Kubotas Became Icons Because...
They proved that small diesels could do real work. Efficient, durable, and sized for small acreage, orchards, estates, and snow-country driveways, these tractors delivered big-tractor versatility without big-tractor cost or complexity. Their straightforward mechanical layouts, strong parts support, and 3-point/PTO compatibility made them long-term keepers for DIY owners
The classic Kubota L175–L355 compact tractors and B5100/B7100 sub-compacts helped define the “small acreage diesel” category: light, efficient, attachment-friendly machines that could mow, till, blade snow, and haul without the bulk (or fuel bill) of larger farm tractors. Decades on, they remain favorites among homesteaders, landscapers, orchard owners, and collectors—and they’re remarkably DIY-serviceable with the right guidance from an I&T shop manual.
Kubota’s early compact and sub-compact lines brought reliable small diesel power, live PTO capability, and 3-point hitch versatility to properties that previously relied on garden tractors or aging big iron. Their simple mechanical drivetrains, gear transmissions (with optional hydro variants later), and open-center hydraulics make them approachable for owner maintenance—and a lively aftermarket for implements keeps them useful long after production ended.
| Model | Years Built | Drive | Engine (type / disp) | Gross HP (approx) | Typical Use Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L175 | 1973–1976 | 2WD | Kubota Z750-A 2-cyl diesel ~0.74 L | ~17 HP | Garden tillage, light blade work, finish mower. |
| L355 | 1982–1987 | MFWD 4WD | Kubota V1701 4-cyl diesel ~1.7 L | ~36 HP | Loader work, rotary cutting, light field prep |
| B5100 (E/DT) | 1978–1984 | 2WD / 4WD | Kubota Z500 2-cyl diesel ~0.5 L | ~12 HP | Estate mowing, garden plots, tight-space utility |
| B7100 (E/D/HST) | 1976–1985 | 2WD / 4WD / Hydro | Kubota D750 3-cyl diesel ~0.8 L | ~16 HP | Snow removal, small loader, PTO mower, landscaping |
Small Kubotas get used hard and seasonally—a tough combo. Short-run, stop-start use in mowing and landscaping encourages fuel system varnish, battery drain, and sticky linkages. Loader work and grading overload the front axle pivots, steering link ends, and clutch driveline on gear models. Long PTO duty (brush hogs, tillers, snowblowers) exposes weak seals, low fluid, and cooling system neglect.
| Usage | What Gets Stressed | Prevent / Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Estate Mowing & Light Grounds Care | Air intake clogging, radiator chaff, PTO shear bolts, deck belt wear. | Blow out radiator & screens regularly; inspect PTO shaft & guard; grease spindle couplers. |
| Garden & Tilling Duty | Rear PTO seals, lower link balls, clutch glazing (frequent engage/disengage) | Change trans/hydraulic oil on schedule; adjust clutch free play; inspect 3-pt balls & pins |
| Loader / Blade / Gravel Driveway Work | Front axle kingpins, steering boxes, hydraulic hoses rubbing loader frames. | Front axle oil checks; steering lash adjustment; shield hose runs |
| Seasonal / Stored Winters | Hard cold starts, weak batteries, gelled diesel, condensation in fuel | Maintain charged battery; test glow plugs; treat fuel; drain water separators |
L175: Small-Frame Diesel That Made Compact Utility Real
One of the early “gateway” compact diesels that brought true Category-1 implement capability to small properties.
- Simple gear drive + rugged 2-cyl diesel meant low running costs and easy owner maintenance
- Loved by gardeners and acreage owners who wanted a step up from lawn/garden tractors without going full farm utility
The L175 put Kubota on the map with small-acreage owners: 2-cyl diesel efficiency, 8F/2R gear, Cat-1 3-point, and enough power to run a 4-ft rotary cutter in light grass or a tiller in garden soil. Manual steering and 2WD keep it simple, but front tire ballast matters if you hang heavier rear implements.
Usage Tips for the DIYer
- Watch cooling system fines getting blocked when mowing tall grass; especially as small radiators heat up fast.
- The Gearbox shares oil with hydraulics—dirty fluid creates a weak 3-point lift; change per interval, more often if you are involved in dusty work.
- Been in storage for a while? Drain old diesel; bleed lines before starting to protect injectors in small twin engines.
L355: Step-Up Power, MFWD Traction, Real Implements
A power and capability jump in the small-frame class: more horsepower, stronger hydraulics, and 4WD options that made loader work practical.
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Became a go-to “do-most-of-it” tractor for rural homesteads, snow duty, and light municipal work.
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Iconic as the point where compact Kubotas started to feel like real farm equipment in a smaller footprint.
Jumping to the L355 brings a 4-cyl diesel, greater hydraulic flow, live rear PTO, and MFWD traction—huge upgrades for loader work, snow duty, and heavier rotary cutters. At ~36 HP, it straddles the line between “compact” and “small utility,” making it a favorite platform for multi-implement farms and municipalities.
Usage Tips for the DIYer
- MFWD front axle oil should be inspected and checked regularly —loader use and transport vibration push seals; if you have low lube you risk expensive repairs.
- Live PTO encourages continuous implement work - monitor PTO shaft couplers & u-joint grease intervals.
- Higher hydraulic flow means more hose counts—inspect for chafe/ scrapes/abrasions etc against loader frames or fenders.
B5100 (E/DT): The Tight-Space Tool for Gardens & Landscapes
The B5100 (E=2WD, DT=4WD) compact diesel is a go-anywhere grounds tractor—perfect for orchards, vineyards, and gated properties. At roughly 12 HP with a 2-cyl Z500 engine and 6F/2R gear drive, it trades brute strength for nimble access and low fuel burn.
- Because these models run at high RPM for PTO mowing, stay on top of air & fuel filter servicing to prevent a power drop in the small-displacement engine.
- Small cooling capacity—clean the radiator screens after every debris/dusty-heavy job.
- Long idling and short runs equals wet stacking (unburnt fuel and soot build-up); warm the engine fully under a light load regularly or at least monthly.
B7100 (E/D/HST): Sub-Compact Legend With Real Attachment Capability
Produced for nearly a decade, the B7100 expanded power (~16 HP) and offered 2WD, 4WD, and Hydrostatic (HST) variants, making it one of Kubota’s most versatile sub-compacts.
- A cult-classic sub-compact: available in 2WD, 4WD, and hydrostatic variants, making it adaptable year-round (mow, till, blow snow, light loader).
- Known for durability far beyond its size rating; many are still in hard seasonal use decades later.
- Frequently a first diesel tractor for rural homeowners—easy to trailer, easy to service, endlessly useful.
- Hard starts & stalling traced to fuel filtration, injection pump wear, or air intrusion—keep spares on hand.
- Overheating usually come down to dirty radiator fins, low coolant, or tired belts—simple maintenance prevents head damage.
- Hydro models: maintain correct trans/hydro fluid & filter service intervals or expect sluggish travel & noisy pump
Accessible Tasks for the DIYer
*Difficulty assumes basic tools & shop safety skills
These Kubotas are icons because they proved that small, efficient, owner-serviceable tractors could do real farm, estate, and homestead work — and keep doing it for generations. Our Kubota manual L175-L355 and B5100/B7100 models can be found here!
