Kubota 500 track record

[mrjohnnysue]

Got my eyes on what looks like a pretty decent deal on a Kubota 500....lot's of talk on this board about buying this model but wondering about the reliability of them over time...(# of hrs vs. service and or breakdown episodes)

if you have one of these or have real knowledge of one over time.....I would sure appreciate your help here........I can't afford to buy but one and I really like this one.........low hours and some added options ......

I'll be pulling some pretty steep hills with it but good (dirt) roads and not getting it for a workhorse type vehicle.....checking on cows and hauling a chainsaw and some basic fence mending tools and supplies...also thought the hydro trans would be a good thing for the wife and granddaughters coming down these hills...

many thanks for any help here....
MJS

 

[timswi]

Had my 500 for almost 2 years and never had a mechanical failure. Only traded it in for HVAC in the 1100.

If you're using it for general puttering around it's a great machine. Not fast though...25MPH max.

It has plenty of power for general use. Some steep up hills require low range, but that's generally not a big deal.

Maintenance is very user friendly.

When they first came out the servo and max RPMS weren't se right at the factory which caused an underpower condition. Fixed that myself on mine, but from everything I've heard that issue is long resolved.

The engine braking is a nice feature as well.

Wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

 

[wamendt]

I've got a 500 and a 900, and steep hills do bog down the little guy, so shifting into low is necessary at times. It'll climb stuff my 4wd Dodge Ram just spins the tires on and I did use the winch to pull my 900 outta the mud....on a pond bank we just excavated. Oh yeah, it was raining a little too...so, with a great deal of effort combined with a fair amount of stoopid you can get 'em stuck. The 500 is referred to by my wife as "Hers" and she seems to have no issues with it. Pulling and skidding brush and small(4-5") trees has saved the new paint job on my truck and my farmhand doesn't feel the need to drive into stuff like he did with the pickup. Also, there is a fair amount of aftermarket stuff available, unlike the Cub. Kubota brand stuff is outta site pricewise too. Like a windshield will set you back $750 or so from the dealer. My guy doesn't bother with it and installs aftermarket stuff for half the price.