by Gabrielle DeSantis

Kubota tractors are known to be reliable and high-quality products. However, no tractor brand is perfect and issues are bound to arise from time to time. Here are the most common Kubota tractor problems. 

A Kubota Tractor Corp. M8 tractor | Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Kubota tractor brand is generally respected for being a good tractor brand. That said, it is also one of the most popular brands and sells many tractors across the country each year. The more tractors sold, the more room there is for error. After browsing some forums and Consumer Affairs, we’ve found a few of the most common Kubota tractor problems––here they are. 

Some of the most common Kubota tractor problems owners face

Overall, there are a few problems that owners seem to deal with the most. After reading through many accounts posted by owners on forums and Consumer Affairs, there are a few issues that stand out. But first, let’s keep in mind that most Kubota tractor owners rate their experience at either 4 or 5 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs. 

So the consumer experience is largely positive. But when things go wrong, these issues seem predominant. Sometimes owners complain that their tractors are running smoothly and the operation feels a little rough or jerky. 

In addition, owners have issues with hoses leaking. Plus, some people report problems with the tractor running as if it’s out of fuel when it really isn’t. Then there’s the issue of the cables which sometimes seem prone to come loose in the track. 

Owners have also reported that they lose speed during operation, locking up of steering functionality, and part failure when the tractor still has a low number of hours on it. In addition to these common Kubota tractor problems, there are also reports of pitch hydraulic noise and loader drifting. That said, it’s important to remember that Kubota offers a wide range of tractor models and it doesn’t appear that one model, in particular, seems to have more issues than the rest.  

Sometimes the engine won’t crank

a large M8 tractor head on view in a field at a tractor convention
A Kubota Tractor Corp. M8 tractor | Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Owners report that there are times when the engine will fail to crank, and this seems to happen to multiple Kubota owners. This is probably because the battery is dead or there are issues with the battery cables, such as caked on dirt or corrosion. If you find that your Kubota tractor won’t start, check the battery and rule out problems there. 

Sometimes fixing this problem is as simple as cleaning or replacing the battery cables. Owners can also check their Kubota tractor safety switches with an Ohm meter to ensure they read the correct voltage. 

Kubota tractor engine overheating

A Kubota Corp. tractor in a greenhouse
A Kubota Corp. tractor in a greenhouse | James MacDonald/Bloomberg via Getty

Another common Kubota tractor problem reported by owners is the engine overheating. This is generally caused by lack of proper radiator airflow. If your Kubota tractor engine overheats, there may be particulates in your radiator. 

This reduces or blocks airflow and can cause heat to build up, resulting in an overheating Kubota tractor engine. Clear out any debris or dust particles from the radiator’s fins and it will likely fix the problem. This is easy to do by blowing out dirt with an air compressor.

Still good tractors

Kubota logo against a blue sky
Kubota Tractor Corp. signage | Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Just because several owners have reported these problems doesn’t mean that Kubota tractors are not good tractors or that they are better avoided. These are simply some of the most common Kubota tractor problems that owners report. 

Sometimes, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix problems yourself. Other times, you will have to have the dealer take your tractor and work with Kubota to get the repairs completed.

RELATED: The 3 Cheapest New Diesel Pickup Trucks You Can Buy Today

The post The Most Common Kubota Tractor Problems appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford Ranger still looks pretty fresh after its reintroduction in 2019. We don’t know if the Ranger is getting an electric powertrain like its F-150 Lightning sibling, but a plug-in hybrid looks likely. In any case, the Ranger is still one of the most capable compact pickup trucks you can buy.

It also has many of the advanced tech and comfort features you can find in other nice trucks today. However, the Ranger lacks one essential climate control feature.

No ventilated seats for the 2021 Ford Ranger

Ventilated seats aren’t essential, but they can make a big difference on grueling-hot summer days. In fact, many automakers, including Ford, now offer this comfort feature on some models, if only on top trims.

However, the Ford Ranger doesn’t offer ventilated seats on any trim. The base model still has manual single-zone air conditioning, with optional dual-zone climate control for front-seat riders. This feature is standard on both the Ranger XLT and Lariat models, according to Ford.

The Lariat is the only trim that comes with power-adjustable heated front seats. Every seat features leather trim, and backseat riders can enjoy non-heated power-adjustable seats. The Ranger XLT has manually adjustable seats, but you have to pay extra for those on the base trim.

The Ford Ranger Lariat’s other features

Despite its lack of ventilated seats, the Ranger Lariat is still nicely equipped. A three-month satellite radio subscription comes standard, and it’s the only trim that offers a push-button start. Two digital display screens sit on either side of the speedometer that show helpful vehicle diagnostics.

The Ford Ranger Lariat also comes with ambient lighting, illuminated mirrors, and an outside temperature monitor. There are also some exclusive options on SuperCrew models, like more speakers or a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system. The SuperCrew has the bigger seats of the two cab sizes and can seat up to five riders.

The SuperCrew cab also has bigger door openings so that it’s easier for passengers to climb inside. The SuperCab version accommodates only four riders, but it has a six-foot bed instead of the five-foot offering on the Ranger SuperCrew. The Ranger’s ride is predictably firm but not too bumpy compared to other trucks in its class.

The Ford Ranger Lariat has some exclusive appearance options, like chrome finishing for several exterior parts. The Black Appearance package is available for both the XLT and the Lariat, but only the Lariat gets black mirror caps. A black grille is also available for these two trims on the Sport Appearance package.

Without any optional features, the Ford Ranger Lariat starts at $33,160. That’s way cheaper than a fully loaded Honda Ridgeline, whose Black Edition retails for $43,920. Even the base-trim Ranger is a nice value at $25,070.

However, the standard truck doesn’t have smartphone integration or a nice 8.0-inch touchscreen like the Lariat. Standard safety offerings are decent, but the Lariat has every driver’s aid available.

How well does this compact truck drive?

No matter the trim, every Ford Ranger packs a turbo-four harnessing 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Its capable 10-speed automatic transmission shifts unobtrusively and smoothly. Autoblog reports that the Ranger’s handling is also impressive, resembling that of a crossover SUV instead of a truck.

The Ford Ranger can also handle some light off-roading if it has the proper equipment. The off-roading package features all-terrain tires, a new suspension, crawl control, a terrain management system, and a locking rear differential.

Every Ford Ranger also has the same maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. Plus, trailer sway control is standard, and attaching a trailer doesn’t decrease the Ranger’s speed.

Ventilated seats would’ve been nice, but it’s hard to be dissatisfied with this truck as a whole.

RELATED: Which 2021 Ford F-150 Trims Have Ventilated Seats?

The post Even the Top-Trim 2021 Ford Ranger Fails to Provide This Summertime Comfort Feature appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Months after the Z Proto Concept first debuted, the 2022 Nissan 400Z is almost ready to be revealed. But that still leaves a gap of time between its official debut and its arrival in dealerships. And while anticipation for the 400Z is high, it’s not the only updated rear-wheel-drive sports car about to hit the market. There’s also the 2022 Toyota GR 86. So, how do the two stack up?

What we know about the upcoming 2022 Nissan 400Z

2020 Nissan Z Proto Concept side | Nissan

With its official debut set for August 17, 2021, many of the Nissan 400Z’s details are still under wraps. However, some information and rumors have leaked through forum and Instagram posts, as well as video games. As a result, we can make some reasonable estimates.

For example, the 2022 Nissan 400Z is expected to ride on an updated version of the 370Z’s chassis, MotorTrend reports. And it should look fairly similar to the Z Proto Concept, inside and outside, minus some regulation-related changes. Also, rumors suggest the 400Z’s dry curb weight will be 3,252 pounds, The Drive notes.

The black-and-yellow front seats and dashboard of the 2020 Nissan Z Proto Concept
2020 Nissan Z Proto Concept interior | Nissan

We do know the 2022 Nissan 400Z will have a twin-turbocharged V6, and offer both automatic and manual transmissions. The engine is allegedly the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 found in the Infiniti Q50 and Q60. And based on the car’s name, it could make as much as 400 hp. As a result, it will likely be faster than the 332-hp 370Z, which managed a 5.0-second 0-60 mph time in Car and Driver’s hands.

As far as pricing goes, the outgoing 370Z started at roughly $31K, with the Nismo model starting at roughly $47K. In comparison, forum leaks suggest the 400Z will start at just under $35K and offer two $5000 options packages. The higher price is likely due to the updated powertrain, as well as interior upgrades like the large center touchscreen.

How does the 2022 Toyota GR 86 compare in horsepower, speed, and price?

A low-angle shot of a red 2022 Toyota GR 86
2022 Toyota GR 86 low-angle | Toyota

For 2022, the Toyota GR 86, like its corporate cousin the Subaru BRZ, gets an updated design. And, more crucially as some might argue, the two sports cars have a new, more powerful engine.

As before, the 2022 Toyota GR 86 has a flat-four engine. As in the BRZ, it’s a 2.4-liter flat-four engine rated at 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard in both cars, though an automatic is available. With the latter, Toyota claims the GR 86 goes 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The manual, though, cuts that down to 6.1 seconds.

As of this writing, the 2022 GR 86’s curb weight and price haven’t been released. However, Toyota estimates its RWD sports car will weigh around 2800 pounds. That’s slightly more than the outgoing model, though MT points out that the 2022 car is stiffer and has a lower center of gravity. MT also estimates the GR 86 will start around $30K, with the Premium trim starting at roughly $35K.

Which sports car is the one to get?

As of this writing, there’s no official date set for when the 2022 Nissan 400Z arrives in dealers. But rumors suggest orders will start in mid-November 2021, The Drive says. Meanwhile, the Toyota GR 86 is expected to go on sale in 2021, though again, no official date is available.

Given there’s a breadth of unknowns for both cars, it’s difficult to say which is the one to get. Especially since neither has been driven back-to-back. But based purely on what we know, it appears that the 400Z will offer more straight-line speed. And given its higher estimated base price, more standard luxury features, too. In contrast, the GR 86 will likely be the lighter, more handling-focused sports car.

Deciding between them depends on what you look for in a sports car. But if you’re still unsure, come August 17, these rumors will be put to rest one way or another. And at that point, making a decision should be noticeably easier.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.

RELATED: The Nissan 350Z is Still One of the Most Customizable Cars

The post Should You Wait for the 2022 Nissan 400Z or Get a Toyota GR 86? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

What’s better than finding one barn find vintage Range Rover? How about 16 of them? There is a field in Cream Ridge, NJ, that is home to a collection of 16 classic Range Rovers that are begging for some love. The owner has listed the collection of 16 barn find vintage Range Rovers on eBay for any brave soul willing to dig in – and spend $73,000. 

Range Rover horde | Rover Classic

How much is a vintage Range Rover worth? 

Like most things, the value of a vintage Range Rover is all about condition and demand. According to CarScoops, the many Range Rovers cover a wide range of conditions. Many of them come with a salvage title. This means these will most likely go for parts. However, that doesn’t mean someone couldn’t restore them and get them roadworthy again. 

Although some states won’t allow for salvage titled cars to be registered, some will. Also, a few Range Rovers have clean titles. With these examples, you could use the other parts Rovers to build a few killer 4x4s. 

Primetime for the vintage Range Rover resto-mod crowd 

vintage range rover barn find
Vintage Range Rover | Rover Classic

With overlanding and electric vehicle tech getting so popular and common, there are now tons of aftermarket 4×4 builders who use crusty shells like these to build six-figure rigs. Every week there seems to be another beautiful vintage Range Rover resto modded into a modern luxury SUV. 

As SUV taste has shifted to these vintage, boxy 80s and 90s models like Ford Broncos, Land Rover Defenders, and even these finicky Range Rovers, members of the millennial generation are tripping over themselves to snag a new and improved version of the SUVs and cars that they grew up wanting. 

Range Rovers from this era are known for their horrible reliability, but people love their look. The large, boxy aesthetic is very “in” these days but being stuck on the side of the road is less hot. This has led to this boom in resto modding these vintage Range Rovers and Land Rovers and other such cool yet unreliable 4x4s. 

What else do we know about this barn find horde?

Vintage Range Rover horde
Vintage Range Rover | Rover Classic

The listing mentions that all 16 of the Range Rovers are “County” models. This means they are all left-hand drive U.S. spec models. Range Rover is a British marque, and as a result, it is not uncommon to see them in right-hand-drive configurations. 

While these are perfectly legal to drive in the States, some people are thrown off by these English specifications. The listing also shows that at least one of them is in the very cool County LWB, which denoted the long-wheelbase version. These Range Rovers had a 108-inch wheelbase making them bigger and better for overlanding or camper builds. 

These LWB models also had air suspension and the Rover 4.2-liter V8. As you can probably guess, the seller notes that none of these Range Rovers are in running order currently. But, with a little spit and elbow grease, it seems likely that this barn find horde of vintage Range Rovers will likely hold at least one strong candidate for restoration.

RELATED: Amazing Lotus Esprit Barn Find Just Got Bought for $300

The post A Barn Find Horde of Vintage Range Rovers Could Be Yours For Only $73,000 appeared first on MotorBiscuit.