Three years ago, I paid $24,000 for a 2002-2003
L35 with 122 hours on it. It was in very good shape and looked like it had been kept inside for all but maybe one year. It was not a rental unit. Prior to purchase, I had looked for a long, long time before I found one in that shape.
Like a previous reply said, the
L35 is a little bear. It's a real loader/backhoe and not a tractor with an add-on loader and 3 point hitch backhoe. Look at the frame under the
L35 and compare that to another brand or even another Kubota that is not a designated TLB. Hmm, the others' don't have a designated frame. Also take a look at the loader and hoe buckets and compare, they're heavy duty. She's not at all fancy but she's put together like few others.
With that said, it's designed as a backhoe and not a tractor. It will work as a tractor but may not pull or function like a designated tractor. Auxilary rear hydraulics are not standard but can be added. If the unit has these, that's a big plus.
Another place to look is the tires. Are they in good shape, foam filled or loaded? Many renters foam fill the tires to prevent flats. I believe this costs about $500 to $800 and adds both weight and traction. However, there can be a down-side to foamed tires. The tires no longer have their bounce and cushion. This can subject the unit too addition stress.
Ask if you can take the operators manual when you rent it. Take the time to read it and check to see eveything works. Manuals came with it and will cost extra on ebay,etc. Like someone else mentioned, make sure the 4 wheel drive and rear differnential lock work. The rear differential lock must be engaged and work before the tractor is in 4wheel drive. I'd also ensure the POT works.
You may also want to consider asking to talk with the guy that services the eguipment. Ask what type of oil and hydraulic fluid they use and ask if you can see the service records. Check out some threads on the Kubota Forum in this site related to problems related to generic fluids vs oem fluids. Take a look at the oil and hydraulic filters before they service it. Many renters write the date and hours on the filters at each fluid change. This will give you an idea of how often the fluids are changed.
If the battery is down, it's shot. I'm not sure of the cranking amps required but I'd bet an oem or equal replacement is somewhat expensive. Make sure the glow plug light comes on when you turn the key to on and it goes back out after about 30 seconds.
If you're a equipment mechanic that's a big plus. If your not and have a friend that is, ask him to take a look at it. If you rent it on a weekend and know of an equipment mechanic, see if you might be able to hire him to come over and run it. Most mechanics I know would be willing to make a few extra bucks on the side. I know from experience, your mechanics review can be the cheapest and best investment you can make. She's probably being sold as is so check it out as best you can. Quality rental outfits are usually honest. With that said, you're buying an older unit and repair costs will scare the **** out of you!
