given the issues, and how they restrict the sellers' pool of potential buyers. I also had in mind what I would be spending on another machine, used or new.

He ended up accepting, so I took my trailer down and picked it up.

At this point, I feel that it was acceptable risk, and I put it truth its paces, with loader and shredder work, and performed well.

I appreciate all the knowledge and opinions on the several related threads I opened, as I realized that if I went new, I really would want a bigger tractor. Buying one used needing some work let's me get my current needs five, and get a better feel first hand for what I might eventually upgrade to.

Mark.

 

[bspeedy]

Quite a turn of events. I hope that you are able to get it working 100% soon for low cost and low hassle.

Happy tractoring.

 

[teg]

....I put it through its paces, with loader and shredder work, and performed well...

You mentioned Shredder work, so is the PTO already fixed?? Nice to have a Kubota Mechanic in the family!!!!

 

[novasbc]

Quite a turn of events. I hope that you are able to get it working 100% soon for low cost and low hassle.

Happy tractoring.

I hope so as well. At least at this point I can say I went into it with open eyes. I recognize the gamble I have entered into. I know the cost of some of these repairs if I do it at a shop, and I know approximate costs for parts by doing it myself.

I believe that by doing it myself, and a few other repairs, I'll have a unit that I could turn around for more than I paid, and get use out of it in the meantime. And if I am mistaken, at least I reduced my liability through research and additional scrutiny of the machine, getting a lower price.

You mentioned Shredder work, so is the PTO already fixed?? Nice to have a Kubota Mechanic in the family!!!!

I was able to get it to start with the PTO engaged. It pulled strong with a medium duty 6' shredder.

I may wait a bit to work on the clutch and see if the theory about the rusted clutch has any merit, and I can get it to free up. I'm am still undecided on that topic.

Mark.

 

[teg]

...and I can get it to free up...

Aim for a couple 2" trees to cut down!

 

[bspeedy]

Half the battle in fixing something is to not be intimidated by the task. Sounds like you are already there, so good for you.

I agree with your assessment - as long as you bought it right, you should be able to fix and make money or sell for what you have in it.

The L3400 is a simple machine and should have a bullet proof engine. They sell for good money in good shape. You should be fine.

Like you say, perhaps running it a while will improve the situation with the clutch. Machines want to work. If this tractor has been sitting, you will do it good by running it.