Loader for L305DT?

[jjdlc]

Hello, I've been reading these forums for a while, but this is my first time posting. Hopefully someone can give me some information.

I've been looking for a compact tractor for a while, and this weekend I got what I think was a pretty good deal. I found an 82 Kubota L305DT 4WD with only 245 original hours on it at an auction, and was able to get it for $3750. It's been sitting outside not being used for the past 3 years, so it needs a little WD40 in places, and probably a paint job, but otherwise it is in excellent shape, the motor is barely even dirty!

Anyway, as for the subject of my post, I now need a loader to fit this tractor, and was hoping someone would be able to give me some direction as to someone who makes one that fits without too much special fabrication. I did some research, and it looks like a Kubota 1720 would have been what was originally sold for it, but it may be hard for me to find one of those. I'd prefer to find a good used loader to keep the price down, but might consider new if I can get a good enough deal. Many thanks in advance for any information.

JJ

 

[rbargeron]

Welcome to TBN - finding a loader for the L305 will take a bit of luck. The 1720 is the right loader for it. These Kubota models (L305, L345, L355) did not have huge mid-section strength so the 1720 had stiff side frames running full-length with three cross-members, reinforcing the tractor to handle the loader. It was available with an external hydraulic system with front pump - or would run off the tractor's internal hydraulics (slower). A drawback of the 1720 is it is not designed to be removable like today's units. A removable loader was made by Du-Al now Woods Equipment Maybe the factory could still adapt something. I'd be wary of a loader frame that attaches only in the rear and middle. Good luck.

 

[jjdlc]

Alright, thanks for the info, I'll try to do some research and find loaders that mount like that. In the mean time, I'll have to do some calling around to some tractor salvage yards and see if I can get lucky on a 1720.

JJ

 

[rbargeron]

Another possibility - some of these older models get rusty sheet metal and look pretty ugly - they are starting to show up on craigslist & ebay for short money. Maybe you could find a complete unit and get your loader that way - all the little bits and pieces would be there, and you'd have a leftover bare tractor to sell or restore. If your wife is like mine she won't mind a yard full of Kubotas - as long as you say some of them are for sale .

 

[jjdlc]

Yeah, I doubt she would like that, took me a while to find a tractor she'd let me buy in the first place.

Looks like Bush hog has one that might work. The 2045 mid-mount, from what I can tell it looks like it has a frame that runs the full length of the tractor. Their other "front push" models only attach at front end and mid point. I'll swing by the local dealer and take a look at them in a few days.