Why are manuals not available for free download?

[santacruzer]

I looked around for hard copies of the "shop manual" for a 2008 BX 2350. I learned that a "shop manual" is useless without the "parts manual". They are sold seperately...of course.

Kubota, thru retailers sell copies directly from Kubota, printed by Kubota. The shop manual is not the best quality copy...the pictures in many cases are too dark to see much detail. Again, without the additional parts manual you might as well not spend the money for the shop manual.

I wanted hard copies and looking around, Messick's is a pretty good deal. Both manuals can be had for about $100.00 plus shipping...for the BX2350...others may be more, I don't know.

Paul

 

[RobJ]

I looked around for hard copies of the "shop manual" for a 2008 BX 2350. I learned that a "shop manual" is useless without the "parts manual". They are sold seperately...of course.

Kubota, thru retailers sell copies directly from Kubota, printed by Kubota. The shop manual is not the best quality copy...the pictures in many cases are too dark to see much detail. Again, without the additional parts manual you might as well not spend the money for the shop manual.

I wanted hard copies and looking around, Messick's is a pretty good deal. Both manuals can be had for about $100.00 plus shipping...for the BX2350...others may be more, I don't know.

Paul

Parts manuals are free from tractorsmart.com...or used to be. Search here to for the link to parts and manuals people have uploaded. Free downloads.

 

[Gibsond]

Sniggle,

I would love a copy of the B8700 and LA402 manuals! I just purchased my first tractor, used B8700 w/FEL, 4WD, BushHog, and 6 Way Blade. Seems to be a good tractor, haven't got to use it much yet. Thanks in advance!

 

[alchemysa]

Sniggle,

I would love a copy of the B8700 and LA402 manuals! I just purchased my first tractor, used B8700 w/FEL, 4WD, BushHog, and 6 Way Blade. Seems to be a good tractor, haven't got to use it much yet. Thanks in advance!

Parts manuals here. (Sure its not a B7800?)

Kubotabooks.com

 

[johnny_law]

I looked around for hard copies of the "shop manual" for a 2008 BX 2350. I learned that a "shop manual" is useless without the "parts manual". They are sold seperately...of course.

Kubota, thru retailers sell copies directly from Kubota, printed by Kubota. The shop manual is not the best quality copy...the pictures in many cases are too dark to see much detail. Again, without the additional parts manual you might as well not spend the money for the shop manual.

I wanted hard copies and looking around, Messick's is a pretty good deal. Both manuals can be had for about $100.00 plus shipping...for the BX2350...others may be more, I don't know.

Paul

As people mentioned parts manuals are available online. However, I have to say that the WSM (Work Shop Manual) I got from Kubota although black and white is excellent copy quality. Pictures can be seen clearly.

On the side - For my BX24, my only complaint is there is a discrepancy between the Shop Manual and the Owners manual when looking at the recommended oil viscosities. (I find this unacceptable) The Owner's manual calls out 15W40 for all temp ranges and the WSM only allows 10W30. I went with the 10W30 as both manuals allowed straight 10 weight below 32 deg but the Owner's manual allowed 15W40 in that temp range. I chose to be on the safe side as I use the tractor in temps below freezing. Maybe talk for another thread.

As for this thread, I agree owner manuals should be available online Work Shop Manuals should be paid for.

 

[toniKH]

Could i possibly get a copy of manual for a G1900 Kubota ride on please? (I am new to this forum!)

 

[pyro6988]

Anybody have digital copies of manuals for the L3400?

 

[TMP]

There are several manuals on kubotabooks.com not sure if they have your model but it might be worth checking

 

[jlrsn]

The only manual that I received from my dealer for free was the L39 Owner's Manual. I then purchased all the other manuals from different dealers. The best quality was from Messicks. I have a feeling that some of the dealers print up the Shop Manual from their pdf file as the quality of my L39 Shop Manual is really poor as if the printer was out of toner.

One day bootlegged "quality" pdf Kubota Service and Parts Manuals which the dealers should sell will flow around the internet for free and then Kubota won't get a penny. I have quality pdf manuals for most all my vehicles, shop equipment, motorcycles, ATVs, etc and I'd pay a reasonable amount for a good clear pdf copy. I've paid well in excess of $5k for some Service Manuals for some of the equipment that I've flown/owned/maintained and much more than that for yearly updates.

I maintain everything I own and don't trust most other mechanics. I was an FAA Designated Independent Aircraft Mechanic Examiner (DME) for Airframe and Powerplants (Oral & Practical Exams) for years and I refused to Certify many applicants that I felt should not touch a wrench. Funny thing many wound up with their A&P Certificates from other Examiners who gave the exams for the $$$ and not to better the Aviation Industry.
Jim

 

[ayelvington]

1. I strongly agree that Kubota has missed the clue bus that User Manuals are pre-sale marketing material and should be available online without cost. Doh!

2. Beware other errors in Kubota manuals. The electrical section is sketchy, and refers to a generator when U.S. models have an alternator.

3. Thanks for pointing out the oil viscosity issue. I'll ink in the correction to my book.

Al

As people mentioned parts manuals are available online. However, I have to say that the WSM (Work Shop Manual) I got from Kubota although black and white is excellent copy quality. Pictures can be seen clearly.

On the side - For my BX24, my only complaint is there is a discrepancy between the Shop Manual and the Owners manual when looking at the recommended oil viscosities. (I find this unacceptable) The Owner's manual calls out 15W40 for all temp ranges and the WSM only allows 10W30. I went with the 10W30 as both manuals allowed straight 10 weight below 32 deg but the Owner's manual allowed 15W40 in that temp range. I chose to be on the safe side as I use the tractor in temps below freezing. Maybe talk for another thread.

As for this thread, I agree owner manuals should be available online Work Shop Manuals should be paid for.