New L355SS owner

[CedarTree]

I just got an L355-SS with the 1720 loader (1983) and need to learn how to become a Samurai Kubota Repairman! I figured this place was a good place to start! I added an attachment of what it looks like. I need to do a lot of sanding, wire-brushing and re-painting as soon as the weather breaks and I can get some orange tractor paint.

 

[aquaforce]

Welcome to OTT and congrats on the Orange tractor!!!!!

This place is a great resource for all your orange needs.

 

[meanjean]

Welcome to the site.

A fresh coat of paint and you will have a slick ride.

 

[CedarTree]

Thanks!

I will need more than a fresh coat of paint, I'm going to be possibly the first one stupid enough to pay Kubota $600 for a cowling

(the front of the hood is dented up badly near the bar for the subframe)

 

[gktilton]

Thanks!

I will need more than a fresh coat of paint, I'm going to be possibly the first one stupid enough to pay Kubota $600 for a cowling

(the front of the hood is dented up badly near the bar for the subframe)

For my B7100 the dents in it were bad enough when I got it so that I couldn't open it without removing the mounting hardware. Since it needs paint I just used the 3lb hammer to put it in shape. When I am ready to paint I may take a couple hours and use the little hammers to finish it right before I weld up the rust. Its amazing what you can fix if your cheap enough.

 

[CedarTree]

All those contours,curves, and creases in the metal. For mine, I'd need mad metal working skills.

Maybe instead I'll find a parts tractor with a good hood. (slim hope I guess)

 

[DALaws]

Bondo. Piece of cake. just need orbital sander!!

 

[Eric McCarthy]

Check out West Kentucky Tractor and see if they may have a hood for your tractor. They are a tractor junk yard.

http://www.wkytp.com/

 

[CedarTree]

Guys I need some help. Shortly after I purchased this I discovered that the 4WD was not working. I investigated and then I found that the right-front hub wasn't getting power. I discussed this with the original owner and above my objections they took it to be repaired locally. Now that it's been over 4 months without my tractor I am taking matters into my own hands. I want to purchase everything within the circle.

Thanks for any leads or whatever

 

[Eddie Jr.]

Congrats on the new (to you) Orange machine! The guys here are great, look at all the good stuff so far. Hope the project goes well for you and keep adding the pics so we can see the progress!
Welcome!

M.

 

[CedarTree]

Well, I got my tractor back today.

Unbelievable.

Final repair cost $2500.

I am really, really fed up.

ETA I wanted to point out I was not fed up at the repair cost but rather the length of time it took to repair. I knew a Kubota dealer would have it fixed in 30 days or less (worst-case scenario) but I had no choice in the matter.

The original owners forced me to use a certain local machinist who kept my tractor all this time stringing me on and on, I paid about $1000 for parts up until today when he soaked me for another $1500.00

The original owners moved away, leaving me stuck with this do-nothing mechanic all this time, who really ripped me off. By this time I was stuck with him. Threats, pleading, whatever didn't get this guy motivated in the slightest.


I just had it out clearing a lot of dead wood and stumps trying to break it so I could make sure it would hold together. It seems to be holding up well.

Now, I need some body parts. I want a complete hood and front-end grill.

Since I last posted, I have learned a bit about my L355SS and it seems many parts from L305/L305DT, L345/L345DT will fit. I'm pretty sure the body parts will fit any way.

Anyone have a complete hood/front-grill for sale?

TIA

Here is the latest picture taken today.

 

[CedarTree]

I just noticed this thread was moved to the off-topic forum. I find that odd since what can be more on topic? Maybe it's because my tractor is so old and crappy compared to the $40-50K machines I see mentioned here

Anyway does anyone think a body shop could fix this reasonably-well? Otherwise I do need a new hood/grill.

I do have the metal bar that mounts in front of the hood, I have it removed right now pending some more maintenance.

 

[CedarTree]

I forgot to show the repaired hub.

Here it is (images attached)

 

[CedarTree]

What a shame that these forums are just so dead. It seems folks just don't like to talk much here.

Oh well, I'm going to try and find a place where people like to talk about tractors.