New owner of an old L305, with questions of course.

[rbargeron]

IMHO the L295,L305 L345 and L355 showed the well-above-average build quality that earned Kubota its reputation. Even at more than 30 years old, they often sell for almost the same dollars they sold for new. I think you got a nice deal. Regarding transmission oil, general purpose tractor hydraulic fluid from Agway or WalMart are fine. (don't use 80w - much too heavy for the hydraulics) The best manual I've ever found for these models is the original Kubota illustrated parts list. It has nice drawings of every inch of the machine - makes working on it easy. Welcome to the club and good luck with it. Dick B

 

[Schneeky]

Now THAT'S a nice lookin example of an old L.:thumbsup:
Hadn't thought about using a parts list in this application. Don't know why, I use'em on boat motors. :duh:
Thanks for the heads up on the fluid. It's tough tellin the actual level of it with the dipstick cause it's just way clear.
The prices I was seeing on other tractors when doing my research led to a quick decision on this one when I tripped over it at the dealer. And the 30 day trade back was also key. But I don't think this l'il bugger is goin anywhere for a while. d:^) Schneeks..

 

[rbargeron]

Clear transmission fluid can be a good sign (provided it's not water). Kubota's UDT and SUDT are very light colored.

Sometime in the future if you are looking to add a loader, the original one for the L305/L345/L355 was the 1720 - which I've always thought was a bit too big for it. More on this subject here. Finding a different one like I did was a long shot, but there are some non-kubota loaders out there better size-matched to the L305. The trick will be getting its attachment points adapted. In other news there's a 305 parts list here at the moment.

 

[Schneeky]

An associate has a loader for a similar vintage L2250 that'd prolly work that they said I could have. But in reality I got a lotta woods-work for a while here, and a loader would prolly get in the way.
Momma sez the budget later in the year allows for me to get a bigger/newer tractor with a loader and this one will prolly end up sold/traded. But we'll see.
Thanks for the links!! d:^) Schneeks..

 

[rbargeron]

Yes - the L2250 used an LA450 loader. The center frame would bolt up. It would need a couple small tie-in brackets on the front and at the rear axle. Doubt it would be in the way in the woods - but if so it's removable - 90% of it detaches. Could add $2-$3k to the value of the tractor.

 

[Schneeky]

Methinks I'll hasta roll that one around. The loader isn't going anywhere. And it would be a hefty project. Last I saw it it was pretty rusted up and the hoses were all cracked. Might be somethin fun to piddle with in the garage this winter during my off season tho'.
When you say 90% of it detaches, would that be quick detach style or beer-and-a-pile-of-tools style? d:^) Schneeks..

 

[rbargeron]

The LA450 loader really does lift off easily. Only a few frame parts stay on the tractor. 2 wedges on the uprights and two levers in front - then the whole thing tilts up and rests on prop rods. - if the bucket is whole and the pins/bushings aren't too egg-shaped it may be worth grabbing. It's rare to find a easy-fit removable loader for these early Kubs. Some people look for years and finally settle for a high price or poor fit, or both.

 

[brain55]

I always liked the 1720. Yes, it is big and heavy, and certainly not removable, and because of how it was mounted, one needed to be religious about keeping the bolts tight or pay the price of removing the broken ones. I thought it fit the tractor nicely, especially the 345DT's and the 355SS's. It maybe that that was the era of Kubota that I learned my trade on too. My favorite Kubotas are from that era. The L355SS, the L275DT with the BF400 loader, and the B9200HSD with the BF350 loader.

Brian

 

[rbargeron]

Hi Brian - I liked the 1720 on my old L345 and on my friend's L355 - both with power steering. L305 steering is just armstrong.

 

[Schneeky]

Hi Brian - I liked the 1720 on my old L345 and on my friend's L355 - both with power steering. L305 steering is just armstrong.

This one has power steering. Don't know if it's factory or aftermarket, but it works! d:^) Schneeks..