Buying a Kubota GL201 – GL301 – GL467: buying advice & experiences
Buying a Kubota GL201 – GL301 – GL467: buying advice and experiences
Suitable for the entire Kubota GL series: GL201, GL221, GL241, GL261, GL277, GL281, GL301, GL321, GL337, GL367, GL417 and GL467 (also known as Grandel / Sunshine and as the Hinomoto NX series). This buying guide covers the whole series: from the compact GL201 with ±21 hp to the sturdy GL467 with ±46 hp. You'll read which model suits which job, roughly what you'll pay for a used one, and what to look out for.
What kind of tractors are the Kubota GL series?
The GL series (the "GL-01" generation) was built for the Japanese domestic market from around 1996 onwards. They are all four-wheel drive compact tractors with a Kubota diesel engine, a 16-speed gearbox and a three-point linkage with a 540-rpm PTO. The smaller models have a three-cylinder D-series engine, the largest models a four-cylinder V-series engine. In Europe, you'll mainly find them as imported used tractors; technically identical siblings are called Hinomoto NX.
Which model suits you? (comparison)
The model number roughly indicates the engine power. Below are the main models listed – power and PTO power, weight, and what the model is good at:
| Model | Engine | Power | PTO (approx.) | Weight | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL201 | D1403 – 1.4 L 3-cyl. | 21 hp | ± 18 hp | 1095 kg | Yard, garden, light mowing |
| GL221 / GL241 | D1463 – 1.5 L 3-cyl. | 23–25 hp | ± 23 hp | ± 1105 kg | Land maintenance, rotary tiller |
| GL261 / GL277 | D1503 – 1.5 L 3-cyl. | 27 hp | ± 26 hp | 1180 kg | Horse arena, flail mower |
| GL281 | D1503 – 1.5 L 3-cyl. | 29 hp | — | 1215 kg | All-round hobby/part-time use |
| GL301 / GL321 | D1503 – 1.5 L 3-cyl. | 31–33 hp | ± 29 hp | 1270–1280 kg | Heavier ground and mowing work |
| GL337 | D1703 – 1.6 L 3-cyl. | 33 hp | — | 1280 kg | Heavier ground and mowing work |
| GL367 | V1903 – 1.9 L 4-cyl. | 36 hp | ± 32 hp | 1440–1640 kg | Heavy-duty work, front loader |
| GL417 | V2203 – 2.2 L 4-cyl. | 42 hp | — | — | Heavy-duty work, light contracting |
| GL467 | V2203 – 2.2 L 4-cyl. | 46 hp | — | — | Heaviest-duty model in the series |
The four-cylinder models (GL367 and up) run noticeably smoother and handle heavier work more easily, but they're also heavier and more expensive. Lift capacity increases from around 900 kg on the GL301/321 to a similarly strong figure on the GL367 – more than enough for most implements in this class.
Who is each segment for?
Small (GL201 to GL281, 21–29 hp). Manoeuvrable and economical, ideal for yard, garden, orchard, horse arena and light soil cultivation. The GL201 is the entry-level model; from the GL241/261 onwards you get noticeably more pulling power for a rotary tiller or flail mower.
Medium (GL301 to GL337, 31–33 hp). The happy medium: enough power for heavier ground and mowing work and a front loader, while still remaining compact. Many buyers with a few hectares find this the right fit.
Large (GL367 to GL467, 36–46 hp). Four-cylinder, heavier and more stable, built for heavier work and a full-size front loader. Keep an eye on weight and dimensions if you're working in tight spaces.
What does a used one cost?
In the Netherlands and Belgium, the GL series is mainly sold as imported used tractors (via AgriTrader and Marktplaats, among others). Prices depend heavily on hours run, condition, specification (cab, power steering) and implements. As a guideline:
| Segment | Indicative used price |
|---|---|
| Small (GL201–GL281) | ± € 2,500 – € 4,500 |
| Medium (GL301–GL337) | ± € 3,500 – € 5,500 |
| Large (GL367–GL467) | ± € 5,000 – € 8,000 |
These are indicative prices that vary over time – check current listings for the actual market price. (Price indication, last checked: June 2026.)
Strong points of the whole series
The biggest asset is the Kubota diesel engine (D1403, D1463, D1503, D1703, V1903, V2203). These are known for being exceptionally reliable and can run for many thousands of hours with proper maintenance. Because the same engines are used in dozens of other machines (Kubota L series, Schäffer, JCB, Bobcat and more), aftermarket parts availability is excellent – even though these are Japanese models. You also get 4WD as standard, a solid 16-speed gearbox, wet disc brakes and a JIS cat. 1 three-point linkage.
Weak points and things to watch out for
Let's be honest: the smallest models (GL201/221) are on the light side at 21–25 hp for heavy ground work or a full-width rotary tiller – if that's your need, choose a model from the medium or large segment instead. The base versions have manual recirculating-ball steering (no power steering); the larger/later versions more often had power steering – check this.
With any used tractor (these are 25+ years old), watch out for the usual wear points: play in the clutch and the thrust bearing, leakage around the oil seals of the front axle and transmission, the condition of the V-belt and radiator hoses, and whether the glow plugs still start the engine well when cold. All normal maintenance items that you can replace via Shop4trac – factor them into the price.
Buying a used tractor: quick checklist
Ask about the hours run, start it cold (pay attention to exhaust smoke colour and how quickly it fires up), test all the gears and the 4WD engagement, check the lift under load, and look underneath the machine for oil leaks. A tractor that has been properly maintained according to the GL series maintenance schedule is a safe purchase. You can find the exact technical specifications per model in our GL series specifications.
