Kubota GL281
The Kubota GL281 is a utility tractor made from 1996 to 2001. It's a 4-wheel drive tractor with power steering, which makes it easy to handle. The tractor has a gear transmission with 16 forward and 16 reverse gears, giving the driver lots of options for different tasks. Under the hood, the GL281 has a Kubota D1503 engine. This engine is liquid-cooled and runs on diesel fuel. It has 3 cylinders and can produce 28.6 horsepower. The engine size is average compared to other tractors, but it runs at a very high speed of 2700 rpm. The tractor has an electric starter, making it easy to turn on. It also has a three-point hitch at the back, which is great for attaching tools. The GL281 is 55.1 inches wide and has good ground clearance of 14.2 inches, helping it work well in different farm conditions.
Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 29hp
- Transmission
- Gear
At a glance
How the GL281 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
The GL281 ranks at the 21st percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the Kubota GL281
The Kubota GL281 is a utility tractor made from 1996 to 2001. It's a 4-wheel drive tractor with power steering, which makes it easy to handle. The tractor has a gear transmission with 16 forward and 16 reverse gears, giving the driver lots of options for different tasks. Under the hood, the GL281 has a Kubota D1503 engine. This engine is liquid-cooled and runs on diesel fuel. It has 3 cylinders and can produce 28.6 horsepower. The engine size is average compared to other tractors, but it runs at a very high speed of 2700 rpm. The tractor has an electric starter, making it easy to turn on. It also has a three-point hitch at the back, which is great for attaching tools. The GL281 is 55.1 inches wide and has good ground clearance of 14.2 inches, helping it work well in different farm conditions.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Kubota |
|---|---|
| Model | GL281 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x4 MFWD 4WD |
| Years built | 1996–2001 |
Engine
| Make | Kubota |
|---|---|
| Model | D1503 |
| Power | 28.6hp |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Displacement | 91.5ci |
| Bore | 3.27in |
| Stroke | 3.64in |
Transmission
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 16 |
| Reverse gears | 16 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x4 MFWD 4WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 4WD |
| Steering | Power |
Dimensions
| Width | 55.1in |
|---|
Tires
| Front | 16-Aug |
|---|---|
| Rear | 11.2-26 |
Head to head
GL281 vs. Utility median
How the Kubota GL281 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 28.6 hp | 55 hp | -48% | 21st |
| Engine Displacement | 91.5 ci | 183 ci | -50% | 20th |
| Cylinders | 3 | 4 | -25% | 23rd |
| Forward Gears | 16 | 12 | +33% | 73rd |
| Width | 55.1 in | 66 in | -17% | 27th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 3,933–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared Kubota tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kubota GL29 | 28.6 hp | 2,624 lb | 1990–1992 | Compare → |
| Kubota ST-30 | 28.7 hp | — | 1997–2001 | Compare → |
| Kubota B2920 | 29 hp | 1,554 lb | 2008–2015 | Compare → |
| Kubota L2650 | 29 hp | 2,380 lb | 1990–1993 | Compare → |
| Kubota L2800 Gear | 29 hp | 2,535.4 lb | — | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allis Chalmers D10 | 28.57 hp | 2,700 lb | 1959–1967 | Compare → |
| AGCO ST28A | 28.4 hp | 2,400 lb | — | Compare → |
| AGCO ST30x | 28.4 hp | 1,984 lb | — | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers D272 | 27.5 hp | 2,060 lb | — | Compare → |
| Ascot Universal 300 | 27.5 hp | 3,800 lb | — | Compare → |
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Kubota siblings
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FAQ
Common questions
What years was the Kubota GL281 manufactured?
Production of the Kubota GL281 ran from 1996 through 2001.
What hitch category is the Kubota GL281?
The Kubota GL281 uses a Category Category 3 hitch.
How powerful is the Kubota GL281?
The Kubota GL281 has an engine power output of 28.6 hp. It is powered by a 3-cylinder engine displacing 91.5 ci.
What type of transmission does the Kubota GL281 have?
The Kubota GL281 uses a Gear transmission offering 16 forward gears.
What size tires does the Kubota GL281 use?
Factory rubber for the Kubota GL281 is 16-Aug front tires and 11.2-26 rear tires.
What routine service does the Kubota GL281 need?
Regular maintenance for the Kubota GL281 includes checking and changing engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and filters, plus routine inspections as recommended in the owner's manual. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for specific intervals and procedures.


