Kubota L3200 4WD abuse on paved roads

[Rosohatica]

Hi everyone,

As some of you know, I recently bought a used Kubota L3200. It only has 260 working hours and is in excellent condition, consistent with the low usage. However, the front tires are quite worn, with only minimal tread left, while the rear tires are in better shape but still show some signs of wear. From what I’ve gathered online, such even wear on both front tires is likely due to prolonged 4WD use on asphalt, which I wasn’t aware of when I bought it.

Since owning it, I’ve put in about 6 hours of work, mostly mulching and plowing. While plowing, I used 4WD and didn’t notice any issues—steering is normal, and I have full range of motion on the front wheels.

Now, reading more about it has made me a bit concerned. Opinions online range widely: some say it’s not a problem at all (one person mentioned using 4WD on asphalt for 20 years without issues), while others suggest it could be quite serious, claiming that 260 hours in 4WD on asphalt could be equivalent to 5,000 hours without that kind of wear and tear, potentially leading to premature failure of mechanical parts.

What do you all think? Should I be worried? Would it be worth having an official Kubota dealer inspect it (which could be costly), or should I wait and only act if I notice a problem? I don’t want to ignore it if it could lead to bigger issues down the line, but as of now, everything seems to be working fine.

One thought I had was to try using an endoscopic camera to inspect the gears via the front axle oil plug. Do you think that might work? I’m not sure if that would even show the internal components clearly. Here’s an example of what I’m thinking - would I be able to see any of these - at least the upper parts?: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XEO-h3ljLi4

Thanks for any advice or insights!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If it's not making any odd noise, and it works then don't worry about it.
It sounds like the tires took the hit for the 4wd use.

Simple inspection method:
With it not running put it in 4wd, lift one front tire off the ground.
You should be able to turn the tire a short distance and it should stop.
if you are able to turn the tire line 1/4 way around then you might have an excessive wear issue.

 

[CGMKCM]

I think I would drain and replace the gear oil and see how muck metal is in the oil.

 

[chim]

I don't run in 4WD unless needed, especially on pavement. My tractor rarely gets run on pavement and the front tires wear very fast on the outsides due to Kubota's factory-set camber. Don't be too sure yours was run in 4WD unless there's more evidence. I'd bet that a couple hundred hours in 2WD on pavement could just about wear the front tires out.

 

[mcmxi]

Hi everyone,

As some of you know, I recently bought a used Kubota L3200. It only has 260 working hours and is in excellent condition, consistent with the low usage. However, the front tires are quite worn, with only minimal tread left, while the rear tires are in better shape but still show some signs of wear. From what I’ve gathered online, such even wear on both front tires is likely due to prolonged 4WD use on asphalt, which I wasn’t aware of when I bought it.

Since owning it, I’ve put in about 6 hours of work, mostly mulching and plowing. While plowing, I used 4WD and didn’t notice any issues—steering is normal, and I have full range of motion on the front wheels.

Now, reading more about it has made me a bit concerned. Opinions online range widely: some say it’s not a problem at all (one person mentioned using 4WD on asphalt for 20 years without issues), while others suggest it could be quite serious, claiming that 260 hours in 4WD on asphalt could be equivalent to 5,000 hours without that kind of wear and tear, potentially leading to premature failure of mechanical parts.

What do you all think? Should I be worried? Would it be worth having an official Kubota dealer inspect it (which could be costly), or should I wait and only act if I notice a problem? I don’t want to ignore it if it could lead to bigger issues down the line, but as of now, everything seems to be working fine.

One thought I had was to try using an endoscopic camera to inspect the gears via the front axle oil plug. Do you think that might work? I’m not sure if that would even show the internal components clearly. Here’s an example of what I’m thinking - would I be able to see any of these - at least the upper parts?: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XEO-h3ljLi4

Thanks for any advice or insights!

Probably a stupid question, but since you bought it used from someone else who bought it used, how sure are you that the tires on it came with the tractor when it was new?

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Hi everyone,

As some of you know, I recently bought a used Kubota L3200. It only has 260 working hours and is in excellent condition, consistent with the low usage. However, the front tires are quite worn, with only minimal tread left, while the rear tires are in better shape but still show some signs of wear. From what I’ve gathered online, such even wear on both front tires is likely due to prolonged 4WD use on asphalt, which I wasn’t aware of when I bought it.

Since owning it, I’ve put in about 6 hours of work, mostly mulching and plowing. While plowing, I used 4WD and didn’t notice any issues—steering is normal, and I have full range of motion on the front wheels.

Now, reading more about it has made me a bit concerned. Opinions online range widely: some say it’s not a problem at all (one person mentioned using 4WD on asphalt for 20 years without issues), while others suggest it could be quite serious, claiming that 260 hours in 4WD on asphalt could be equivalent to 5,000 hours without that kind of wear and tear, potentially leading to premature failure of mechanical parts.

What do you all think? Should I be worried? Would it be worth having an official Kubota dealer inspect it (which could be costly), or should I wait and only act if I notice a problem? I don’t want to ignore it if it could lead to bigger issues down the line, but as of now, everything seems to be working fine.

One thought I had was to try using an endoscopic camera to inspect the gears via the front axle oil plug. Do you think that might work? I’m not sure if that would even show the internal components clearly. Here’s an example of what I’m thinking - would I be able to see any of these - at least the upper parts?: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XEO-h3ljLi4

Thanks for any advice or insights!

IMO, if you bought it, you bought it. That being said only two things jump out at me at this point:

1. You are not reporting any problems. It works right?

2. You are reporting front tires are showing wear. Could be a problem or could be tires are showing wear, doesn’t necessarily mean a mechanical problem. There could be or maybe not.

But also what is the comparison to say they are worn? And how much? (I wonder it’s a house or a mouse?)

Does it need new tires? What / how are you comparing the tread wear?

Take it for what it’s worth, but in general whether buy a new or used machine I’d recommend going through the manual and finding all the service points and functions and features. Check fluid is there and clean (don’t have to drain but find it and check it), check tire pressure, wheel torque and make sure all zeros have been greased. Or don’t do that…it’s your machine.

In a used machine I’d go ahead and do a full service (change all the fluids if clean…do you know what fluids they are…sure that might be a waste of perfectly good fluid, to me it’s an ounce of prevention) then you know your starting point. In your case you would find out if something not look right in the oil. Maybe that would build some confidence. I’d also do what wolfman suggested.

Back to the tires, what was the original tread depth and what is it now? Does it get enough traction for your use? I am not doubting that they are worn but how severe? Does it need new tires?

I don’t know this helps but those are my thoughts. Good luck.

 

[chim]

Here are the before and after (re-grooving) pics of my front tires. I originally grooved them in early 2019 and this year the outsides were worn below the depth of the grooves I cut into them. The only pavement time they get is when I run into town to plow the church parking lots. Back and forth plus plowing time was most likely under 50 hours to get them worn like that.

 

[Rosohatica]

I think I would drain and replace the gear oil and see how muck metal is in the oil.

Thanks for the suggestion but I am afraid that won`t help - previous seller has done a full service before selling, changed oils and filters. He sent me photos while he was changing it. I checked motor oil to make sure he did - it was completely clean fluid. I am sure front axle oil is new as well then.

 

[Rosohatica]

If it's not making any odd noise, and it works then don't worry about it.
It sounds like the tires took the hit for the 4wd use.

Simple inspection method:
With it not running put it in 4wd, lift one front tire off the ground.
You should be able to turn the tire a short distance and it should stop.
if you are able to turn the tire line 1/4 way around then you might have an excessive wear issue.

Thanks for the practical advice. I will do that and let you know what I have found out. Where is the best spot to mount the jack under front axle that won`t cause damage to it ? Or its all the same, wherever I put it?

 

[Rosohatica]

Probably a stupid question, but since you bought it used from someone else who bought it used, how sure are you that the tires on it came with the tractor when it was new?

Well, I believe they’re the original tires. For one thing, they’re Bridgestones, which typically come standard on Kubotas. I don’t see why anyone would replace the original tires—presumably in better condition—with a set that’s more worn. Also, if the idea is that a second set was put on new, it seems improbable they’d show this much wear after only 260 hours split across two sets of tires.

 

[Rosohatica]

IMO, if you bought it, you bought it. That being said only two things jump out at me at this point:

1. You are not reporting any problems. It works right?

2. You are reporting front tires are showing wear. Could be a problem or could be tires are showing wear, doesn’t necessarily mean a mechanical problem. There could be or maybe not.

But also what is the comparison to say they are worn? And how much? (I wonder it’s a house or a mouse?)

Does it need new tires? What / how are you comparing the tread wear?

Take it for what it’s worth, but in general whether buy a new or used machine I’d recommend going through the manual and finding all the service points and functions and features. Check fluid is there and clean (don’t have to drain but find it and check it), check tire pressure, wheel torque and make sure all zeros have been greased. Or don’t do that…it’s your machine.

In a used machine I’d go ahead and do a full service (change all the fluids if clean…do you know what fluids they are…sure that might be a waste of perfectly good fluid, to me it’s an ounce of prevention) then you know your starting point. In your case you would find out if something not look right in the oil. Maybe that would build some confidence. I’d also do what wolfman suggested.

Back to the tires, what was the original tread depth and what is it now? Does it get enough traction for your use? I am not doubting that they are worn but how severe? Does it need new tires?

I don’t know this helps but those are my thoughts. Good luck.

Thanks for the thoughts, as I said, its too late for previous oil check - its gone and I haven`t seen it. As far as the tires go, here are several images so judge by yourself - they seem pretty worn out to me. I think original tread depth was around 1,15 inches and now its only 0,25 inches. I also included image of a new tire.

 

[Rosohatica]

Here are the before and after (re-grooving) pics of my front tires. I originally grooved them in early 2019 and this year the outsides were worn below the depth of the grooves I cut into them. The only pavement time they get is when I run into town to plow the church parking lots. Back and forth plus plowing time was most likely under 50 hours to get them worn like that.

Thats interesting. And I thought industrial tires are more durable.

 

[Rosohatica]

I don't run in 4WD unless needed, especially on pavement. My tractor rarely gets run on pavement and the front tires wear very fast on the outsides due to Kubota's factory-set camber. Don't be too sure yours was run in 4WD unless there's more evidence. I'd bet that a couple hundred hours in 2WD on pavement could just about wear the front tires out.

Yeah, but mine are not worn out only on the outside but evenly across the tire. Of course I am not sure tractor was driven in 4WD on the pavement on a regular basis. But that seem to be consistent with such an even wear.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Hi everyone,

As some of you know, I recently bought a used Kubota L3200. It only has 260 working hours and is in excellent condition, consistent with the low usage. However, the front tires are quite worn, with only minimal tread left, while the rear tires are in better shape but still show some signs of wear. From what I’ve gathered online, such even wear on both front tires is likely due to prolonged 4WD use on asphalt, which I wasn’t aware of when I bought it.

Since owning it, I’ve put in about 6 hours of work, mostly mulching and plowing. While plowing, I used 4WD and didn’t notice any issues—steering is normal, and I have full range of motion on the front wheels.

Now, reading more about it has made me a bit concerned. Opinions online range widely: some say it’s not a problem at all (one person mentioned using 4WD on asphalt for 20 years without issues), while others suggest it could be quite serious, claiming that 260 hours in 4WD on asphalt could be equivalent to 5,000 hours without that kind of wear and tear, potentially leading to premature failure of mechanical parts.

What do you all think? Should I be worried? Would it be worth having an official Kubota dealer inspect it (which could be costly), or should I wait and only act if I notice a problem? I don’t want to ignore it if it could lead to bigger issues down the line, but as of now, everything seems to be working fine.

One thought I had was to try using an endoscopic camera to inspect the gears via the front axle oil plug. Do you think that might work? I’m not sure if that would even show the internal components clearly. Here’s an example of what I’m thinking - would I be able to see any of these - at least the upper parts?: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XEO-h3ljLi4

Thanks for any advice or insights!

I think all you need to worry about is the cost of two new front tires.

Dan

 

[mcmxi]

I don’t see why anyone would replace the original tires—presumably in better condition—with a set that’s more worn. Also, if the idea is that a second set was put on new, it seems improbable they’d show this much wear after only 260 hours split across two sets of tires.

I can think of a reason. Owner #1 or owner #2 figured that they'd shove on some old, worn tires before selling the tractor and then sell the newer tires, or use the newer tires on another tractor.

Also, I wasn't suggesting that a second set was put on new.

As others have said though, I wouldn't worry about anything other than the cost of new tires. These things are expensive these days.

Added in edit: Automotive tires have a manufacturing date code on them but not sure about tractor tires. I'm away from the tractors so can't run out and check.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

Probably a stupid question, but since you bought it used from someone else who bought it used, how sure are you that the tires on it came with the tractor when it was new?

that was my first thought as well.
no info on who / where it was purchased but conceivable to think old owner may have swapped out and kept the really nice / almost new for the used / worn ones when it was sold onto the OP.

inspect the wheel nuts to see if maybe they were swapped out or paint colour of rims maybe more faded, etc... to see if any indication a swap prior to sale may have occurred.

 

[JimDeL]

Worn on outside edge only? Check the toe-in. Excessive toe-in can cause that. Manual will have specs and directions.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Thanks for the thoughts, as I said, it’s too late for previous oil check - it’s gone and I haven`t seen it. As far as the tires go, here are several images so judge by yourself - they seem pretty worn out to me. I think original tread depth was around 1,15 inches and now it’s only 0,25 inches. I also included image of a new tire.

That is a good looking machine. IMO I think you are forgetting the part where you enjoy the tractor until there is some sort of failure or it doesn’t do the tasks you want it to do.

To me it looks like you have a very clean machine with low hours and the used R1s. If you bought a used machine that had used tires, I think you got it. Did you see it before purchase?

Regarding the treads, that perfect picture of a new tire is misleading IMO. There are variations in appearance and tread depth from tire to tire as they come out of the molds, not to mention between sizes. There is a lot less consistency between n off road tires versus on road tires. Do they have some wear? Sure. That’s what you bought. Did you see a picture of the machine before buying? I’f you want new tires get new tires, or don’t. That tire wear doesn’t necessarily mean you have a mechanical problem. It only means the tires have been used previously.

If the tires provide the traction you need and you don’t have a mechanical problem, then I think it’s a mouse (not a house) Just my opinion. I would not get wrapped around the axle about something that has already happened if there is not a failure point. Buy new tires or don’t. Or sell the machine.

Id still recommend doing full service and / or going through the manual and finding all service points and make the basic checks of fluids, grease, wheel nut torque, and tire pressure. Or don’t.

It’s really a good looking machine. Don’t forget to enjoy it.

 

[NCL4701]

As you’ve explained, draining and checking fluid is useless. Suggest following NIW’s instructions to check for excessive wear in the gears. If wear is excessive, either open it up to see what needs replacing and fix it, or run it until it fails and fix it then; whichever you prefer depending on what you use it for and your preference.

The reduction in height of the bars on the front tires may or may not cause a commensurate reduction in traction. There are a lot of factors other than bar height that play into that. If using in a rice paddy/bog/swamp, the loss of bar height could make a practical difference. If using in relatively stable soil (something you can walk through without hip waders) the impact on the overall tractive ability of the machine isn’t likely to be much. At least partly because: 1) While 4WD is wonderful, with a front wheel assist machine with the little front wheels and big back wheels, the vast majority of traction is with the back wheels; 2) Off-road tires, same as on road tires, are designed to provide their designed level of performance even as the tread wears down, of course up to a point. Just because they’re worn, even a lot, doesn’t necessarily indicate replacement. Looking at the pics you posted, IMO those tires don’t need replacing yet.

Point of all that is the test of the gears is the excessive lash test proscribed by NIW. The test of the tires is when you’re using it, does it have enough traction?

Your tractor; your money, so of course if you want to replace the gears or tires or both that’s not going to hurt anything other than your bank account. But if 4WD is working and traction is adequate, most likely you don’t need to replace either. Just an opinion. YMMV…

 

[PaulL]

My view. Unlikely to be mechanically damaged in that time. Do the check @North Idaho Wolfman suggested, but otherwise unless you have some actual indication of damage, assume there's none.

I would consider replacing the tires if your use has traction issues. If it doesn't, then so long as you're not driving on 4WD on pavement, those tires will go 5 years more. If you need more tread for traction in your use, then buy new tires.

Otherwise, @rc51stierhoff is right. Get out there and use the tractor, and worry less about what some random online said might be broken.