Brand siblingKubota L1-185
The Kubota L1-185 is a utility tractor made from 1986 to 1988. It's a 2WD tractor, which means it has two wheels that drive it forward. This tractor has a shuttle transmission with 16 forward gears and 16 reverse gears, giving it a total of 32 gears to choose from. The L1-185 is powered by a Kubota D1302 engine. This engine is liquid-cooled and runs on diesel fuel. It has 3 cylinders and is naturally aspirated, which means it doesn't use a turbocharger. The engine has a displacement of 79.3 cubic inches, which is below average compared to other tractors. It produces 17.75 horsepower, which is also on the lower end of the power range for tractors. The tractor has an electric starter, making it easy to turn on. This Kubota model has a Category I hitch at the rear, which is useful for attaching various implements. It's a compact and simple tractor, ideal for small farms or light utility work. While it may not be the most powerful tractor out there, its straightforward design and Kubota's reputation for reliability make it a solid choice for basic farming tasks.
Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 18hp
- Transmission
- Shuttle
At a glance
How the L1-185 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
The L1-185 ranks at the 6th percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the Kubota L1-185
The Kubota L1-185 is a utility tractor made from 1986 to 1988. It's a 2WD tractor, which means it has two wheels that drive it forward. This tractor has a shuttle transmission with 16 forward gears and 16 reverse gears, giving it a total of 32 gears to choose from. The L1-185 is powered by a Kubota D1302 engine. This engine is liquid-cooled and runs on diesel fuel. It has 3 cylinders and is naturally aspirated, which means it doesn't use a turbocharger. The engine has a displacement of 79.3 cubic inches, which is below average compared to other tractors. It produces 17.75 horsepower, which is also on the lower end of the power range for tractors. The tractor has an electric starter, making it easy to turn on. This Kubota model has a Category I hitch at the rear, which is useful for attaching various implements. It's a compact and simple tractor, ideal for small farms or light utility work. While it may not be the most powerful tractor out there, its straightforward design and Kubota's reputation for reliability make it a solid choice for basic farming tasks.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Kubota |
|---|---|
| Model | L1-185 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1986–1988 |
Engine
| Make | Kubota |
|---|---|
| Model | D1302 |
| Power | 17.75hp |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Displacement | 79.3ci |
| Bore | 3.23in |
| Stroke | 3.23in |
Transmission
| Type | Shuttle |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 16 |
| Reverse gears | 16 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
Head to head
L1-185 vs. Utility median
How the Kubota L1-185 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 17.8 hp | 55 hp | -68% | 6th |
| Engine Displacement | 79.3 ci | 183 ci | -57% | 12th |
| Cylinders | 3 | 4 | -25% | 23rd |
| Forward Gears | 16 | 12 | +33% | 73rd |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 4,941–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared Kubota tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kubota B1181 | 17.7 hp | 1,411 lb | 2018+ | Compare → |
| Kubota B1820 | 17.7 hp | 1,146.4 lb | — | Compare → |
| Kubota B1830 | 17.7 hp | 1,554 lb | 2007–2013 | Compare → |
| Kubota GB18 | 17.7 hp | 1,521 lb | 1997–2001 | Compare → |
| Kubota GB180 | 17.7 hp | 1,532 lb | 2002–2003 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allis Chalmers 5015 | 18 hp | 1,278 lb | 1982–1985 | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers WC (1938-1948) | 18 hp | 3,792 lb | 1938–1948 | Compare → |
| Bolens 1886 | 18 hp | — | 1971–1972 | Compare → |
| CaseIH 235 | 18 hp | 1,350 lb | — | Compare → |
| CaseIH Farmall DX18E | 18 hp | 1,314 lb | — | Compare → |
Explore
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FAQ
Common questions
What years was the Kubota L1-185 manufactured?
Production of the Kubota L1-185 ran from 1986 through 1988.
What hitch category is the Kubota L1-185?
The Kubota L1-185 uses a Category I hitch.
How powerful is the Kubota L1-185?
The Kubota L1-185 has an engine power output of 17.75 hp. It is powered by a 3-cylinder engine displacing 79.3 ci.
What type of transmission does the Kubota L1-185 have?
The Kubota L1-185 uses a Shuttle transmission offering 16 forward gears.
What routine service does the Kubota L1-185 need?
Regular maintenance for the Kubota L1-185 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.

