Cab or no cabl

[mlj002]

Looking to buy my first Kubota tractor and I am stuck on this question. While a cab would be nice in the winter, it would be unbearable in the summer if the AC is not reliable. Here are my questions:
1. I am looking at a 1996 4200 and a and 2005 4630. How reliable is the AC on these models; especially the 18 year old tractor?
2. I think I read on this site where these older cab tractors, only the rear window opens. Is that correct? If AC fails, that would be miserable.

Thanks for helping.

 

[TripleR]

I don't know about the older one, but I know a 2003 L5030HSTC that works like new.

 

[Bluegill]

For reliable AC, I'd want a newer tractor and at least 45hp.

I use my rigs too much in the woods, so a cab isn't an option for me. Would
love one just for mowing the fields though.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I think your reliability is going to have more to do with how well it's been serviced over the years than the year it was made, AC components haven't changed a whole lot over the last 20 some years.
Just a quick look the AC in the L4200 was more of an add on option that built in unit, that tends to swing me more towards thinking was it installed right from the beginning?
Where the L4630 was built into the unit and can lead to fewer installation problems.

I would also think the 96 model is going to have more hours on it therefor more wear and tear, but it might have had an owner that took better care of it than say the 2005 owner did.

 

[mlj002]

Thanks for the feedback. I haven't gotten to look at either one of these yet, so I appreciate the tips. Ironically, the 1996 has only 420 hours and the 2005 has 1,475.

How do you tell if an AC unit was an add on option?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

When I said add on, I should have said optional, as it is a factory Kubota part it just looks like it wasn't installed in every unit.
I wouldn't really base my decision on that, I would base it on overall tractor condition.
The L4200 is a good solid tractor with slightly more HP than the L4630.
The L4630 is a newer tractor but I don't think there was any real great technology advancements made in between the 2 tractors.