The Standard L Series: Kubota’s (and America’s) Most Popular Utility Tractors Get an Upgrade
Kubota is easily one of the biggest equipment brands in the world. The company’s KX040-4 unit holds the title as the most popular selling compact excavator in America. The famous orange brand is the No. 1 manufacturer in the world for under 100-hp non-automotive, multi-cylinder diesel engines. When it comes to both utility and farm tractors, Kubota builds some of the most popular on the market, but none more than its classic Standard L Series.
“The Standard L is the top selling compact tractor in the United States. It has been for a long time,” explained Beau Woodbury, Kubota compact tractor product manager. “Primarily, we see [the Standard L] largely in residential applications. So, decent-sized property owners. Typically, anywhere from about 5 to 20 acres, depending on what they’re doing. We also see some commercial applications, but largely the majority are those residential small property owners and the general maintenance of that property.”
The Standard L Series is a part of Kubota’s venerated L Series, which also includes the high end, cabbed, feature-heavy LX Series and the bigger L60 production units (up to 62 hp). The Standard L units are considered Kubota’s entry-level units, equipped with only ROPS as an example. Overall, Kubota’s L Series has a 50-year history in the United States, but in 2022 it’s getting an upgrade. Kubota Tractor Corp. just announced two new models to its legacy Standard L Series with the addition of the L3302 and the L3902, two of the most popular units in the company’s lineup. The new L02 models boast enhanced operator comfort features, modern styling and most notably an independent PTO that is now available on the hydrostat (HST) transmission models.
“With the HST models, we are able to remove the clutch because we’re going with an independent PTO. That’s going to be the big thing for these tractors,” said Woodbury. “Because of that we get easier operation — just an on/off switch, as opposed to clutching and engaging with the lever. We get rid of the clutch, which opens up room on the deck. We’re able to move the brake pedals over from the right-hand side to the left-hand side, which makes for easier operation, overall more room and the ability to actually use the turning brakes on the HSTs as opposed to the 01s.”
Both of Kubota’s new L02 four-wheel drive models are available with either gear drive or HST transmissions. The HST provides speed and forward/reverse control that can be operated simply by pressing down on the pedal. The gear drive transmission provides power and versatility with eight forward and eight reverse speeds to get the job done. “The vast majority of these go out as hydrostats, especially with those first-time tractor buyers,” noted Woodbury.
Kubota has built a reputation in this class due to the L Series tractor’s power and performance. At the heart of each unit is the Kubota diesel engine. The L02 Series offers two horsepower options, with 33 and 37.5 gross hp on the L3302 and L3902, respectively. When considering that diesel powerplant, Kubota’s L02 Series tractors are equipped with a common-rail fuel system with electronic controlled fuel injection, designed to reduce noise and vibration for a smooth operator experience. Maintenance of the engine and other systems has gotten easier. These tractors use color coding for key checks and key locations. The oil dip stick and transmission fluid fill location are now color coded, so both old and new owners can find their way around. The L02 Series has a new fuel filter with a water separation device added to it with easy access on the right-hand side of the tractor near the operator station. Easier upkeep is balanced with easy comfort.
The new L02 Series sets itself apart from its predecessor models with a more spacious operator station, standard rubber floor mats and improved suspension seat with optional arm rests. The modern styling stands out with a sleek curve to the bonnet and standard LED headlights and side work lights. These are Kubota’s entry level units, but the L3302 and L3902 look, feel and operate with a premium experience.
“In terms of comfort, a new upgraded suspension seat and rubber floor mats are now standard on the L02s,” said Woodbury. “We have handles on both sides of the tractor left and right, as opposed to just on the left-hand side. Grips on all the levers have been updated to a more textured grip that 1) looks better, 2) is easier to use and 3) will actually last longer. Then from there, the look of the tractor has been updated a little bit as well, so a modern look. The hood bonnet is going to have a little bit sleeker lines to it. The LED headlights and work lights are going to be standard on both horsepowers, both transmission configurations, and then just the updated badging throughout.”
Performance has been improved as well. Designed specifically for the L3302 and L3902, the performance-matched front loader is deeper and has a maximum lift capacity of 1,144 lbs at the pin and a maximum lift height of 94 in. at the pin. The loader valve is designed for simultaneous boom and bucket operation with a regenerative circuit, increasing speed and dump times and maximizing productivity. The LA526 front loader can quickly and easily be removed from the tractor without tools or the need to buy additional parking kits, making it more versatile and easier to use.
“The big difference with this loader is going be the buckets that come with it,” explained Woodbury. “These redesigned buckets are going to be curved with a little bit deeper edge. That’s going to help with maneuvering and hauling things, whether that’s trees, brush or dirt. It’s a little bit more stable, and they actually have pre-drilled holes on the lift of the bucket for a bolt-on cutting edge. Literally, all you have to do is bolt it up, and it’s ready to go.”
Both the L3302 and the L3902 were unveiled at the 2022 National Farm Machinery Show in February and will be available at authorized Kubota dealerships early this spring.
“It’s great timing just because this year Kubota is celebrating 50 years in the United States,” said Woodbury. “So, with these being the Standard L, which I mentioned before, the top selling compact tractor in the United States, it’s only fitting that we updated our top seller to make it just a little bit better. I shouldn’t even say a little bit better. We made it better with key incremental improvements to really create a really special product.”
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
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