Kind of Disgusted with Kubota

[Anonymous Poster]

I bought a L305DT new in 1983. Less than 20 years later (and I don't consider that old for a tractor), I'm finding out that Kubota has discontinued making, at least, some of the parts for my tractor. What good is any piece of equipment if you can't get replacement parts.

I was told by the dealer that a steering control arm was no longer available, so I ordered an extra tie rod end for $70 (yeah, pretty pricy!).
Well this past weekend I cut off the old one and proceeded to weld the new one onto the end of the 1" control arm. To my surprise, there must have been either plastic of nylon around the ball joint, and, of course, it flowed out of the joint as a result of the intense heat. Guess that's how they construct those "permanently lubricated" parts these days. Well needless to say, I'm not happy with the outcome or Kubota!

 

[Kelvin]

I have an older Kubota B7100 (older than 1983) that I have rebuilt the engine and replaced many other parts on the tractor and mower. I'll agree that most of the parts are pricey (which is why I didn't buy more parts), but my experience has been that every part that I asked about has been available.

It may be worth checking another dealer. A year or so ago I think I remember another TBN member complaining about a certain part not being available that I had just ordered from my dealer.

Kelvin

 

[dgood1]

John,

While you were welding did you put fabric around the ball joint and keep it soaked with water? I think that might have saved the joint for you.

Don

 

[treeboone]

About 5 years ago I was in a auto parts supply and read a paper while waiting, as I recall it said if you bought a (Brand XYZ) off the car lot it would cost (example) 23,000 bucks. IF you were to buy all the parts, one piece at a time, for that same vehicle it would cost about 60,000 bucks.
Just be glad you can find any parts at all after 10 years.

 

[cp1969]

That is a bummer, as a friend told me that parts are widely available for all the old '40s and '50s Farmalls, John Deeres, Masseys, Minneapolis-Molines, Cases, even Olivers.

Doesn't give me a warm feeling about having bought a Kubota.