Looking at a preowned Kubota L2800

[bspeedy]

I've had a L3400, which is very similar to the smaller engined L2800 for several years. If you buy it, I think I would do a complete filter/fluid change, just so you are off to the clean start. Use Kubota's Super Udt 2, Kubota filters, etc. The clutch should be in when you pull up or push down on the FWD handle. Leaving it in FWD will rob a bit of power and add a bit of wear and tear, but in 200 hours, unless he was roading it most of the time, it should not be a factor. I used one spray can of truck bed liner on my floor boards, and it has held up perfectly, I think. If there are any wear spots, I haven't noticed them. I wiped it down with acetone after sanding any rusted areas and masking off the holes, etc. The advice on the sight glass and leaky suction hose is right on. If you don't get manuals with it, download or otherwise get your hands on them. Very useful. (the sight glass is visible in the center photo, FWIW.)

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That looks great. An improvement for sure.

 

[k0ua]

The asking price was $12,500. The tractor was a mess, which waved some red flags. I liked the size and will be looking for another L2800.

Was there a "deluxe model made in this size L series? If I am correct, the Grand L's are a larger tractor?

Yes, that is correct the Grand L's are a heavier tractor. More features, and more weight. A 3240 would be a very comparable size, from that time period, but it has more metal in it. Almost a 1000 lbs more. It has greater lift capabilities on each end. The wheelbase is about 8 inches longer.

 

[ovrszd]

And if you move into a Grand L series with HST consider a HP increase. HST takes a lot of power. My Brother had a Grand L 3240 with HST. All it did was aggravate me.

 

[jeff9366]

The L3560 is 3,500 pounds, bare tractor. Not much physically larger than a 2,500 pound L2800 but 1,000 pound heavier chassis. Much more spacious operating station with a flat floor.

The other Grand L's are 4,000 pounds, bare tractor. 'MX' series are same chassis, with same engine block, but stripped for a highly competitive price.

The Grand Ls are well worth the price asked. "The only way you'll be happy on a base model is keeping your butt out of the ((~~air ride, swiveling~~ )) seat on a Grand L."

 

[4570Man]

I have a L3240 and my grandpa has a L3800. The L3240 is a MUCH better tractor. It'll pull more, lift more push harder, and is all around more pleasant to use. My transmission is also much better. They're both HST. Mine operates nearly silent and his produces an annoying squeal constantly. The L3800 would win an uphill race and that's pretty much all it would do better. My tractor could use a few more ( or like 20 ) hp, but I can still put 100% of the available traction to the ground in LL. The 3ph is another significant improvement on the Grand. They only way you'll ever be happy on a base model is keeping you butt out of the seat on a Grand.

 

[nybirdman]

I have owned two Grand L's;my son has a L3000DT and my BIL a L3300.The smaller Grand L's are not that much bigger than the standard L's.You start to get a frame size jump above 35 HP.You may want to look for a GL3130 or GL3240 or GL3540.I had a GL3130 and it was a very capable tractor;only traded it to get a cab.

 

[bspeedy]

Go Grand if you can. At least test one out to see what you're missing.

 

[varmint]

Having had a Grand L (L3130) older model, before they started really adding some great, useful features, I can say that it was indeed a nice machine, albeit too large and heavy for our needs. Like others have written, be sure to check one out before you "settle" for a regular L. You might decide to find some extra money. After all, what is money for if not to bring a smile to your face every now and then- like when you use your "new" tractor...?

I just use ours for hauling firewood, plowing snow (none this year- not even to shovel!) and the occasional chore, so I don't spend that many hours on the tractor per year, and instead spent some money on a used Miata, which gets more hours. Can't have everything- or so I am told by my wife.