My first modern tractor

[Slimson]

Hi,
Been lurking this site for awhile off and on.
Today I had my new Kubota L3200 delivered. Though I have owned a Farmall Cub that I restored over 10 years, this new tractor is my first experience with a modern tractor with 3 point hitch or front end loader.
So I am looking forward to learning all I can about the possibilities that are now available to me that have been lacking in my trusty old Cub.
I have an overgrown 5 acre pasture that has very little level ground that I will be making more useable.
My package included a Landpride 60" cutter and a 72" Landpride box blade.
My seat time so far has been limited today, but I took a pic of my son mowing some of the tall grass in my pasture and it's attached.

 

[Muhammad]

Welcome to TBN.

 

[USNative]

Welcome to TBN and that's a nice little Kubota you got there! :thumbsup:

 

[Fordman1981]

Congratulations on the new tractor I recently bought an L4400 I have no doubt that you will enjoy that tractor as much as we all enjoy ours

 

[Briana03]

Hello & WELCOME to TBN!

I moved your thread to the Kubota Owning/Operating Forum.

 

[Stubee]

Nice tractor, bet you will love it.

 

[Slimson]

Yes, I am loving it more and more as I get to use it.
So far have spent 4 hours of cutting with the 6' rear cutter and it works great. Too bad it gets dirty so easy- not all shiny anymore.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ieKq0-0hOiSElJDfLoMaXZossUk3OwdRUQNBA0JxJCU?feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PmZ51Lt52dT-Owf2eXvnzZossUk3OwdRUQNBA0JxJCU?feat=directlink

 

[TripleR]

Congratulations on your new tractor, nice little machine.:thumbsup:

My tractors haven't been shiny since the day I got them, sometimes just a little less dirty than others.

 

[5030]

+1 on that. Like Triple R, my tractors aren't shiny either. They are tools. Cars are for shiny.

I still have my '41 Farmall and I use it...... Even old tractors have uses.

 

[TripleR]

My brother still uses our old 55 Ford 600 bought new. Years ago we repainted it complete with lettering. The last time I was out there he had just shot the whole tractor with primer, easy to match.:laughing:

He is fixing up our old Massey Ferguson 375 to run as it has a FEL, but it has more rust than paint; still runs good and pulls strong.:thumbsup:

 

[Slimson]

I had planned on selling my '53 Farmall Cub when I got the new one, but I keep coming up with reasons/excuses to keep it. Maybe just for the contrast between old and new if nothing else.
Besides, it still works great for pushing dirt and gravel with the front blade. (Probably snow, too if we get any deep enough to push)
If it was a dog, I'd feel guilty for replacing it with the new pup.:laughing:

 

[easygo]

Congrats to the new tractor. I had to laugh when I saw the "dirty" picture, you are not keeping a garage queen there. :thumbsup:
That tall grass really does a number on the radiator. Be sure to clean it out good.

 

[638]

I would recommend mowing with the bucket closer to the ground. It lowers the center of gravity and is your first line of defense for objects hidden in the weeds.

 

[Grandad4]

+1 what easygo says. Same applies to the air filter. When you do a bunch of really dusty work like that (after all, that's what it's for, right?), make a mental note that an air filter replacement should be done at an upcoming service, if not sooner. These little Kubota diesels are known for their longevity, but ingesting grit will shorten the life of any engine.

 

[savageactor7]

Hey real nice machine.

We had an 'H' model before the Kubota...you're gonna love working with a 3PH.

You might want to lower the FEL to just above ground level or so. That way the bucket will find any stumps/rocks 1st.

Also over time the lower the bucket is the longer it'll take to round out the 'O' rings that work your bucket.

No big thing but something you'll want to know about.

 

[PapaPerk]

Nice machine! Kubota is king of compact tractors IMHO! Have fun! :thumbsup:

 

[Slimson]

Thanks for the tips, I think I had the bucket lower most of the time, but have some steep hills that interfere, so raised it -- will make a point of it after hearing the collective wisdom.
I cleaned the radiator screen 3 times during my mowing. Watching the temp gauge carefully.

 

[5030]

I had planned on selling my '53 Farmall Cub when I got the new one, but I keep coming up with reasons/excuses to keep it. Maybe just for the contrast between old and new if nothing else.
Besides, it still works great for pushing dirt and gravel with the front blade. (Probably snow, too if we get any deep enough to push)
If it was a dog, I'd feel guilty for replacing it with the new pup.:laughing:

The best reason for keeping it, is it's paid for.

+1 what easygo says. Same applies to the air filter. When you do a bunch of really dusty work like that (after all, that's what it's for, right?), make a mental note that an air filter replacement should be done at an upcoming service, if not sooner. These little Kubota diesels are known for their longevity, but ingesting grit will shorten the life of any engine.

Every Kubota that I've owned and it's been a few, 14 to be exact, have had cleanable air filters including my M9 and the 105. Dry pleated paper, Donaldson type outers and carbon type inners. All the outers are/were cleanable with low pressure air and washing multiple times before changing out. I clean mine every day when in the field.

 

[Slimson]

You guys are a wealth of information! Thanks, - I hadn't thought that the air cleaner might need to be blown out that often, will check it before I go out again.
I'm not quite sure what 'O' rings savageactor7 is referring to, and what rounding out means- inside the cylinder or the valve?