Used Kubota Tractors

Considerations when looking for a used Kubota tractors. Kubota manufactures outstanding tractors and it is possible to save some money by shopping for good used Kubota tractors.  Carefully inspect the tractor and verify that the engine and transmission functions properly.  Visually inspect the tractor for obvious leaks or other problems.  That important issue is what is referred to as "gray market" tractors.  Used Kubota tractors originally manufactured for use in Japan have been imported into the US for resale.  These machines were never intended to be sold in the US and often do not meet US safety requirements.  Kubota officially says that it will NOT support any gray market tractors.  Unfortunately, there are already machines like this in the US.



What this means is that anyone looking at a used Kubota needs to pay special attention to details that might tip the buyer off that a particular tractor is in fact a gray market machine.  Failure to notice this could result in owning a tractor that is not supported with parts or service by Kubota USA!  This would not be a pleasant situation when parts or service are needed in the future.  There are some obvious signs to look out for when inspecting used Kubota tractors.

• Inspect all tractor warning labels and look to see if they are written in all Japanese.   Also, check to see if other identification labels (like serial tag) are written in Japanese.

• Check to see if the tractor is equipped with safety features like seat belts, ROPS, or a PTO shield which is required on US spec tractors.


• Look to see if safety decals are missing altogether.


• Check tire sidewalls to see if writing is in Japanese.


• Check if owner's manual may have a different model number than what is on tractor.  Make sure model numbers on manual and tractor match.

These are signs that a used Kubota tractor could be Japanese spec and unsupported in the US.  It might be priced attractively, but no parts or service support from Kubota would NOT be a good deal!