Kubota Tool Sizes

[MNVikingsGuy]

I have lots of tools but they are largely a mish-mash of cheap stuff grabbed in a hurry at Home Depot for a particular project here and there. I have just bought (and should have delivered in the next two weeks) a Kubota LX3310 + FEL + other implements and the commercial snowblower. My assumption is there will be bolts on this thing bigger than my average stuff and that I should upgrade in quality.

My challenge is I am not sure if Kubota LX series (and its close relative the Bxx50 series) are metric or SAE. I read somewhere they were a mix which strikes me as odd. Also, I am not sure what sizes I need or which particular types of wrenches/sockets/etc might be most useful. Any guidance/thoughts would be helpful

 

[RCW]

I think much of the tractor itself is metric, while some of the attachments may be SAE, as they're US or Canadian made.

My BX tractor is all metric as I recall. My mid-mount mower (MMM) is metric. The snowblower (Canadian?) is all SAE.

Guessing your LX will be similar.

I've found a good selection of wrenches 1.25" (or metric equivalent 32mm) and less work fine.

The types of wrenches you prefer are your preference. I've gotten so I like those ratcheting open/box-end wrenches over sockets/ratchets.

 

[BigG]

For the average joe a good set of Craftsman tools would work well. Select the biggest kit that you can afford. something like this is a good start.https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-268-Piece-3-Drawer-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set/1003163992 Then add vice grips, pliers, screwdrivers as you can afford them. I have had Craftsman tools for years and they will service you well for the money. If you want sticker shock call the Snap On or Mac Tool dealers.

Craftsman are not the best but for the money they are good and the lifetime warranty make them a good investment.

 

[RCW]

For the average joe a good set of Craftsman tools would work well. Select the biggest kit that you can afford.

I got a similar Craftsman kit for my son for Christmas last year for his car.

I would normally agree, but for a tractor these kits only go up to 18mm or 3/4" or so. You often need something larger for your tractor.

Also, they may come with other "stuff" you may or not need.

Since I've been in the OP's shoes, I would:

1. Take an inventory or what you have for tools.
2. Put the tools in a toolbox in a organized fashion
3. Fill the gaps as needed.

You may surprised what you have. I've bought a couple sets of ratcheting combination wrenches on sale, as well as as a couple of sets of sockets in metric to fill in what I didn't already have.

 

[Russell King]

For ratchets get at least 1/2 drive and then get the larger end of socket sets above 13 to 15 mm and into the 30 mm range.

You may want to get to 3/4 drive but that is excessive in most cases on these smaller tractors but you will eventually get the need for a socket size that is only 3/4 drive or larger.

For sockets you may want to invest in impact sockets only to prepare for using impact wrenches if you see that in your future. Then you’re not doubling up on sockets over time.

 

[bird dogger]

You might also consider getting a couple of good adjustable torque wrenches in the ranges that will cover the smaller bolts and also the wheel lug bolts/nuts. Once you get your tractor and have a look through the documentation you'll get a feel for the ranges needed. Mine are SK brand in a 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive.

A good stout 1/2 inch drive breaker bar comes in handy in place of an air impact wrench or when you need to fix something away from the shop.

 

[michigander]

6 pt sockets are what I try to buy as fillers either impact or normal craftsman.

filling in I've found good deals on amazon and eBay but have to search.

 

[Bmyers]

I have found this socket set to be very handy for my tractor work.

Amazon.com

 

[07wingnut]

Westward used to, and may still make a type of wrench and socket called metrinch. A single set will handle both metric and sae using the same wrench, or socket. Don't let the strange shape of these tools fool you into thinking that they will not grab, and maybe round off nuts and bolts. They will actually grab and remove rounded off fasterners. The shape of the tool allows it to exert force on the shoulder of the nut, rather than on the point, much lessening the chance of damaging it.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Just go to Harbor Freight and buy a set. Buy the good ones though. I would shy away from anything labelled 'Craftsman' today. All that stuff is Oriental made and on par with the HF cheap stuff.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Only buy/use 6 point sockets !
I bought a new greasegun and 6 tubes when I bought my BX23s and ONLY use it for the Kubota.
Also have a DEDICATED tool box for 'Kubota ONLY' tools

 

[lugbolt]

MOST of it is metric. Everything bolted to the tractor is metric. However you can find some SAE stuff on loaders and backhoes and shredders. If a bolt is screwed into the tractor it will be metric.

up to about 1" will cover about anything you need to do. 1 11/16 for land pride shredder blades. 27mm for some stuff on bigger tractors, and a few of the hydraulic pipe banjo bolts on smaller stuff. I'd certainly pick up a 27mm, or 1 1/16 is close enough.

Some SAE sizes will cross over to metric, such as 8mm (5/16), 11mm (7/16), 1/2 (13mm), 9/16 (14mm), 5/8 (16mm), 11/16 (17mm), 3/4 (19mm), 7/8 is 22mm and 15/16 is 24mm. Using that, generally you can narrow down your tool wish list. With that said, I have found that Craftsman 17mm is tight on 11/16 bolts. Very tight but it fits.

 

[whitetiger]

My BX tractor is all metric as I recall.

There are several SAE fasteners on your BX.

 

[RCW]

There are several SAE fasteners on your BX.

Thanks - - After I said that, I wondered if I was not correct.

I do remember fishing/switching between mm and inches for something... Don't recall tractor or implement/attachment...

 

[whitetiger]

Thanks - - After I said that, I wondered if I was not correct.

I do remember fishing/switching between mm and inches for something... Don't recall tractor or implement/attachment...

wheel bolts, hydro linkage, etc

 

[RCW]

wheel bolts, hydro linkage, etc

That was it!

Makes me think I need to check them again....

 

[whitetiger]

That was it!

Makes me think I need to check them again....

 

[GeoHorn]

Besides SAE,... the British also have British Standard (B.S.), British Standard Flat (BSF), Whitworth, Metric, Imperial, and don’t even THINK about the differences in threads and pitches of fasteners.

 

[hope to float]

I agree with whoever said to take an inventory of what you have. I find the most common spanners used are 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 17mm and 19mm, or their imp equivalent, on nearly everything. Spend a few bucks on a good adjustable for emergencies and buy the spanner when you have time.
But your not gonna need them........hopefully.

 

[whitetiger]

Besides SAE,... the British also have British Standard (B.S.), British Standard Flat (BSF), Whitworth, Metric, Imperial, and don’t even THINK about the differences in threads and pitches of fasteners.

Don't forget the JIS screwdrivers!!!!