New owner looking for advice/info L345DT

[1943WillysMB]

I recently got a Kubota L345DT. I dont know the year. The hour meter reads 2222 but the cable to the tach is not working, so I can bet the hour meter stopped too. The main hydraulic cylinder on the right side needs fresh seals as it leaks.

Reference the picture, there's a small shiny cylinder sticking out under the seat. What is this?

How do i check the hydraulic fluid level? I cant seem to find a dupstick anywhere.

The front wheels look like they are leaning and not aligned with eachother. Is that normal?

Whats the general value of what i have here? I thinkni got a good deal just want to make sure haha.

Any general advice on this model? I am new to tractos of this size and have only owner gardenbtractors and an old Ford 9n.

Looking forward to learning about my machine!

 

[BergyPatty37]

Here is a link to the Owners manual for the L3xx Series tractor (L305, L345, and L355):

https://freshmanuals.com/manuals/kubota/Tractor-Owners-Manuals/L305_L345_L355SS-owners-manual.pdf

Make sure you are paying attention to the L345DT specific information relevant to your model tractor as there are some differences between those models also in that manual, such as fluid levels.

For your Hydraulic Cylinders, usually recommended to replace the set (so both left and right lift cylinders). If you have a good hydraulic shop near where you live they should be able to reseal them unless major damage to piston or rod. I had the 2 bucket cylinders rebuilt (they had seals they made at the shop) and 4 hoses for $385 for rough reference. I think the Cylinders were $120/per including parts and labor.

Value is all over the place depending on region, condition, tires, etc. I think one sold recently in Southern Maine for $8000 with L1720 loader. Don't worry too much if you already bought it you own it so it is what it is.

Im sure others that have the L345 will chime in, but overall good tractors. I believe you have live PTO.
Go through and service/grease everything so you know when it was all done. Expensive but best way to get peace of mind.

 

[BergyPatty37]

Looks like your Left front tire is mounted backwards.
Another advice is to get ballast weight to help keep weight on rear tires especially when doing loader work. You can either get ballast boxes, cement weights, or fill your rear tires with rimguard. Varying opinions on how much weight you need to be safe. Most will probably recommend 60-75% of loader lift capacity. There are forums on here you can search for to get more suggestions on that.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I recently got a Kubota L345DT. I dont know the year. The hour meter reads 2222 but the cable to the tach is not working, so I can bet the hour meter stopped too. The main hydraulic cylinder on the right side needs fresh seals as it leaks.

Reference the picture, there's a small shiny cylinder sticking out under the seat. What is this?

How do i check the hydraulic fluid level? I cant seem to find a dupstick anywhere.

The front wheels look like they are leaning and not aligned with eachother. Is that normal?

Whats the general value of what i have here? I thinkni got a good deal just want to make sure haha.

Any general advice on this model? I am new to tractos of this size and have only owner gardenbtractors and an old Ford 9n.

Looking forward to learning about my machine! View attachment 177126

Download the owner's manual using the link provided above. Heres a link to the workshop manual. Read them both at least once.

https://www.kubotabooks.com/AutoIndex/index.php?dir=Tractor%20Owners%20Manuals/&file=L185_l235_l245_l275_l285_l295_l305_l345_l355%20shop%20manual.pdf

The L345 is an antique but not as antique as a Ford 9N. The hour meter on a 40 year old tractor is about as trustworthy as a street walker.

Dan

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

The shiny cylinder is the other end of the differential lock rod.

The dipstick is here (below pics), looks like the top is broken off on yours, get a new one.
P/N 35340-14190

It's normal for the front wheels to be leaning, they are designed that way.

Get the Manual and read all about it.

Value is relative, my ball park on the condition it looks in $6K max.

 

[Russell King]

That shiny shaft looks like a rod into the transmission to shift something inside it. There probably should be a lever on it.

I would think it may be to shift it from hi to low gears, into and out of four wheel drive or something along those lines. The operator’s manual will probably be the source of information about what it is.

 

[GeoHorn]

Download the owner's manual using the link provided above. Heres a link to the workshop manual. Read them both at least once.

https://www.kubotabooks.com/AutoIndex/index.php?dir=Tractor%20Owners%20Manuals/&file=L185_l235_l245_l275_l285_l295_l305_l345_l355%20shop%20manual.pdf

The L345 is an antique but not as antique as a Ford 9N. The hour meter on a 40 year old tractor is about as trustworthy as a street walker.

Dan

Hokie…. I’d bet there are those here on OTT in addition to myself that would be interested in your methodology of ascertaining a street-walkers’ integrity. …. Please share your experiences…(pics are also appreciated)…

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

That shiny shaft looks like a rod into the transmission to shift something inside it. There probably should be a lever on it.

I would think it may be to shift it from hi to low gears, into and out of four wheel drive or something along those lines. The operator’s manual will probably be the source of information about what it is.

The shiny cylinder is the other end of the differential lock rod.

 

[D2Cat]

For $52 for a dip stick I'd contact "007kubotaguy" on this forum and ask him.

 

[1943WillysMB]

Thank you all for the responses! The filters are all dated and marked with the hours when changed. Its been 4 years so ill probably change them all. It wasnt used often, epically recently, so the hour meter must have failed recently as its only about 5 hours over whats marked on the filters. Paid $2,000 for it.

 

[BergyPatty37]

Great deal on that.