Kubota L4701 Tractor 1,000 Hour Review - Assessing Performance, Wear & Likes/Dislikes of the Machine

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/ @squatch253

[@joemontz592]

Right here is a perfect example of why you keep your tools clean and maintained, 4 years of trouble free work

[@0xDEAFF00D]

I was going to say. When they have a recommended service interval, and you meet that interval, I bet all the tractor colours age similarly. At least for the first 1000 or so hours.

[@danielbutler578]

I like the fact that you are rating your equipment based on an honest expectation of its capabilities. You're not griping about it not being able to do more than it was designed to do. That honest assessment is why you're happy with it.

[@jamesflett1887]

Imagine buying a used one just to find out squatch had owned it from new. 😊 a 1000 hours!!! It looks like it’s clean enough to have only done 100 hours. Thanks for the video 👌

[@littlejason99]

How time flies! Seems like just yesterday I remember when you posted the video of the "new" tractor and putting on the backhoe attachment!

[@kevinschroeder3889]

The preventive maintenance is probably a key to how well it's performing. My dad was huge on preventive maintenance and it worked great for him.

[@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch]

That little guy has sure earned his keep since you've gotten it. From everything we have seen, it has been able to tackle whatever you throw at it. But, that also comes in knowing the capabilities of the machine, and treating it as such. Knowing and maintaining the operating condition and maintenance intervals. It's all another reason why I love your channel. I learn so much!

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

The owner of the Kubota takes care of there equipment. So that is why there are next to 0 problems. Nice job 👍

[@bcbloc02]

Trade it and about another $25k and you can get that newer bigger cab version. 😀

[@goingdownthetube]

I have the same setup with 450 hours on it. Agree with all comments and have same experience with reliability. I take my backhoe off quite frequently to use other attachments. Fairly simple process and you have to remove and install three point arms to switch back and forth. About a 20 minute process. Machine needs heavy attachment or tires filled for extra weight when using front end loader. Excellent machine and great review. Thanks for all the great content Squatch253

[@UnitCrane514]

Honest review of a good machine. I will say my only gripe I would have if I owned that tractor would be those outriggers bleeding off. Kubota needs to make a simple mechanical lock for it like the boom does. Most dedicated backhoes have holding valves but I understand thats too much money to put that on a tractor attachment

[@joeyw4442]

Excellent review.I have the same tractor, sans the backhoe, but with less hours, and am totaly satisfied with it and it's perfomance. No issues with it. I'll make a suggestion to you regarding the wear on the foot pan. The new 4802's come with a rubber, single piece, floormat that will retrofit perfectly on your 4701. I absolutley love it. Nulls foot vibration, does a great job of keeping dust from entering from below, and protects the foot pan regardless of the footwear you use. It's a < 10 minute install. Well worth it. Messicks, or your local Kubota dealership should have them. Also, kudos to you for keeping the tractor so clean and well serviced. Good job and I enjoyed your review.

[@ron827]

The way you care for ALL your equipment, I am not surprised how well the tractor has served you. I hope Kubota rewards you for your kind and honest review.

[@machinistbytrade]

Proper maintenance prevents piss poor performance! Remember that and your equipment will last a long time

[@larrytomb3896]

with 2 straps or 2 chains tie the boom to each jack that way the boom will not drift or swing nor with the jacks drop

[@1murder99]

You have a welder so you can make the exhaust come out where ever you want.

[@purple1cole]

What if they had a dual hydrologic cylinder on the backhoe

[@Dudleymiddleton]

You look after her, she'll look after you! :)

[@grimey88tx]

Is the cylinder leak down a Kubota problem? I have a M6-111 with a loader, and if I leave the loader up, it will leak down in about 2 weeks. I leave the loader up on my JD 4020, similar size tractor, and it leaks down maybe an inch a month.

[@jbj27406]

That would be a dream tractor for 90% of us out here watching. Great job.

Your tractor looks brand new. You folks obviously take great care of your equipment. It's so nice to see everything clean, including your workshop. Your videos are excellent quality both video and audio. Very much enjoy them.

[@371508129]

Preventive maintenance wins every time.

[@StubProductions]

Have 3 Kubotas. They are excellent machines! Glad yours is treating you well. Kubota makes really high quality products. They are the Toyota of the tractor world. 🤠

[@brycewiborg8095]

I've had nightmares with DEF. Having said that the old shop foreman retired. The early 40s mechanic who took over is proactive. Troubles are rare now. Considering the tows, and downtime at Cummins I'm a fan of the new program. Thanks.

[@lordcaptainvonthrust3rd]

Thanks for the video, Squatch We certainly have seen that machine frequently If you were to replace it would be with an identical model with more options or would you go bigger? Just curious 👍

[@squatch253]

Slightly bigger, I would say in the 50+ hp range (this one is 47 hp) and add a cab for nicer cold weather operation.

[@MDellen]

Thanks for your review! I'll have to watch the rest of your videos to find out how you're using the backhoe for 400 (!) hours. I have the same tractor w/o the backhoe. Mine has 450 hours and is very dirty compared to yours, especially with grease all over the loader. I definitely agree that it's a wonderful machine. Generally good for most light field work, mowing, rototilling, etc. But it's light weight for using the loader with a grapple. I've had the back wheels off the ground many times just lifting 8' logs. That and the hydraulic flow are my only mild complaints. Because of those, I got myself both an M (note visibility to the loader isn't as good as the 4701) and and the SSV75. Kubota is the tractor equivalent of Toyota. Treat them right and they keep on going. Keeping up with the hydraulic fluid and filter changes hasn't been a problem. The Super UDT2 is pricey, but that's part of owning a hydrostatic tractor.

[@squatch253]

Yeah this one completely changed when we put the backhoe on the rear - that alone added 1,800lb of counter weight and we haven’t had a single problem with traction or lifting the back end doing loader work since 👍

[@michaeladkins809]

I have that tractor's bigger brother, the MX4800, also with the BH92 backhoe. You have correctly accessed the limitations of the backhoe. Its not a dedicated backhoe. But it generally sufficient for my needs and I'd be lost without it. I only have 600 hours in 6 years. I have more footwell paint wear that you do. Perhaps the difference in soil matters. Mine is a mix of clay and sand. I went with the MX series because the loader is much stronger. I can pick up a ton, but not very much more. Still can't pick up a pallet of bricks! :) I take my backhoe off rather frequently. I wish Kubota had made it where your 3pt arms could stay attached. The hoe comes off in less than 5 minutes. It takes another 15 minutes to install the 3pt arms. Other than that, I am completely pleased with the tractor.

[@Pete-from-Tn]

Bought a new 1999 M4700 . Today I have less then 1000 hours. But between the loader and backhoe. Its been priceless, maintenance and a couple of hoses has been it. I have been offered what I paid new for it 3 years ago. But no way would I sell to upgrade. Well I would for a cab, but it would have to be a older unit.

[@Jethrosgarage]

I know a guy with an L3800 (I think that's the correct model number) and he can tear up a piece of equipment, and the only problems he has had are basically self-inflicted like water in the fuel from his fuel cans that never have caps on them😅 I think his is about a 2012 or so and it looks like hell on the outside, never been inside and I don't think it's ever been washed. If he can't kill a Kubota nobody can.

[@2020jd]

Squatch what do you do for fuel storage? Do yall have bulk tanks for diesel or use 5 gallon cans?

[@squatch253]

We just use cans, normally don’t stockpile more than 25 gallons at a time due to the winter blend fuel change that happens twice a year.

[@ericsargent4551]

Great video!!! Thx for sharing!!!

[@geneguenther4325]

Thanks for the video Toby! Nice walk around as well. Can’t wait for the next video!

[@jmailbell]

I have your tractor’s little brother L2501, with the very same attachments you have but sized for the L 2501.There was not an option for the hydraulic thumb for the backhoe, I have the regular thumb, and it’s OK. My favorite attachment besides the backhoe is the grapple, it’s wonderful. Mine is a 2021 and I don’t have the hours you have on yours.

[@northwoodsguy1538]

Wish they had gasoline engines

[@rickkimmins4578]

Excellent review. How many acres do you service with this tractor?

[@squatch253]

100 total between my dad’s property and mine 👍

[@SuperMAZ007]

Key word is maintenance makes a huge difference. Seen machines that with less hours look way worse. Other wise love the review and honest opinions.

[@markhelseth253]

For a minute I thought I was on the wrong channel...with the Diesel Creek drive over cam intro. Nice shot! Excellent report, I'd love to get one of the small BX series. I smiled when I saw the Kubota stablizer garter belt. Curious if you're ever going to make a nice Squatch special Kubota colored steel holder for those legs? I would imagine the design would be first class and look factory.😉

[@N57RU]

That's a sweet tractor. Mine is a JD 2025R with Back Hoe, Mower Deck, Front loader with Bucket and I bought and use the Fork lift attachment. When I bought the Tractor it had 5 hours on it. it now has 8.... This is the summer it's going to have a few hundred hours on it so I'll know my likes and dislikes this fall. The one thing I did not like about the front loader with the fork attachment was that the loader that came with it was not self levelling. I went ahead and bought the self levelling front loader that will be dedicated to the fork attachment and will leave the bucket on the original. The front loader removal is quick disconnect mechanically and Hydraulically. SO easy to change. We bought property that I am going to put in a gravel road to, so will be doing a lot of tree and stump removal along with levelling and grading work. Anyway, really liked this video. I always wondered about how you liked the Kubota. Thanks!

[@jeffmc7946]

I hope it lasts as long as your Farmall H!

[@RobertBrothersJr-dc7nr]

Toby, great review of your L4701. I have the same backhoe on my MX5400 it also has the same motor. The MX has a turbo that’s the only difference in horsepower. So I’m glad to hear that you have not had any problems with the motor. I did get the gear drive only because I’m just too old school lol.

[@donaldstrishock3923]

Have the MX5200 TLB SHUTTLE-SHIFT also with 1100 trouble free hours. Backhoe has only been OFF Twice....what a "Rig-a-ma-rool" with the 3point lower arms on & off again. Luckily have another Tractor for 3point work. Did "Soup-up" the hydraulic flow volume by 40% to run the backhoe's 4 circuits at once ( did this at 200hrs). It has the same power / just more speed ; just by replacing some hoses & fittings & costing only 125 bucks....& it made it a "world of difference better" !!! Kubota should of DONE This !! It was SO SLOW before the modification. Wished l could of saved the 38cents on the "tool box they sold me",that came with it at the time of purchase. The "Buck-board Seat" got modified also.

[@cav444]

MX series here at 250 well used but maintained hours. Biggest complaints on the tractor is the cheap stamped steel linkage pin/plate wear. Really not satisfied with the loader, lifts great but even greased more frequently than required its getting pin, bushing(it doesnt have them) and even boss wear. Most of the loader will need to be bored for real bushings in the next 100 hours. I should have gone to a M series

[@dwjr5129]

I see you have the hydrostatic drive. I prefer the shuttle shift from my many years on purpose built backhoes. Just personal preference.

[@purple1cole]

Great review

[@keitheagle4633]

I have never seen a backhoe with the outriggers didn't drift down biggest part of people put chains on them so they won't drift down

[@Ckktopa]

great stuff

[@pipikr]

Our Kubota GR2120 Lawnmower also reach the 1000 hours a few Days ago :D But the PTO clutch broke last fall. Now we think of buying new parts for it, or buy a newer one. Belongs how expensive the spareparts got, it have lots of little other issues. But the Engine works purrfekt :D

[@johngibson3837]

Hey mate as much as it seems odd amongst all the good old stuff it's always around performing very well bit like having a Swiss army knife handy

[@_P0tat07_]

My only complaint is that it’s not green ;) haha just kidding. Hey what kind of grease do you use on the loader and backhoe? I just got a 1025R with a loser and backhoe and I want something that’s going to allow the pins to last a long time, even though it won’t see a lot of heavy use.

[@jeffreyplum5259]

I suggest mounting a magnet to hold the thumb pedal stowed. This would make tucking the pedal away nearly automatic. This the best I can do, in return for all your work and entertainment. I hope to see Senior a bit more in the future. I look forward to seeing both of you more later. God bless you both.

[@rgendrud8695]

I love Kubota but i can not stand that treadle pedal i wish their was a conversion to a twin pedal system like all other tractors i think Kubota would sell more tractors if they offered it as a option i know i would buy one

[@billlee4838]

great review on a great tractor. Wished I had one. Hydrostatic drive has to be one of the best inventions for a yard tractor. I have one mile of gravel township road that at least in the winter the township forgets. About 30 years ago I bought a well used 1977 Versatile V-150 bidirectional 4-wheel drive tractor. With only 54 PTO hp it was one of the smallest 4WD tractors made in North America at the time. By rotating the seat and steering wheel counsel either end of the tractor can be the front end it looked to me like the perfect tractor to run a snowblower. I mounted an 8 foot wide blower on it and have used it every year since to clean my yard and the township road. Thanks to the Hydro trans it has blown through drifts taller then the blower, going so slow you can barley tell the wheels are turning. While it doesn't get a lot of hours, they are cold hours. Other then changing fluids and greasing, it has been trouble free.

[@michaelscriffiano9267]

Proved to be a wise investment....

[@owen33333]

I had a smaller one, the BX 2660 in 2009 for my 3.5 acre place in VA. I had to move a few years later and felt bad seeing go. Thanks for the review!

[@KubotaManDan]

Kubota should give you a cab or sponsor your channel for honest review.

[@stevezwemer1262]

Nice honest review. You obviously take care of your equipment as you understand that little effort pays off.

[@Denis-tu1pd]

On my mahindra 26 horse power .i put an agm battery and no other problems

[@Rustice22]

Having that backhoe on the back must help add some nice weight on the rear for loader work, no extra weight box or fluid in the tires.

[@squatch253]

Yes, the backhoe adds 1,800lb to the rear of the tractor, so no need for additional wheel weights or fluid in tires 👍

[@jstutzman1301]

Black shoe goo will fix the seat. Practice with the application (it is thick), and it will make a nice repair.

[@ricknaegele2144]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@rickyjessome4359]

Great video Toby! This goes to show what regular maintenance can do. Kubota came along way the last few years and that warranty they offer is hard to beat. Thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@TORODEKuwahara]

Smith Helen Clark Angela Harris Lisa

[@blacksheep9734]

Looking at that tractor, I’m amazed it has 1000 hours

[@sleepingdogs8939]

I suspect you do a lot more cleaning and maintenance than the average person does.

[@Thomasgarrick113]

Very little wear & tear on Kubota for that many hours looks good Looks like you are getting some more good old rain enjoy it might get dry next month

[@squatch253]

Thanks! I’m actually hoping for a rather dry June, it would make it a lot nicer for them to get the new building put up 👍😎

[@wkweasel]

Nice review and tractor setup. Do you have fluid in the tires? My JD 3032 has the exhaust just like yours and I was always getting a snoot full of diesel exhaust. I ran a 1-1/2 tube up alongside the hood pointing it away and put a hanger off the loader frame. My gripe with my utility tractor is no place for a toolbox or a place to stow a chain.

[@squatch253]

Fortunately the backhoe adds all the rear weight that we need, it weighs 1,800lb and being well back behind the wheels it’s perfect for traction and loader counter weight. You also mentioned stowage for a chain - we almost always keep a heavy chain in the backhoe bucket 👍

[@mkegadgets4380]

Great video as always. I didn’t hear or maybe I missed it how old it is how many years ago did you buy it. Look forward to your next video.

[@squatch253]

Early on at the 0:24 mark I mentioned it’s a 2019 model year 👍 We bought it new.

[@davidhongkong5657]

I am surprised that tractor manufactures do not offer Emergency engine kill switches for machines of this type. My concept is a landyard attached to an arm (wrist) so that if the driver or operator fell off the machine it could be (hopefully) instantly stopped. Imagine pulling discs over a ploughed field and falling off towards the back of the tractor! Fixed speed (albeit adjustable) throttle controls can be dangerous.

[@squatch253]

This one is a lot like a riding lawnmower - the seat has a pressure switch under it that shuts the engine off if you raise up off the seat while the hydrostatic pedal is being depressed. Once the engine shuts off, or the pedal is released, the tractor comes to a stop almost immediately 👍

[@johnnymorrow63]

Great video! Ive always been a kubota fan.

[@waltermattson5566]

Thanks for the honest review. I am trying to figure out what my next machine should be. Are you happy with what is will lift? Do you have ballast in the back tires?

[@squatch253]

Well, it doesn’t matter how big the loader is, you’ll ALWAYS want it to lift more lol 😂 This one lifts about 1,600lb, and Senior would like it to be more but for the size of the rest of the tractor, it’s well matched I would say. We don’t need to run any weight in the back tires because the backhoe already gives us plenty, it weighs 1,800lb.

[@jacobbuckley8232]

Probably wish u had a heated cab in the winter lol

[@seniorelectrician6831]

How many HP is your tractor? I do know that my Bobcat Skidsteer is 64 HP and does not require DEF, nor does it thatI know of have a Particulate filter or at least do a regen The rad screen is a great thing, I wish my tractors had that, so much easier to clean and better to keep lint, pollen, dandelion and thistle trash out of radiator. Thanks for the review!

[@squatch253]

The L”47”01 designation = 47hp 👍

[@seniorelectrician6831]

@@squatch253 That is sort of what I was thinking. I am surprised that you have a particulate filter on it. I was thought that the engines under 65 hp did not require any emissions "extras"

[@squatch253]

Yep for 2019 they did not require DEF fluid for anything below 65hp, but if it was a diesel it still needed to have the DPF.

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

My 30 hp johndeer has been trouble free

[@keithyutzy3285]

I know I love mine. Been a great tractor.

[@clydeschwartz]

Excellent video

[@darwinkelsall1748]

Will the loader off the super m ever find a new home, the only thing better then one loader tractor is two.

[@squatch253]

That loader was sold along with Senior’s old IH 350D last year about this time, since that’s the tractor that it originally came on.

[@chrishanes4310]

Been meaning to ask if you have a preferred Battery Brand/capacity for your trucks and tractors.

[@squatch253]

We’ve been seeing good results with the Deka brand that is sold at our local auto parts store.

[@raincoast9010]

I remember you did some work to the hydraulic bank on the backhoe when you first got it.

[@squatch253]

Yes, to add the hydraulic thumb option I had to split the valve bank to put the additional spool in 👍

[@ben_syxxes8179]

Really great review and answered a lot of my questions regarding the hydrostatic smaller Kubota/ back hoe ability. I was on the fence about which route to go but I bought a M7060 in 2019 and it’s been great. Definitely thinking about acquiring a 3pt hitch backhoe for it as I’ve seen how much you like yours. Keep up the great content 👍🏻

[@larrybl]

See you took a page from Diesel Creek. Good review.

[@squatch253]

Thanks! But I don’t know what that means 🤔

[@whathobogrohknows]

We run L6060s for mostly 3 point seeders and other attachments and one has a front mount for a blower and a mower, only problem we ever have with them is the front wheel bearings always go out on them and never found out why but everyone in our area does too. I don’t know about your machine if it’s the same story but otherwise they are great tractors

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Well done 👍!

[@davidsheehan6396]

Are you aware that there is a rubber floor mat for your 4701 HST? Oddly it does not show up on the Kubota parts for the 4701 but a search for rubber mat for TC630-57470 (your floor pan) shows a TC830-47510 (L22800 Mat) being backward compatible to the 4701. FYI the backhoe has "Rubber Stabilizer Flip Pads(2pc kit) for BH77 BH92 Backhoes" part number L9467.

[@squatch253]

Thanks for that rubber mat number, I’m going to look into getting one. I was aware of the rubber shoes for the stabilizers, but decided against them because they probably wouldn’t last long with what I use the backhoe for 👍

[@davidsheehan6396]

@@squatch253 I thought you mite like that. The Messicks Tractor site says something about making a small cut on it but that shouldn't be a problem for you.

[@jazzerbyte]

Great to see a machine with lots of hours and have mostly just normal wear and tear.

[@TheMetalButcher]

1000 is not a lot. However, with his care, I suspect that 10k will be a similar story.

[@shaneharrison4775]

Excellent assessment

[@raincoast9010]

Wow, 1000 hours!

[@charlesward8196]

Great review.

[@Mighty-Quinn]

I'm glad this has been working well for you, nobody likes troublesome equipment. I've got a question for you, that popped into my head while watching this: Have you ever considered getting a skid-steer/compact track loader? It seems like it would be very useful around your operation. I can imagine the price is a big factor, goodness knows they aren't cheap; but I'd like to hear your thoughts on them.

[@squatch253]

Senior has experience running skidsteers from his old job, but I’ve never actually operated one myself. We’ve both spent some time working on them though, and they can be so inaccessible and dirty inside the engine compartment that we’ve both agreed that we aren’t that interested in owning one.

[@hiluxmad]

Comment

[@wagon9082]

Good video

[@DH1942]

Nice review. Concise and to the point.

[@robertwinton2649]

🤗❤️👍

[@aquilaaudax6033]

✋🏼🇦🇺👍🏼

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

How many hp is that tractor

[@squatch253]

With Kubota, the first two numbers of the model designation represents the HP, so L4701 = 47hp 👍

[@ImpHalla66]

...and, it's the wrong color.

[@angrybobking5083]

John Deere Orange

[@daleolson3506]

A John deer ya mar?

[@boltgun7266]

What did the Kubota replace?

[@squatch253]

It’s a long line of former tractors - Senior originally had his IH 350D with Koyker loader, but when the injection pump went out of the 350D he bought the Super M and transferred the Koyker to that tractor. About ten years later the Super M started knocking, so just before we started the rebuild & restoration series on it, he bought this Kubota. So now the Super M is a fully restored drawbar tractor only, and he sold the old 350D and Koyker loader almost a year ago now - leaving the Kubota as the primary loader tractor.

[@boltgun7266]

I'm been happy with my Kb as well. Mines 2007 model L3400 HST with a loader. No emissions but it doesn't get used a whole lot. 379 hours

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Thank you