Considering a L5030 HSTC

[Shawn T. W]

A dealer about 50 miles away has this 2005 Kubota L5030 4X4 cab HST tractor I'm interested in, he got it a couple of months ago, without a loader, it's not a hot seller, but I plan on keeping it the next 20+ years, I'm 59 now … a few questions in a moment …

While a bit faded and no interior pictures yet, he is supposed to get me some … and check if the tires are loaded …only thing I can see “wrong” is missing left tail light … he did say that there shop also said I believe the front headlights and amber lights on cab didn't work, both the A/C and Alternator belts should be replaced soon, and the negative battery cable where it attached to the frame was corroded … other than that a sound tractor, he drove it around the yard and said the hour meter is working, it has just under 4000 hours.

A local college owned it, and traded it for a new similar Kioti tractor, with a slightly bigger 60 HP engine, but 4X4 cab, and no loader …

My plans for it are to pull a 8’ finish mower over about 14 acres, I doubt I need the 4X4, originally I thought I didn't want a cab either, but have reconsidered as I'm extremely allergic to poison ivy, I've sprayed all I know about on my 16 acres, but I usually find more when mowing, and usually just as it goes under the mower! I'm also quite reactive to insect bites … the A/C should make even the most hot and humid days in the Missouri Ozarks more bearable for mowing .. it's only money, I can't take it with me … they are asking $16,900 … I was originally looking for a bigger M 2WD, no loader, no cab, to save money … still would consider a cabbed 2wd M, but this is already stretching my budget.

Now the questions …

1. If the rear tires aren't loaded, do you think I would need them filled?

2. Bush Hog HDTH8 99” cut finish mower weighs 1190 Lbs, plus a quick hitch of about 70 Lbs, do you think I'd need front ballast when I lift the mower on the three point? What about filling the FRONT tires?

3. Where is the fuel fill?

4. Does 4,000 hours sound like a lot? I will probably put about 50 hours a year on this …

5. With it apparently sitting out in the weather the last 20 years, other than faded paint, what should be areas of concern?

6. Are there any particular “problem areas” to look at?

7. I'm guessing this is a “Grand” series? Would it have cruise control?

8. What questions would you
ask the dealer?

 

[McMXi]

I don't know much at about that L5030 but sure is a cool looking tractor.

 

[Shawn T. W]

I'm looking for no emissions, larger tires for a more comfortable ride than my 26" SCUT has, these are double that, so mights well get a bigger mower for the double HP too ... So mostly 20 year or older tractors ...

I really don't like the look of the brush hog "finished cut" ... My Z-Trak cuts nice, but again has even tinier 24" tall tires, while a suspension seat helps, it's still a rough ride for my old bones!

My little baby overgrown lawn mower SCUT actually does everything I really need done, but it's an uncomfortable ride on the bumpy back pasture ... Here is a video I took to show the birds, but you can tell how much I'm being jostled around at 3.5 MPH ...

https://rumble.com/v6uue3p-barn-swallows-while-brush-hogging.html

 

[McMXi]

I'm looking for no emissions, larger tires for a more comfortable ride than my 26" SCUT has, these are double that, so mights well get a bigger mower for the double HP too ... So mostly 20 year or older tractors ...

I really don't like the look of the brush hog "finished cut" ... My Z-Trak cuts nice, but again has even tinier 24" tall tires, while a suspension seat helps, it's still a rough ride for my old bones!

My little baby overgrown lawn mower SCUT actually does everything I really need done, but it's an uncomfortable ride on the bumpy back pasture ... Here is a video I took to show the birds, but you can tell how much I'm being jostled around at 3.5 MPH ...

https://rumble.com/v6uue3p-barn-swallows-while-brush-hogging.html

I think you'd have a much better time with that L5030 when it comes to pulling a cutter around. I can't even begin to describe the ride improvement moving up from a BX25 to an MX6000HST, and then of course even more comfort in the MX6000HSTC, followed by an even better ride and more comfort in the M6060.

I used to cut a few acres with the BX25 and mid mount mower, but it beat the crap out of me and was slow going so I just took care of the least amount that I could get away with. Once I got bigger tractors the whole cutting experience became less of a chore and way more comfortable, and faster, so now I cut a lot more acreage and enjoy it a whole lot more.

Good luck on that tractor.

 

[PaulL]

Dad had a big Ford 2WD that he used to cut paddocks with. He swapped to a smaller 4WD Kubota that he reckoned was just as capable, but fit into more places. Unless you want to swing a really big mower, I think this tractor would suit you well. If you have no need for a loader, then this is great buying, because everyone else wants a loader so they have not many buyers.

Loading tires I'm not that big on personally. It makes the ride rougher, and certainly on the rear if you're mostly pulling a mower, you're already ballasted. Why load the rears as well? As you point out, the fronts are more likely to be a problem. But I'd do suitcase weights rather than filling the fronts, they aren't that big so it's hassle for not that much weight.

I don't think you'd need that much weight. You want enough to get traction on the front (no point in 4WD if the front wheels aren't on the ground), but you don't need massive weight in my opinion.

 

[Shawn T. W]

Yeah, I'm thinking the rears shouldn't need weight, while mowing the majority of the mower weight will be on the ground, but when I pick it up, then it might be light in the steering ...

The thing about filling tires is that weight is really mostly on the ground, not the axle and frame carrying it.

Dealer still hasn't sent me the interior pictures yet ... The college used this for mowing, so I'm not sure why they would have filled the tires either ... Not sure how big of a mower they were using or if it was a pull type, or 3 point ...

I'm a long distance over the road truck driver, so for the next 31 months until I retire, I'm not home much ... Hoping to be home to look at it on Monday morning before my dental crowning in the afternoon ...

I'm hoping with a good buffing, and a bunch of elbow grease, I can get some of the shine back, I will be making a space for it in my ever filling up barn, plus for the mower I'll get after I've saved up some more pennies, I don't like leaving stuff out in the weather!

 

[BAP]

I wouldn’t worry too much about the hours. I reality, that isn’t that much for a tractor. I would not add any weight to start with. If the front is light with the mower on, add a few suitcase weights to the front. If the rear tires aren’t loaded, I wouldn’t load them. You don’t need maximum traction for a mower. Are you going to put a rotary mower or a flail mower on it? Flail will leave a nicer looking cut.

 

[chim]

I like it. You could watch for a deal on a nice 90" mower. My guess is that with the flat-ish land in the pics you won't need ballast. After you mow with a cabbed tractor you won't want an open station. It was a great day when my BIL next door told his sister that chim should be out of the heat and dust he put up with for years

There's a small open station tractor here that sees infrequent use. Sometimes it's handy. Sometimes the weather is perfect. Sometimes it's just enjoyable.

However, it is almost always nicer to have a climate-controlled cab. No baking in the sun. No coughing up lung fung the day after mowing dusty or pollen coated grass. No deer flies or mosquitoes biting me. Early Spring or late Fall, turn a little heat on. There's a value in being able to step out of the cab ready to head to our favorite restaurant.

 

[chim]

My BIL runs a Woods RD990X on his L4740 in pastures and the cut is nice. It has what look like multiple free-swinging bush hog blades. When he mows more frequently it makes the pastures look more like yards.

I run a 90" Caroni RFM. It has 5 normal blades and it's all I use for the yard. This model probably wouldn't be happy doing meadows, but recently they came out with a slightly beefier version tha looks interesting.

 

[MOOTS]

A dealer about 50 miles away has this 2005 Kubota L5030 4X4 cab HST tractor I'm interested in, he got it a couple of months ago, without a loader, it's not a hot seller, but I plan on keeping it the next 20+ years, I'm 59 now … a few questions in a moment …

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While a bit faded and no interior pictures yet, he is supposed to get me some … and check if the tires are loaded …only thing I can see “wrong” is missing left tail light … he did say that there shop also said I believe the front headlights and amber lights on cab didn't work, both the A/C and Alternator belts should be replaced soon, and the negative battery cable where it attached to the frame was corroded … other than that a sound tractor, he drove it around the yard and said the hour meter is working, it has just under 4000 hours.

A local college owned it, and traded it for a new similar Kioti tractor, with a slightly bigger 60 HP engine, but 4X4 cab, and no loader …

My plans for it are to pull a 8’ finish mower over about 14 acres, I doubt I need the 4X4, originally I thought I didn't want a cab either, but have reconsidered as I'm extremely allergic to poison ivy, I've sprayed all I know about on my 16 acres, but I usually find more when mowing, and usually just as it goes under the mower! I'm also quite reactive to insect bites … the A/C should make even the most hot and humid days in the Missouri Ozarks more bearable for mowing .. it's only money, I can't take it with me … they are asking $16,900 … I was originally looking for a bigger M 2WD, no loader, no cab, to save money … still would consider a cabbed 2wd M, but this is already stretching my budget.

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Now the questions …

1. If the rear tires aren't loaded, do you think I would need them filled?

2. Bush Hog HDTH8 99” cut finish mower weighs 1190 Lbs, plus a quick hitch of about 70 Lbs, do you think I'd need front ballast when I lift the mower on the three point? What about filling the FRONT tires?

3. Where is the fuel fill?

4. Does 4,000 hours sound like a lot? I will probably put about 50 hours a year on this …

5. With it apparently sitting out in the weather the last 20 years, other than faded paint, what should be areas of concern?

6. Are there any particular “problem areas” to look at?

7. I'm guessing this is a “Grand” series? Would it have cruise control?

8. What questions would you
ask the dealer?

1. They probably are filled. We have a 5030 rops without loader at work. As a do all unit, and they are filled.

2. We had a 90 something inch trimax mower with dual rollers that would almost lift the front tires with full weight bracket on front. I think it was more than your 1260lb cutter.

3. Fuel fill is in the door just above the Kubota on right side of tractor/hood area.

4. Depends how it was taken care of, the pictures look pretty good from here.

5. See 4.

6. See 4. Our fuel gauge is acting up, possibly a bad ground somewhere. No problems otherwise, ours has 2080hrs. or so.

7. Yes. Lever to your left that “locks” the HST pedal.

8. Maintenance schedule. Most schools have a mechanic, hopefully he had records. Try to get in touch with him, may even have some parts to give you.

Hope some of this helps.

 

[D2Cat]

Shawn, that looks weed free and nice grass. Why not have a neighbor cut it for hay? You should get a third and if you don't have any animals to eat your share, sell it to the one who cuts it.

 

[Shawn T. W]

I'm planning on getting a finish mower and cut it down to around 5" tall, a flail seems to do better down lower, and a brush hog is too "messy" for me.

I tried the hay gig, lost over $1000 a year "selling" it off the front 6 acres, soil tests, lime , fertilizer, herbicide ... Back and side pastures are rough, and were very neglected lots of brush, I've cleaned up, but still rough and rocky ...

I don't have any critters to eat the hay, it's just turned into a hassle ... My Little Baby Fergie can only push/roll the 4X5 bales, can't load, so need more "help" to load ... No room to store small squares until I find a buyer, only home a couple a days each month, and hard to know for sure when that will be ...

My company kinda messed up my plans ... I was scheduled to be home on Sunday, for a Monday afternoon crown at the dentist ... I had a slow load going to Ohio, but was going to drop that at our terminal in Missouri after spending this afternoon and tomorrow at home, then grab a load that has to go to Chicago for Saturday, then get a return to Missouri on Sunday ... Then go look at tractor on Monday morning ...

This morning he called and said to just drop my load in Missouri, and go home early ... Which meant I would miss my quarterly bonus by 664 miles! I wasn't happy and told him so, he said the CEO (and owners son in law!) said they need my load for someone else ... I called the dealer and set up to see it Saturday instead ..

I swing by home, and unload my truck, 1 mile before getting back to the interstate my phone rings, he says "how soon can you be in Ohio?" I say like now, or after my dentist on Monday? He says "tomorrow morning!" I say how about noon, but can you get me back home for my crown? He says yes, they are working on that now, so I turned around, went back home got my stuff and headed out, wasted 2 hours!

40 miles down the road, they cancel my return trip ... Then an hour later they give me a different one that doesn't load until Sunday afternoon in Toledo ... Gonna be tight to make the dentist, IF I get loaded on time, called dealer and told him didn't know, but maybe Tuesday?

But doing this, I'll get my bonus which is about $4K which I need in order to buy this tractor ... Or I gotta wait to save more ... I know this tractor doesn't have a loader, so it's a harder tractor for them to sell ...

 

[Shawn T. W]

Dealer did send me more pictures though ... I think it looks better than the other ones, may have a little rust on the sides of the hood along that crease, plus the round spot?

Looks like it's missing the top link ...

What are the two switches on the right side I circled in purple for?

Is the "Service Inspect" message a "fault" or some kind of timer to check the air filter or something? Or just a "start up message"?

It's got honest wear for a 20 year old tractor, but not as bad as I feared.

 

[MOOTS]

Dealer did send me more pictures though ... I think it looks better than the other ones, may have a little rust on the sides of the hood along that crease, plus the round spot?

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Looks like it's missing the top link ...

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What are the two switches on the right side I circled in purple for?

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Is the "Service Inspect" message a "fault" or some kind of timer to check the air filter or something? Or just a "start up message"?

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It's got honest wear for a 20 year old tractor, but not as bad as I feared.

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Those two buttons on dash let you cycle through the display. MPH, RPM, PTO RPM, hours.
Pretty sure the service inspect is just a reminder. Probably wasn’t reset or it may actually need a service.

 

[McMXi]

The lower rear glass appears to be broken so you'd need to address that to keep dust and allergy related stuff out of the cab as much as possible. I bet it'd look really good after a bit of a clean up.

 

[PaulL]

One of the two buttons is labelled "travel speed". May be some sort of cruise control on it.

Can you tell the dealer you're interested, but can't physically get in till Tuesday, can they give you a right of refusal? Perhaps pay a deposit to show you're serious.

Tractors like that don't move quickly, you're probably fine. But it would be a pity if someone else happened to walk in on Monday and wanted it. You seem pretty set on it, and it looks to me like it's in good enough condition to just tell him you want it. Perhaps make an offer, conditional on it all running/working fine when you get there? Then it's off the market, they won't sell it to someone else.

Top links should be easy for a dealer, if they don't have it sitting around somewhere they'd typically throw one in for you. If they do throw one in, put a little thought into what sort of top link you want and ask for that - otherwise they'll give you the cheapest one off the shelf. There's one set of outlets there, you could do a hydraulic top link if you had a use for such a thing - will your mower need to tilt forward and back at all?

 

[PaulL]

The lower rear glass appears to be broken so you'd need to address that to keep dust and allergy related stuff out of the cab as much as possible. I bet it'd look really good after a bit of a clean up.

Or put some duct tape over it. I know, I'm not even a farmer.......

 

[Shawn T. W]

I hadn't noticed the rear lower glass ... I figured he took the picture trying to show me something, I figured maybe it was dirty, but now zooming in on it, does seem to be broken ...

What do you see in the upper rear cab picture other than the antenna is bent, I think those are the amber lights he said that don't work ...

The front of the door opening has a lot of wear like it got rubbed a lot getting in and out, but I'm a bit confused on the pedals seen through the door ... I looks like two pedals, at different angles side by side, with different textured pads, but not like a split brake, or my hydro pedals ...

Here you can see one of the pedals, I'm guessing his foot is on the other ...

When I called the second day about not getting pictures, he apologized and said he had gone out there, but had forgotten the keys, and it was parked in high grass ... That tells me it was probably not moved since he got it in this spring ... And if God wants me to have it, it will still be there ... Took the same approach when I bought a house back during the crazy buying frenzy in 2021!

While I'm prepared to pay full price, I think I should be able to get it for less ... Priced out a new comparable one at $53K which would have emissions which I don't want, and only want a "big tired lawn mower" and once retired will be on a limited budget, but still have a bunch of house renovations I want to get done before I retire, while the money is coming in ...

 

[Shawn T. W]

7. Yes. Lever to your left that “locks” the HST pedal.

The purple arrow?

What's the knob the white arrow is pointing at?

Looking at the rear wheel there is rust around the valve stem ... Would that indicate that maybe it was filled with that calcium calorie salt mixture stuff? Seems suspicious that it's right there. . . Would they even have put that in 20 years ago? Is it still in use, how would I get rid of it?

I asked him if he knew if tires were filled, he was gonna check, but hasn't told me yet ...

 

[MOOTS]

The purple arrow?

What's the knob the white arrow is pointing at?

View attachment 157926

Looking at the rear wheel there is rust around the valve stem ... Would that indicate that maybe it was filled with that calcium calorie salt mixture stuff? Seems suspicious that it's right there. . . Would they even have put that in 20 years ago? Is it still in use, how would I get rid of it?

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I asked him if he knew if tires were filled, he was gonna check, but hasn't told me yet ...

Purple is cruise lever. White is 4x4.
The other pedal, near the travel pedal is the brakes. Clutch is on left side.