Anyone have knowlege of Shibaura tractors?

[SNGLESHOT]

I love my little B2920 also. It has only accumulated a little over 200 hours in over two years of use but every minute on it has been fun. It will mow, plow, move dirt and gravel, smooth driveways, lift and transport heavy object, and more.

I showed my wife how to mow with it using the belly mount mower and now she wants to do the mowing.

Harv, Hah! That is exactly the tractor I am going to buy. (B2920) They were trying to get me to buy the 3point hitch finish mower instead of the belly mower but I am sticking with the belly mower. I only have 2. 6 acres and a 60 inch mower will make a big diff over the 44'' I have now. I was lookiing at a Kioti tractor. They look similar to Kubota and appear to be well made and are cheaper than the Kubota. They are really catching on here in PA. Parts and service are available near me but scarce. One dealer in Grove City PA and another is upstate NY are the two closest. Been looking hard at theirs but I think I have settled on the Kubota.

 

[HBarlow]

Major,

I think you'll be very pleased if you buy the Kubota. It is a very versatile small tractor and using it is more fun than work. When I was studying the product and accessories Bill Stockard suggested I buy a sun shade top. He suggested a metal top instead of the Kubota plastic model. I've been very happy that I did so will pass on the same advice.

It attaches to the ROPS bar and allows you to work in the heat of the day with the sun overhead without getting overheated and sunburned.


I bought mine with the front end loader, belly mount mower, and box blade but as I have learned to use it and become more familiar with all the capablilities I've added many more attachments.

 

[JMetzger]

The wife & I were at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, CA for the past week & I was talking to one of the maintenance workers about their Kobuta tractor & he said that in the last five years that he had been there it had never had any problems. I don't know how old it was or what model it was. I asked him how many hours it had on it & his reply was H--- the hour meter hasn't worked for the last 3 years. I think it might be larger then Harvey's as it has a backhoe & front end loader on it. They used it every day that we were there.

 

[HBarlow]

Jack's report above is probably more typical than my own usage history. Kubotas, even the compact sized B2920 I bought, is really a commercial duty machine capable of many years of hard work in golf course, landscaper, city parks, or septic tank installation service.

I won't live long enough to ever wear mine out or even put a dent in its service life. 100 hours of operation a year is nothing.

 

[HBarlow]

If anyone is seriously considering one, four wheel drive and hydrostatic drive transmissions are important "must haves. "

The tractor is very maneuverable and can be handled quickly and easily. Even an amateur like myself can quickly get pretty good with it. I installed an old fashioned steering knob on the steering wheel. This allows me to steer quickly and easily with my left hand, operate the front loader bucket with my right hand, and quickly change direction from forward to reverse with my right foot.

 

[MFranz]

I bought a Kubota L2500 in New Mexico about 9 Years ago. I have about 300 plus hrs. on a machine that has been flawless. Hard to believe that 25 hp. can do so much work. My only regret is that I don't have more attachments,mainly a backhoe.

Mike

 

[Darmeisner]

Amen to Kubota kudos. My 4 yr old L3400 was purchased new and has never been back to the dealer. Agree on 4X4, Hydrostatic drive and the spinner knob! My only irritation with it is noise. Ear protection is a must.



A neighbor bought a Kiota when they were picked up by a local dealer and he has had nothing but problems: oil leaks, hard starting, electrical system 50% replaced. He convinced the dealer to take it back. That dealer doesn't carry the brand anymore.

 

[MFranz]

4x4 for sure. Spinner knob is a plus. Nothing like the sound and smell of my diesel tractor in the morning. Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[Superglide]

Gonzo 1066

Did you work at Scholten's on the Guide Meridian? Just curious.

 

[TFucili]

Harv, Hah! That is exactly the tractor I am going to buy. (B2920) They were trying to get me to buy the 3point hitch finish mower instead of the belly mower but I am sticking with the belly mower. I only have 2. 6 acres and a 60 inch mower will make a big diff over the 44'' I have now. I was lookiing at a Kioti tractor. They look similar to Kubota and appear to be well made and are cheaper than the Kubota. They are really catching on here in PA. Parts and service are available near me but scarce. One dealer in Grove City PA and another is upstate NY are the two closest. Been looking hard at theirs but I think I have settled on the Kubota.

A Kioti is no Kubota, or Deere or New Holland for that matter. I was approached by them numerous times when I was in the business, and I would not sell them. I'd rather explain why my excellent tractor costs more than apologize because my bargain brand is a disappointing heap of dung.