Kubota L1501 DT purchase

[Motard]

I’m about to buy this tractor and four implements. Going to make sure it isn’t locked up. A suspicious rope tied to the steering wheel as if it was pulled to its resting place. What’s everyone thoughts on this? Anything I should look for? I may hook it to the truck battery.
I love the Japanese quality machines.
I’m paying 2400 for the tractor implements and a shed full of tools, blower and weed eater and mower. Lots of other goodies.

 

[rScotty]

I figure you must be a pretty good tractor mechanic or you'd be running the other way.
So you tell us... what are you going to check for on that tractor before buying it and what do you expect?

I'm thinking that L1501 Kubota is a "gray market" model - the local Kubota shop is not going to be a source for parts & manuals.

However, mechanical guys do fix up old tractors everyday and use them successfully.

 

[Motard]

I figure you must be a pretty good tractor mechanic or you'd be running the other way.
So you tell us... what are you going to check for on that tractor before buying it and what do you expect?

I'm thinking that L1501 Kubota is a "gray market" model - the local Kubota shop is not going to be a source for parts & manuals.

However, mechanical guys do fix up old tractors everyday and use them successfully.

Not by choice but by necessity I guess. Yeah, I’m not afraid of a challenge. I was just throwing that out there in case anyone had any amazing tips or info about these tractors. I don’t expect it to be easy. But compared to my 5500, should be a cake walk.
I plan on turning the flywheel to check the engine, but even if it is locked up, I’m still getting it. The engine is tiny. Seems like a nice little machine.

 

[HamishMacCheap]

Hopefully, the engine is not locked up because if it is, it is unlikely a replacement will be easily found. I also believe it is a gray market tractor and if so, parting it out to regain you investment may not be easily done because there might not be much demand for those parts. Parts availability would be a concern for me and finding an operators manual and/or a service manual written in English might be like chasing a unicorn.

Then again, if you want a project for the coming winter...

 

[rScotty]

Not by choice but by necessity I guess. Yeah, I’m not afraid of a challenge. I was just throwing that out there in case anyone had any amazing tips or info about these tractors. I don’t expect it to be easy. But compared to my 5500, should be a cake walk.
I plan on turning the flywheel to check the engine, but even if it is locked up, I’m still getting it. The engine is tiny. Seems like a nice little machine.

Good. As long as you are a mechanical guy, why not? You know the gambles. And I gotta say I miss not having a small compact tractor around the place for chores.

Parts wise, the Kubota will be a treat. Maybe you won't need any. And unlike the Ford 5500, that Kubota has parts that you don't need another tractor just to lift.

Keep us posted on progress.
rScotty

 

[RjCorazza]

According to another poster here on TBN, the L1501 is the gray market version of the L185. I would imagine some parts would still be available through Kubota, and the Workshop manual is available on Kubotabooks.com.

 

[Motard]

Got the tractor home. Engine turns by hand. Everything seems in okay shape. I can tell that I need to go though and clean up the grounds. For some reason there’s 1/4-20 threaded rod in place of the fuses.
Trying to pop the starter and realized the solenoid and starter already have power with the key on. I bet that was the cause of parking the tractor. I’ll dive into that more tomorrow and check the start switch.
Pulled the starter and solenoid apart and cleaned contacts and got both operating normally. Thank goodness for the iPhone being able to translate Japanese from a picture.
Does anyone know if loaders are available for this model or an l185?

 

[Carl_NH]

Restored a L175 DT with a BH and Loader in 1997 - the loader hydraulic was run from a front pump on the engine. Removed the loader and BH and got them sandblasted and painted, then replaced all the hydraulic lines etc. Rims were rusted from calcium in tires had to weld rims. was a 6 month project but bought it for $4500 and sold it for $10K - didnt make anything but was a fun project.

I'd say find a donor machine with a loader L175 or L185 or you can buy a westebdorf that fits - but probably big $3-5K TA-55 Westendorf Loader | Tractor Attachments | Westendorf

 

[Motard]

Got the tractor running. I already love this little machine. Lots of power for its size. 4wd is strong.
I pulled the injectors and injection pump cleaned all the gunk off. Removed and cleaned manifolds. Bled fuel system and got fuel back to the cylinders and she fired right up.
The three point is operated by a dial and toggle switch on the panel. Not sure if the other dials are for downward 3pt pressure or what. Maybe has to do with pto speeds. Also has 4 speed pto.
Straightened out the hood a bit. Still needs more work. New headlights on the way.