L 185

[dirtydanpa]

I'm looking at a 1980 kubota L185 2x4 with fel for $3500 .
Somebody said it was obsolete. Is that so, and what is part availability like for this machine?

 

[ShaunRH]

Obsolete and Gray Market aren't the same. Normally Gray Market is harder to find parts for, old US Kubota's should still have some parts available for it. I think there are a lot of L185 owners on here so they can tell you their parts hunting stories for reference.

 

[Daren Todd]

I 've had pretty good luck getting parts for the l175 which shares a lot of the same parts with the l185. And just a tad older. You can pretty much get what you need for the motor. Haven't got into the tranny or hydraulics, so I can't speak for the availability of those parts

 

[dirtydanpa]

Does $3500 sound like a good price?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

That's not a bad price for it if it's in good running condition!

 

[Russell King]

I own a L185F. Bought it about 3 years ago. For about the same price you are stating. No FEL but a back blade and tiller came with it.

Most parts are available from the dealer. If you are looking to know about any particular part you can look up the part number on Kubota.com and see if it is available at Messicks.com

I do not think the head is available any longer from the dealer but are on e-bay.

The tractor is prone to head cracks if the radiator is not kept clean. They do not have a water pump - only thermo siphon cooling.

Look intently at the radiator fins (front and rear) and see if it is clogged. If it is clogged I would be concerned about the head.

 

[retiredlawnboy]

The Tranny and Rear End are the same as a 245. I have both till they are gone.

 

[Bfulme]

I picked up a L245 this Spring for $2300 that I am restoring. Most parts are still available through Kubota or Messicks. I was having a hard time finding the early model Kubota Orange#1 paint as well as Kubota blue in a spray can but finally found it through All States AG Parts

 

[retiredlawnboy]

That makes me feel great! I just picked up an L245 for less at a dealer auction and have the parts to convert to a DT. The tractor has already been serviced! (I plan on making the conversion and reselling)

 

[meanjean]

That makes me feel great! I just picked up an L245 for less at a dealer auction and have the parts to convert to a DT. The tractor has already been serviced! (I plan on making the conversion and reselling)

I'm envious of you.
I have an L1801 which is the grey version of the L175/L185.
Sure with it had 4wd. Would make snow blowing 10x easier.