Kubota Newbie! L245DT/1200 FEL

[dook]

Could you not buy a new style bucket for your loader or move the mounts on your old one?

I don't know it the geometry and stops on a new style bucket would solve the problem. I think the new buckets are longer and the pivot points on the lift arms are closer to the tractor on newer ones.

I thought about cutting and re-welding the bucket to increase load curl, which would probably decrease curl in the dump position, but now I'm thinking of selling this tractor instead and buying a non-ag construction loader like a Cat or Case at an auction.

I'm really dissapointed in this Kubota. It's topheavy, light built and the way they cheat on horsepower ratings by turning the RPM to double what diesel RPM's should be really irks me. Diesel engine manufacturers should rate their horsepower on 2100 RPM.

 

[bp fick]

This does not appear to me to be the original bucket designed to go with those arms. My arms are similar but I have at least 2x as much tip back as you do. I am not home right now and neither is my tractor, I will see if I have any suitable pictures to post to display what I mean.

I concur. There's something "off" about that loader. On both of my Kubotas, the bucket achieves virtually level curl. Hmmmmm.... Something doesn't add up and I doubt it is the original build.

As for the whole RPM thing, yup. That's the way these Kubotas are rated. They spin pretty fast. However, it is typical of most of the smaller CUTS and most tractors of this class. It's not unique to Kubota.

As for weight, Kubota isn't typically a particularly heavy tractor in this class.

 

[dook]

I concur. There's something "off" about that loader. On both of my Kubotas, the bucket achieves virtually level curl. Hmmmmm.... Something doesn't add up and I doubt it is the original build.

Are your Kubotas older ones? Mine's 3 decades old and I imagine they made some improvements in the area of geometry. Mine does not look homemade or retrofitted.

As for weight, Kubota isn't typically a particularly heavy tractor in this class.

I don't mind the weight, just the fact that it's topheavy. My land is steep terrain and this limits what I can do with the loader. I know some people offset the wheels for stability, but the rear reductions don't look very stout to handle the extra stress, they're made out of stamped sheet metal. The front axle, although it seems to be in good shape, is not known to be extra strong from what I've read around here.

Because of the steep terrain, I need 4x4 all the time for braking as well as traction. I have read that the 4x4 is not designed for continuous use.

 

[bp fick]

Yes, your loader and the tractor you have it on is quite a bit older machine. Late 70's, I reckon? :laughing::laughing:

Yeah, before my time, that is, before my time in terms of familiarity with Kubota. It could well be that what you have is what you get.

No doubt, if you're a horse trader like me, you'll do fine on re-selling it.
Best regards,

 

[dook]

Yes, your loader and the tractor you have it on is quite a bit older machine. Late 70's, I reckon? :laughing::laughing:

Don't laugh bp fick, the tractor is a spring chicken compared to it's owner.

 

[Adiredneck]

Are your Kubotas older ones? Mine's 3 decades old and I imagine they made some improvements in the area of geometry. Mine does not look homemade or retrofitted. I don't mind the weight, just the fact that it's topheavy. My land is steep terrain and this limits what I can do with the loader. I know some people offset the wheels for stability, but the rear reductions don't look very stout to handle the extra stress, they're made out of stamped sheet metal. The front axle, although it seems to be in good shape, is not known to be extra strong from what I've read around here.

Because of the steep terrain, I need 4x4 all the time for braking as well as traction. I have read that the 4x4 is not designed for continuous use.

I'm in the same boat with some nasty terrain & a light tractor. This ballast box doubled my traction & stability (also setting the wheels out to max). I have not weighed the weights individually, but if I were to guess, I'd say 150-200 lbs each. I'd estimate the bracket to be around 100 by itself. You'll see a world of difference with 1000# on the back.