How to restore a neglected M6800 Kubota back to "WOW".

[hutchman]

This is post one of three.

Here's how I restore a neglected tractor, or piece of equipment back to impressive condition and with a minimum of effort and while maintaining it's originality and manufacturer integrity. It's easy-peasy. First, you change as little as possible and only clean, repair, detail or improve what is already there. No customization or add-ons or do-dah stuff or anything like that. The goal is to make it look like it did when it left the factory and now has reasonable wear and tear on it.

Below is a photo of an M6800 Kubota I recently bought an auction. It sat outside for 14 years (!)--ugh--but only had 400 hours on it. It had a big plus of hydraulic shuttle shift, draft control, adjustable link ends, deluxe seat, loader and rear weights. Most important, it was owned by a meticulous 95 year old guy that changed the fluids and maintained it while only mowing grass with it. Best of all, he drilled no holes, added no whip aerials or fog horns or crap that would be hard to repair. Plus, he had the insight to at least tarp the seat. This is my kind of raw material and I bought it. I've wanted an M6800 for years.


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Here it is. Pretty sad and some buyers were scared off by it's apparent condition. I did my research first.

After getting it home, I assessed things and decided the tires were nice enough that I could buy new tires and swap the old ones for a partial credit to the tire shop. This works great for me and the net cost is then bearable plus I upgrade to a better tire. First I pressure washed and scrubbed everything squeaky clean. It actually shined up a lot. Then I took off the loader, blocked up the tractor in the barn, took the tires off and anything else that looked shaky. Oh, the rear tires were loaded so you can imagine that effort. The wife "helped".




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I wire brushed a little and Windex/paper toweled the smooth surfaces of the front axle and removed any bolts or parts that were plated or needed more attention. Just detailing. Then I rattle can sprayed (OEM ONLY) the front axle and related parts and put it back together. It doesn't have to be perfect but NO OVERSPRAY EVER!





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I ordered a set of Firestone SAT II 23 degree long bar/long bar tires because they are durable, quality and work great in dirt. Plus they look nice. I had the shop dismantle the tires so I could separate the wheels from the centers and paint things correctly (OEM ONLY). No paint on the bolts, because that would look obvious, I just sprayed those with oil. Most anything not painted gets sprayed with oil to stop rust and create a patina as things age. My stuff stays out of the weather.




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Then on to the back axle. I disassembled many parts and rattle can (OEM ONLY) sprayed them separately--just like the factory. ZERO overspray is allowed and detail must be perfect. Mask with blue painter's tape. No bolts were sprayed unless they came that way from the factory. The other bolts might have had the threads chased and then sprayed with oil from a can with a straw tip. Works great with the straw.




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Then I started to assemble the basics. It may look nice from 20' but it's not.



But wait; there's more plus it's on to the loader in the next post. I'll post those pics in a couple minutes. Stay tuned.

Excellent! Next time you go to auction, can you find me one?

 

[sixdogs]

Excellent! Next time you go to auction, can you find me one?

If you ever see an M6800, M8000 or even an M9000 at an auction, go and try to buy it. They are great tractors that have a nearly cult following. All the features, draft control, deluxe seat, wet brakes and often hydraulic shuttle shift. It's a sweet package.

 

[hutchman]

Coming back from Iraq in 2003, stopped in Bangor, 2 a.m., the local VFW chapter was there to greet us. Dozen or so, 60 plus veterans and their wives. Wonderful hour layover visiting with those people. As a First Sergeant stopping there with 120 Soldiers I was extremely moved. I'll never forget those people. My young Soldiers were overwhelmed. Those people treated them as their own children/grandchildren.

Same here ... Bangor was first stop in US for us too. They have quite the reception.

 

[ovrszd]

Same here ... Bangor was first stop in US for us too. They have quite the reception.

Thank you for your service!!! And thanks to those people for their service!!!

 

[ArtMech]

If you ever see an M6800, M8000 or even an M9000 at an auction, go and try to buy it. They are great tractors that have a nearly cult following. All the features, draft control, deluxe seat, wet brakes and often hydraulic shuttle shift. It's a sweet package.

You probably meant M8200.
And you're right about those Ms. I've passed your way of restoring my M9000 too. This is why I'm looking at your pics of repainted parts and they sweetly remind me all I have done some 6 years ago. If mechanical part (engine, transmission, hydraulics ...) of these tractors is in good condition, their exterior deserves to look shiny as well.

 

[sixdogs]

You probably meant M8200.
And you're right about those Ms. I've passed your way of restoring my M9000 too. This is why I'm looking at your pics of repainted parts and they sweetly remind me all I have done some 6 years ago. If mechanical part (engine, transmission, hydraulics ...) of these tractors is in good condition, their exterior deserves to look shiny as well.

Yes, I meant M8200. All three are winners and really no different than the current M7040/M7060 and models above. The M9000 is a wonderful tractor that has lots of power and is not bad on fuel. How did you find one in Lithuania? Are they common there?

 

[ovrszd]

Yes, I meant M8200. All three are winners and really no different than the current M7040/M7060 and models above. The M9000 is a wonderful tractor that has lots of power and is not bad on fuel. How did you find one in Lithuania? Are they common there?

I was curious about that as well.

 

[ArtMech]

I've imported it from Longview, TX in 2009 (remember - economic crisis?). Still do not regret.
In Europe these tractors were called ME9000, ME8200, ME6800...

 

[sixdogs]

I've imported it from Longview, TX in 2009 (remember - economic crisis?). Still do not regret.
In Europe these tractors were called ME9000, ME8200, ME6800...

Smart move and clear thinking.

 

[ovrszd]

I've imported it from Longview, TX in 2009 (remember - economic crisis?). Still do not regret.
In Europe these tractors were called ME9000, ME8200, ME6800...

I now remember reading that Kubota had focused on the European market several years ago.

Would it be so logical that the "E" in those numbers designated European models that might have different equipment or accessories??