If you like this video, you may enjoy this one about running a tiller: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oP6LDgfYyg4.html Products in our Amazon store used in this video (costs nothing extra to use these links!). You don't have to buy these specific items to support our channel....just use a link below to get to Amazon then make any purchase: Flex Tape: amzn.to/3R4MdWm Solo Seed Spreader: amzn.to/3UGIws7 Fuel jug nozzle kit with drill bit: amzn.to/3H5EeoE Orange rubber gloves: amzn.to/3xIdlEt 6’ Digging and Pry bar: amzn.to/3vH5Agx FIMCO 15 Gallon Sprayer: amzn.to/3HgxSmp Renegade Razor Hybrid Brush Cutting Blade: amzn.to/3yaJtk9 Dewalt 20V ½” Impact Wrench: amzn.to/3UOcXNH Dewalt 20V brushless Leaf blower: amzn.to/3zwJcYm
Thank you for going through all the things ( the add ons they should put on). You loaded the tractor on the trailer with your (R.O.P.) in the half position. Just telling my experience with a CASE (580-C) first generation with double boom Cylinder. I broke one of the Ramps loading up. The Backhoe turned on its side. I ended up standing inside the cab. The STABILIZE stopped the backhoe from the complete side ROLL. All I'm saying is put full (R.O.P.) up when Loading and unloading, even if you think Ramps are failsafe. I thought the Ramps were STRONG. And I had NO control of the tractor once it started to ROLL over on the side.
Kubotas are junk. My old Ford 5000 has seen my neighbor burn through four Kubotas and I had it decades before he got his first tractor. New Holland or JD, anything else is a lawn tractor.
People buy what they can afford, The L3901 is good on horsepower, and does what it is supposed too as a small mid size tractor. 5 acre farm its good. 50 acres, go with a more expensive model. We all want Escalades, but sometimes have to settle for the lesser model that gets the job done, without all the bells and whistles.Your point well taken if you can afford it.
Great video Brad. Another thing that I don’t care for is how the front steering arms are placed right up front in “ the impact zone”. They have a really impressive front axle that is nearly bulletproof, then they come up with a rather cheap design for the steering arms. I am always super cautious when mowing my pasture that I mow with the loader on and run the loader bucket so that it just clears the ground. That way, if there is a stump or something to hit, the bucket will absorb the impact instead of some rather expensive steering components. Good job Brad.
There's supposed to be a steel plate right behind the grille guard to stop anything from getting to the tie rods. The machine in this video has it. I was a Kubota tech for 8 years. I probably set up 30 or more of this exact model
I’ve had my L3901 for 4yrs. It’s been a great little tractor, but I totally agree with your assessment on its faults. I did get the optional cruise control and quick-adjust sway bars. I do wish it had an electronic PTO switch as well.
We tried the telescoping swaybars but they didn't work on our wide pin equipment, so I took them off. Here's the 3901 versus the 3902! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p0P6_vgrufU.html
Nearly all of the things that this dude doesn't like are really just options that he chose not to buy on his tractor. Such as cruise, right side fender handle, sliding sway bars, quick hitch, etc. Should have ponied up and had his dealer install them prior to purchase. I have an L2501 and it came with all these options and many others.
Hate the location of the fuel cap in the centre on top of the hood. As I get older, it is harder to lift a full 20l diesel container to that location. Side filling would be very much preferable.
Great video! It isn't so much that any of these little issues are deal-breakers, but videos like this are good for shoppers, because certain features matter more to some than others. These are the little things you normally would only learn after owning the tractor for a while...
Some things make you wonder what engineers are thinking, but manufactures have to appeal to a wide variety of users and also make a profit!! Thanks for watching, Lucas. Kubota 💪!
Before even watching your video I had already come up with pet peeves that you echoed... the Mickey Mouse tool box, which I replaced with a larger, metal one, the turnbuckle sway bars, which I replaced with the telescopic type, and the lack of tie-down points, which I solved by bolting shackles onto existing frame holes in the front and on the draw bar in the rear. That said, I really love my MX4700, with over 600 trouble free hours.
Agree....great tractors, but could easily be perfect if they addressed some of these things. I tried telescoping swaybars...didn't work for me. Here's some other tractor videos we made: ru-vid.com/group/PLG5yS75HLzo3RVqEuA0f6IioXV6FtFhHW
I liked your video. I have a Kubota 2022 LX3310 cab tractor. The one thing I dislike about my tractor is the treadle pedal. I had a 2013 L3240 kubota tractor with a curtis cab which I liked. The only reason I traded for the LX3310 is because of the front mounted snowblower. I also like Kubota tractors as I also have a ZD1211 diesel Zero turn. Keep your video's coming.
The L3902 has many of the same short comings....i had both tractors side by side in this video last week: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p0P6_vgrufU.html
@@PineyGroveHomestead maybe but kubota did address some of the short comings .. The regen system is a mandatory emissions from the government….not much you can do about that unless you get an older tractor or a 25 hp or less tractor! I’m not a huge fan of the DPF but it is nice not smelling diesel fumes as much..lol If I had to open the hood daily of multiple times a day it would be more of an issue with the grill being close…but you can check the oil and such without lifting it! Not sure why you’d complain about the hood/grill clearance? The loader itself is more in the way than anything!
I had a New Holland 33 horsepower tractor for a few years that had lots of problems. The only thing that I really liked about it was the telescope and sway bars like the alternate ones that you showed with the pin Holes. It was a very quick and easy to adjust. Whatever tractor I get in the future I will put those same sway bars on.
@@PineyGroveHomestead that's very unfortunate. After thinking about it I think the lower links were set up differently on my tractor. My memory is fading but I think the long bars on my tractor may have been mounted outward, and the adjusters may have been mounted inward on the pumpkin. I think I have seen other tractors set up this way also. This setup would keep the adjusters farther away from the tires and easier to reach. I believe that I have seen tractors that only had chains going from the pumpkin out to the bars. Maybe you need mini adjusters for your mini tractor. 😉
Kubota is one if not the only tractor that is Kubota from front to rear. Other brands use 2nd and 3rd party parts to build their tractors. Have a L3301 and have had excellent service from it. The regen system has only activated about 3 times since we had it. Run it at 2200 RPM's and regen happens very few times. The front loader hydraulic valve is a multi-function valve, it lets you activate two functions at the same time. Kmac insurance covers the tractor from front to rear unlike your property insurance.
I put expanded metal screen on the grill guard. I had a branch go through the factory guard and through the front grill. I put pieces of fatigue mat on for floor mats. $16 versus the $100 factory models. I added the right fender handle as you did. I would have preferred the loader control to be on the fender so I could actually enter the machine from the right side. I added an after market seat so I could have arm rests. A log rolled up under my tractor and crushed the step. I replaced it with a truck side step that has withstood everything. I like my L series very much, but there are finish items I would have preferred. I have mentioned this before, and was criticized for buying a "utility" tractor and expecting too much. There a similar tractors from other manufacturers in the same size/type range that come stock with all the amenities that I cited.
Our complaints are same as yours. But like you we love our L3901. Praise God, we bought it just before hurricane Sally hit us. She was a lifesaver for us.
Agree with all you said. I added some guards on the underside of my 3301 for the filters and pumps and a better step from Paul Short. I had an older John Deere that was 2WD and too big. I’m not a fan of the hydrostatic drive on the smaller tractor now that I have used it a good bit. You seem to lose quite a bit of pulling power. It is also too tippy even though I have ballast in the tires. I may add some spacers to expand the wheel base. Finally, putting the fuel tank location and fill up over the engine is very Inconvenient when using a fuel can. I like the Kubota but if there was a good JD dealer in the area I would have went with a Deere.
Agree on the fuel tank location....I should have mentioned that. I've operated a JD 3038 which is equivalent to our L3901 but I felt like it was not as substantial a tractor...but I could have bias as I've owned 4 Kubotas. 🤣 Thanks for watching.
I have a 2013 L4600. It has that style brush guard. Your gripe on emissions should be with the EPA. Tie your tractor down with the weight bracket under the brush guard. I’d rather have soot to clean off my tractor than to have the exhaust exiting above the hood in your line of vision. If you want easier connecting on your three point hitch get a quick hitch or opt for a different model tractor. The easier hooking hitch ends were standard in the past. Most users have quick hitches that frequently swap implements. Most implements come quick hitch compatible now.
I had a Kubota L3301 and the def system was constantly stopping my use of the tractor so it could go through a regen. I then traded the Kubota for a Mahindra 1635 and that solved all the problems I was having with the Kubota.
Great video. I recently got an MX5200 over here in Australia. The thing that annoyed me most is there is no handbrake warning light. So easy to forget. I found a blank square on the instrument cluster and fitted a red LED light next to the glow plug light and wired it to the stop light circuit. So easy to do I have to wonder why Kubota never did it.
Great video, when I mentioned the grab handle, the dealer offered to put one on. They said kubota thinks it's a hazard b cause people will try and access from that side and get caught on controls. I had it added. My only complaint has been the pto lever. It gets iced up and stays on. And I have to push it down in the off position in order to start even though it is in the "off" position.
Anyone worried about emissions components: I don't have the warranty card in front of me, but emissions components have a multi-thousand hour warranty. This is federal - all tractors do, the hour limits depend on horsepower. It also covers a lot of things you wouldn't think of as emissions related. It's not a big deal on most Kubota tractors, but it's kind of important on an L3301.
I’m very surprised that the front grill guard is bolted on with huge bolts, only to be held in place with a tiny single pin on one side… does not seem right.
Biggest complaint for my L4330: Lack of cooling capacity. You should be able to bushhog all day without having to stop every 1-2 hours to clear the radiator screen. :(
New Holland has the WORST screen system. This tractor has never come close to overheating but I do tend to blow it out every 4 hours or so if I'm brushhogging all day.
You have a nice observation man. Like to noticed that and please bring the issue to kubota so they can improve more their products. Thank you! I am from Phils.
It's the only brand I've run since leaving a working farm with "real" tractors and Kubotas are reliable and can take a beating as you can see in our tractor videos!
I have the 3301 and totally agree on all points, I did buy the handle for the right side like you did. I’m looking into making tie downs for the front as well. This is my first hydrostatic tractor and I was amazed that it did not come with cruise control. In fact, I’m not much of a fan of the hydrostatic at all . Maybe in time
I forgot to mention the oil dipstick was moved to the left side with the 01 models. The 2 drain plugs I understand because they need to get the driveshaft to the front and keep a low COG.
I have an L3901 and JD 320E skid steer. My main complaints -Front End Loader kind of weak in my opinion. -The PTO lever is cheap and flimsy -Emissions control is killing diesel. When mines goes out of warranty, off it goes. -Get a Pat's Quick hitch for your arms, it is much better. -I agree with the sway bars. -I had a front valve added for a grapple, grapples are great for cleaning up brush but I wish Kubota added a mesh to the front brush guard, I had a stick pierce the grill and destroy a battery. Also, let me say that unless you are mowing or tilling, a skid steer is the way to go. My property is wooded mostly and for spreading dirt, land clearing or spreading gravel/making trails, the skid steer is an awesome investment. I bought a wheeled one because they are much cheaper than the tracked, I just let it dry out more before I use it. It also acts like a forklift, mine can easily lift 2500 lb pallets off my flatbed. Great videos.
Thank you. We agree with your assessment! We have a mini excavator for the jobs the tractor can't do! Video about that here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-c_lnYwIgmT8.html
I have two Kubotas, one hydrostat and one standard transmission. My biggest beef is their standard transmission tractors still have a transmission driven PTO. I was driving tractors in the 60s with independent PTO, and it absolutely baffles me that they won't put it on their standard tractors today. I have plans to buy a new tractor soon, and it won't be a Kubota just for that reason. I'm in the Panhandle as well in Jackson County.
You got a lot of tractors! Look at the L3902 Kubota....it has a simple clutchless switch can turn on the independent PTO as the tractor is operating;a simple clutchless switch can turn on the independent PTO as the tractor is operating. We did a comparison video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p0P6_vgrufU.html
Climbing on and squeezing my rught leg through the maze is a pain for me. On my old one, a loader was added and you cant flip the hood open forward to check the radiator. Have to use an s shaped funnel. I also carry a tow chain and a chain saw sometimes, instead of making your tractor look like a sports car it should be bristling with cleverly designed carry spots, and like you said, the 1939 design of hooking to a 3 point ought to be obsolete by now.
They are an option...not standard equipment on an L. We bought some but they didn't work out for us. Here's the video on the install: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YxlVoc2sxZo.html
I have had my 3901 for 4 years and it has less than 250 hours. My clutch has went out for the 2nd time. They now want 10,000 to repair it as it is no longer under warranty.
Yikes. $10K is crazy. And clutches should last a lot longer than that. Hydro tranny's are trouble free but I wouldn't want the bill should one need replacing.
I have a new 3902 and it went through its first regeneration process-at 27 hours, took over 40 minutes and must have burned near 2 gallons of fuel running at 2200 rpms. Wished I had my old Kubota back.
@@PineyGroveHomestead That's pretty good; the problem I have is operating the tractor at higher rpms. Didn't have to worry about the regen for my old Kubota and the old Ford 8n and they could run just fine at 1000 rpms; guess I'm an old fashioned kind of guy
I love my b2650 with a cab but good god that hydrostatic transmission is absurdly loud. I wouldn’t get rid of it because of that but hopefully they change the design to quiet it down some.
The DPF is not just a Kubota thing, all tractor brands above 25 hp have emissions on them. So it should not be a complaint against Kubota or any other brand. Its the epa.
@@PineyGroveHomestead Hey sorry if I seemed a bit harsh. I agree that there are things the manufacturer could/should do. It usually is a cost factor. (bean counters!)
Could be the camera angle but is your coolant reservoir empty? And you most certainly can add cruise, believe it was around $500-600 when I purchased mine but I opted not to get it. Love my L3901 have gotten a lot done since owning it.
It might be low. I'll check it. Thanks. We had a L3800 before the L3901...both great tractors. Here's our tractor playlist of things we have done with them: ru-vid.com/group/PLG5yS75HLzo3RVqEuA0f6IioXV6FtFhHW
I’ve noticed you added tie down anchors to the front but I haven’t been able to find any for the rear. I don’t want to tie around axles, sway bars, nor romps. Do you have a video of where you tie down the rear? Assuming there is no rear implements attached.
I generally have an implement on when trailering, so I put a strap back in that area. DOT has the official word on how to tie down cargo so I would definitely look into that - 4 points of attachment are standard. You could put a clevis in your drawbar and chain that down for the rear of the tractor. I show how I trailer in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-w7n2coAk6oM.html
all issues are petty.... issues that other tractors have as well....as long as it dependable and does not cost you money and repairs....these issues are things you can correct or live with
Hello Brad. I appreciate your video content. We too have purchased a homestead hobby farm and Kubota B2601. It is an invaluable tool on our property, best decision so far. I have been looking for tie-downs like you have on your tractor, for trailering. Can you help direct me to a fabricator for these? Also, I appreciated your video on your excavator experience. Thanks.
Thanks for the comment. The link for the Tie downs is in the description below the video. I don't think he makes B series parts, but you can ask. You also might try the BXpanded webpage as well.
Way to nit pick lol. I can see how those things can be annoying especially the turnbuckles. Everyone complains about those and I would agree that the look like a total pain. I got lucky and my B2601 came with the telescoping arms. Having good tie down point from the factory would be nice too. Interesting topic!
Many of us love the treadle for it's simplicity and ease of use. I drove a John Deere 3038 with two pedals and it was awkward and unnatural to push a pedal forward to go in reverse.
@Piney Grove Homestead - Tractors and Outdoors I know there are some folks that like the treadle peddle, but it would be smart if kubota offered both because I'm guessing more folks like the 2 peddle setup.
@@benagain7617 Kubota sells more compact tractors than any other manufacture so I guess they figure their design works for a bigger majority of the tractor market.
@Piney Grove Homestead - Tractors and Outdoors Yes, but since John Deere sells the most tractors in the USA, it would be a good idea for Kubota to offer it both ways. Maybe you could offer that tread peddle on the deere also, I guess.
Dont misread me, I agree with much which I comment below. DPF is not Kubota's fault, That is literally federal law to have DPF filters. The 3901 is a budget tractor - you dont get an armrest to make it budget. I ABSOLUTELY agree with your gripe about rubber floor mats you are right! Cruise control should have been implemented I agree, I have it on my 4060. Front mounted exhuast is retarded. Should have blown down towards the ground. THere are no tie downs I agree which is a shame. Tool box is small and meh - agree. The 3 point hitch is absolutely lacking in the 01 series of tractors. I couldn't complain less and am right there beside you. My 4060 def has a better 3 point system but its made better when you use a LandPride Quick hitch. It almost never comes off my tractor ever. YOU REALLY NEED to get a hydaulic top link. Game changer!
With RU-vid how to videos nobody should have an excuse not to do their own repairs. In contrast to older tractors from the 60’s and such these newer tractors are simply Nuts and bolts.
What is interesting to me is the fact that this Kubota tractor is so similar to my Kioti CK4010, up to its very color, they could be twins, including most issues, features, and complaints you are voicing out. Maybe one of the brand somewhat copied the other ? One other issue that I clearly see, at 4min 13 sec, is the fact that there's an open hole around / under the seat, behind and under some control levers that you have and the open slot for one that you don't have, meaning that any small object that one would let fall in that area could actually fall all the way to the very ground underneath and possibly be lost for good.
If you're curious, kioti was/Is notorious for copying other brands, especially Kubota. The big differences only really become apparent when they need fixed. You can reclutch a Kubota in about 6 hours. Kiotis take around 20.
@@crinkly.love-stick Kubota and Kioti actually worked together on 1 tractor series in the 1980s. The 02 series. Kubota sued kioti in 2002 for stealing engineering secrets. Aside from color, they are nothing alike. Kioti is a peacemeal tractor, they source parts, engines ect. Kubota doesnt. Kioti is really daedong, a Korean company. Kubota is Japanese. Its comparing a kia and a lexus, that are the same color.
Kubota is like the geo metro of tractors. Get Ford/New Holland or JD. It's worth paying a little more for a real tractor. Farm tractors are exempt from emissions. In most states diesel vehicles are exempt. Kubota has a lot of useless power sucking emission junk that really doesn't do anything. Take it off and put on a bigger intake pipe.
@@PineyGroveHomestead From the factory. They come based on California emissions. When you get it home you can alter them. In my state we don't do emissions at all. That's the case in most states. I've never heard of anyone having emission testing done on their farm tractor. If they tried to pull that shit a lot of people would go hungry. We don't even do emissions on our cars here. You would think a pro like you would know better.
@@Rillust New Holland and John Deere tractors newer than 2015 and over 25 hp have emissions on them....most have a Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) just like this Kubota.
I've not heard of a L3901 engine failing and I've heard owners say they have 1200 hours without any problems. Will they go 12,000....I don't know. What's the highest hours you have known about for a Kubota?
As a career product safety engineer, I know NOT to shame you for removing the ROPS. It is the product design team's job to conduct a detailed Risk Assessment, determine likelyhood and severity of risks ant then follow the heirarchy of design it out, guard it out, and as a last unavoidable optoin, warn the user with safety labels and instructions. The design team needs to ask if the hazard mitigation introduces a new hazard. The user is responsible to read the manual, head warnings and make their own decision if in their use, is the risk of rollover more or less than the risk of a tree branch rebounding and knocking your head. This approach is not a perfect system. No team could posibly imagine every application or miss use of their product. And when was the last time you read a manual carefully or even saw one if you rent equipment? A document canister on the product has been employed by industry as one way to arrwmpt to keep the manual with the equipment but I admit to breaking such canister and not replacing it. The goal is a reasonable level of safety. I can't think of anything that is 100% safe.
