1984 L345DT Refurbishment

[DSDispatch]

Just picked up a 1984 L345DT from an estate sale.

The good:
> both passenger tires are new
> fresh battery
> was purchased by original owner in '84, stored under cover, and used to bushhog a 5 acre property
> hours show as 498, but these units are notorious for the cable breaking and hours reading low (still, it doesn't say 5000)
> strong hydraulics
> came with a 5' bush-hog - will work on that along the way too
> engine seems to run smooth and strong
> high and low speed pto seem to work well
> all levers and gears seem to operate and shift smoothly (pto high low, high low gear, 1-4, R, 4wd, etc.)

The bad
> solenoid must be "jumped" to start it, but ignition switch just spins, so seems to be a $51 fix
> oil leak of some sort
> clutch seems to engage at the last second, so not sure if that needs to be replaced or the linkage needs to be adjusted
> step welded to left side is sagging the left side footrest a bit
> exhaust pipe broke off the muffler, but i have the piece
> wires sagging, but operational
> headlights presently don't work
> seat needs to be refreshed or replaced
> paint on fenders needs help
> couple dents in the hood need attention
> bumper that holds suitcase weights is bent
> right-rear marker is broken

Photos for your enjoyment:

Oil leak

Use two screwdrivers to arc these two connectors and she'll start!

Fenders and seat are a bit rough

That side-step has got to go...

I have never refurbished a tractor before, so follow along as I document my learning and ask lots of questions. Thanks in advance.


I am updating this post with useful links I find to part suppliers, paint information, and how-to articles:

Kubota Paint Codes & Color Chart (Oranges, Blues & More) | Messicks

Parts Suppliers

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[North Idaho Wolfman]

#1 that's not a stock start solenoid, someones added it.

 

[DSDispatch]

#1 that's not a stock start solenoid, someones added it.

Thanks for the note - wondered about that.

Is this to fix an issue with the existing starter or to replace one that existed there before?

 

[pigdoc]

Nice looking machine! Creampuff! I'm envious.

When it was running, did the RPMs register? if so, hour-meter is probably working.

Front tires look much larger than the stock 6.00-16s. And, the LF tire is a Carlisle, so it's been replaced too. Looks to me like LF has been replaced recently. But, lugs on that tire are fairly torn up, so it's been used (a lot?) in 4WD. I'd check rolling circumferences before driving it in 4WD on a grippy surface (like pavement).
Rears should be 13.6-28.

Easy fixer-upper. I would probably have paid at least $4000 or $5000, at auction.

-Paul

 

[DSDispatch]

Yessir, rears are 13.6/12-28. Fronts are 9.5 16's., listed on sidewall as 9.5-16 or 240/90-16. They both match with RH front being very new.

I paid $4300 and got a similar vintage tractor supply 5' shredder, 3-pt pallet forks, and a boom.

Will be in 2wd on grippy sufaces - 4wd is for when stuck.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks for the note - wondered about that.

Is this to fix an issue with the existing starter or to replace one that existed there before?

Its someone's "fix" for an issue.
You shouldn't need it.

 

[pigdoc]

Will be in 2wd on grippy sufaces - 4wd is for when stuck.

Well, I'd be shopping some 6.00-16s for the front VERY aggressively. Don't know the earlier model series very well, but on my L2500, that front driveshaft is not very beefy. 15mm. Mine was tore up when I bought it, splines stripped off both the shaft and the front coupler. Reason: mismatched front and rear tires.

Don't know where you are, but I would bet that there are a couple of nice used ones sitting about 20 miles from where I live in southeast PA.

-Paul

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Well, I'd be shopping some 6.00-16s for the front VERY aggressively. Don't know the earlier model series very well, but on my L2500, that front driveshaft is not very beefy. 15mm. Mine was tore up when I bought it, splines stripped off both the shaft and the front coupler. Reason: mismatched front and rear tires.

Don't know where you are, but I would bet that there are a couple of nice used ones sitting about 20 miles from where I live in southeast PA.

-Paul

He can NOT switch to 6.00-16s that would be the wrong size.
He has the right size tires on it now.

 

[pigdoc]

The seat on my L2500 was torn up badly also when I bought it with 1400 hours on it.
The faded paint your L345 makes it look like it's spent quite a bit of time outside, too.
I got a generic seat off eBay, and the stock bracketry bolted right up. Metric bolt holes in the seat, too!
I can try to post some pics. Did that right away after buying the tractor in 2023.

Nothing worse than a wet ass when you're blading snow...

-Paul

 

[pigdoc]

He can NOT switch to 6.00-16s that would be the wrong size.
He has the right size tires on it now.

My bad, I guess. That'll teach me to trust tractordata...
Nevermind.

-Paul

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

This is one time that they are correct.

 

[DSDispatch]

Its someone's "fix" for an issue.
You shouldn't need it.

I'm wondering if i need a new starter (which would have a functioning solenoid). From Messicks and an earlier conversation with my local Kubota parts counter it appears the solenoid is discontinued, but the entire starter is still available. Wondering if this would eliminate this "extra" part. Would make sense that the previous owner jerry rigged this to avoid this $500 part.

 

[DSDispatch]

I'm already starting to look for fresh rubber for the drivers side - gotta match'em.

Ordered an ignition switch and new set of filters. You two are awesome - great advice on this thread and a host of others.

The story with this unit is that it came with a front end loader and is "already plumbed for one", but the owner stated that he had it removed the day he got it. It has a weird loop in the hydraulics in the back covered with pipe insulation. Is this something I could set up to run rear remotes?

Left rear view...

Looking from the drivers side backwards:

 

[Russell King]

You can probably get a rebuilt starter from some local starter repair shop. There may be some available online.

But the wiring is now probably somewhat hacked up.

I looked at the illustrated parts list and the starter is part number 15601-63010 (but you need to verify that is correct). The illustration looks nothing like the pictures that come up searching for the part number!

 

[Russell King]

And yes that looks like the block used to add hydraulic valves to the system.

See this thread for some information on how it works on the hydraulics. Good thing it is looped!

B7100 Hydraulic block diverter (70060-00360 or 70070-00385)

Back in stock. CDN$40 plus actual shipping These are obsolete and no longer available. I have recently been contacted by a member asking if I will make him one of these after reading how I made mine. I know this comes up from time to time and would like to gauge the interest others might have...

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I'm wondering if i need a new starter (which would have a functioning solenoid). From Messicks and an earlier conversation with my local Kubota parts counter it appears the solenoid is discontinued, but the entire starter is still available. Wondering if this would eliminate this "extra" part. Would make sense that the previous owner jerry rigged this to avoid this $500 part.

You would be far better off getting an aftermarket starter.

$183.99

The start circuit is super simple it will go from the ignition switch, through a switch on the clutch and then to the starter solenoid.

Starter Fits Kubota Replaces 15601-63010

One New Aftermarket StarterMade to Fit Kubota: Replaces Part Number(s): 15601-63010,15621-63010,ELS60-0669

www.reliableaftermarketparts.com

Yes that's a Hydraulic block to tap into the system, and yes you could use it to run remotes.

 

[DSDispatch]

You would be far better off getting an aftermarket starter.

$183.99

The start circuit is super simple it will go from the ignition switch, through a switch on the clutch and then to the starter solenoid.

Starter Fits Kubota Replaces 15601-63010

One New Aftermarket StarterMade to Fit Kubota: Replaces Part Number(s): 15601-63010,15621-63010,ELS60-0669

www.reliableaftermarketparts.com

Thanks for this link - they're even having a 20% off Labor Day Sale!

 

[DSDispatch]

Any guidance on the correct suitcase weights for the front of the L345DT? This will obviously need some work. Is there a bolt kit to secure them as well?

 

[Russell King]

I have a similar L185 that is smaller. The front bumper looks exactly like yours. I bought the 55 pond weights for mine from the dealer. I think that 70 pound weights might fit.

There is a place to bolt them down, I just used a common bolt, nut and two flat washers.

I’ll try to post a picture later, can’t find one now

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I'm wondering if i need a new starter (which would have a functioning solenoid). From Messicks and an earlier conversation with my local Kubota parts counter it appears the solenoid is discontinued, but the entire starter is still available. Wondering if this would eliminate this "extra" part. Would make sense that the previous owner jerry rigged this to avoid this $500 part.

I missed this post.

Someone could not have bypassed the solenoid, as that is required to engage the bendix (gear Drive) for it to start.
What they have done is added a second solenoid that is more than likely feeding power to the first solenoid.
You can very easily check the starter and the starters solenoid and jump it like you are doing to the top solenoid.
Just jump from the battery cable on the starter to the small solenoid terminal.