Kubota L3970 –
The Kubota L3970 – is a compact utility tractor from Kubota with a 39 HP, 3 Cyl, 1.8L Turbo Diesel engine, 30.9 HP PTO, 4WD (standard) / 2WD Optional drive, 1700 kg @ lift points / 1200 kg @ 24 in rear lift.
- Engine: 39 HP, 3 Cyl, 1.8L Turbo Diesel
- PTO: 30.9 HP
- Drive: 4WD (standard) / 2WD Optional
- Transmission: Hydrostatic (HST)
- Lift: 1700 kg @ lift points / 1200 kg @ 24 in
Reliable Kubota turbocharged diesel engine.
Limited power for very heavy-duty implements.
Values are compiled from manufacturer and dealer data; confirm final figures before purchase.
Quick specifications
Key takeaways
- Reliable Kubota turbocharged diesel engine.
- Rated power of 39 HP @ 2300 RPM with 148.3 Nm of torque.
- Rear lift capacity of 1700 kg @ lift points / 1200 kg @ 24 in for mounted implements.
- Hydrostatic (HST) transmission with 4WD (standard) / 2WD Optional drive.
- Watch-out: limited power for very heavy-duty implements.
What the Kubota L3970 – offers
The Kubota L3970 – is a compact utility tractor from Kubota, built around a 39 HP, 3 Cyl, 1.8L Turbo Diesel engine. It drives through a Hydrostatic (HST) transmission, delivers 30.9 HP at the PTO, lifts up to 1700 kg @ lift points / 1200 kg @ 24 in on the rear hitch. That configuration places it in compact utility work, rotavation and mid-size implements. Tractor Arena rates it 8.0/10 overall, scored across engine, transmission, PTO, hydraulics and operator comfort.
Category score breakdown
These are TractorArena editorial comparison scores, not manufacturer or user review ratings.
Reasons to buy and points to check
Reasons to buy
- Reliable Kubota turbocharged diesel engine.
- Smooth hydrostatic transmission for easy operation.
- Compact size with strong hydraulic lifting.
- Low vibration and efficient fuel usage.
Reasons to consider
- Limited power for very heavy-duty implements.
- Hydrostatic transmission less efficient for towing.
- Optional equipment increases total cost.
Best use cases
Well suited to
- Compact utility and loader work
- Rotavator, seed drill and mid-size implements
- Mixed small-to-medium farm tasks
Less ideal for
- Continuous heavy draft ploughing
- Large-acreage tillage
Kubota L3970 – full specifications
Grouped technical data. Confirm final configuration, tyres and market-specific data with the manufacturer or local dealer.
General Identification
| Brand | Kubota |
| Model Name | L3970 |
| Series | Grand L70 Series |
| Configuration | Agricultural |
| Tractor Class | Compact Utility Tractor |
| Drive Configuration | 4WD (standard) / 2WD Optional |
Engine
39 HP @ 2300 RPM| Engine Manufacturer | Kubota |
| Engine Model | D1803-CR-TE5 |
| Engine Type | Diesel, Inline, Direct Injection, Water-Cooled 4-Cycle |
| Number of Cylinders | 3 |
| Bore × Stroke | 87 × 102.4 mm |
| Engine Displacement | 1826 cc |
| Compression Ratio | ~22:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel System | Common Rail System (CRS) |
| Injection Pump | Electronic CRS |
| Rated Engine Speed | 2300 RPM |
| Maximum Engine Power | 39 HP @ 2300 RPM |
| Maximum Torque | 148.3 Nm |
| Torque Rise | ~25% |
| Governing Type | Electronic |
| Cooling Fan | Engine Driven |
| Air Intake System | Dry-type with pre-cleaner |
| Exhaust Orientation | Vertical |
| Emission Standard | Tier 4 Final / Stage V |
Power Output
30.9 HP| Engine Gross Power | 39 HP |
| PTO Power | 30.9 HP |
| Drawbar Power | ~26–28 HP |
| Hydraulic Power Loss | ~8–10% |
Brake System
| Brake Type | Wet Disc |
| Actuation | Mechanical |
| Parking Brake | Independent Mechanical |
| Brake Cooling | Oil Bath |
PTO (Power Take-Off)
30.9 HP| PTO Type | Independent Rear / Mid |
| PTO Engagement | Electro-Hydraulic |
| PTO Speed | 540 RPM (rear) / 2300 RPM (mid) |
| PTO Shaft | 6-Spline |
| PTO Direction | Clockwise |
| Ground Speed PTO | No |
Hydraulic System
1700 kg @ lift points / 1200 kg @ 24 in| Hydraulic Type | Open Center |
| Hydraulic Pump | Gear type, engine driven |
| Max Hydraulic Pressure | ~250 bar |
| Lifting Capacity | 1700 kg @ lift points / 1200 kg @ 24 in |
| Lift Control | Position Control |
| 3-Point Hitch | Yes |
| Hitch Category | Category-I |
| Lower Link Ends | Hook ends (convertible to pins) |
| Auxiliary Valve | Up to 3 (optional) |
| Response Control | Mechanical |
Fuel, Fluids & Capacities
~50 L| Fuel Tank | ~50 L |
| Engine Oil | ~5.5 L |
| Transmission Oil | ~30 L (HST) |
| Hydraulic Oil | Shared |
| Coolant | ~8 L |
Transmission & Drivetrain
Hydrostatic (HST)| Clutch Type | Wet Multi-Disc (HST models) |
| Transmission Type | Hydrostatic (HST) |
| Gearbox Configuration | 3-Range Infinite |
| Forward Gears | Infinite (HST) |
| Reverse Gears | Infinite (HST) |
| Forward Speed Range | 0–18.3 km/h |
| Reverse Speed Range | 0–18.3 km/h |
| Final Drive | Helical Gear |
| Differential Lock | Rear Mechanical |
Tyres & Axle Data
12.4 × 24| Tyre Type | Agricultural R1 |
| Front Tyres | 7.0 × 16 |
| Rear Tyres | 12.4 × 24 |
| Front Axle | Heavy duty |
| Rear Axle | Flange hub |
| Track Width (Front) | 1155 mm (adjustable) |
| Track Width (Rear) | 1480 mm (adjustable) |
Electrical & Electronics
| Electrical System | 12V |
| Battery Capacity | 680 CCA (RC 150 min) |
| Alternator Output | ~60 A |
| Starter Motor | Electric |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital / Analog |
| Warning Indicators | Oil, temperature, charging |
Steering System
| Steering Type | Hydrostatic Power Steering |
| Steering Gear | Integral Power |
| Turning Radius (with brakes) | 2.9 m |
| Steering Column | Adjustable |
Operator Environment
| Seat | Adjustable suspension (optional) |
| Suspension Seat | Optional |
| ROPS | Standard |
| Canopy | Optional |
| Footstep | Anti-slip |
| Control Layout | Ergonomic HST pedal |
Implement Compatibility Matrix
| MB Plough | Yes |
| Disc Harrow | Yes |
| Cultivator | Yes |
| Rotavator (5–6 ft) | Yes |
| Thresher | Limited |
| Baler | Yes |
| Trailer (Hydraulic) | Yes |
Dimensions & Weight
1840 kg| Wheelbase | 1955 mm |
| Overall Length | 3095 mm |
| Overall Height | 2435 mm |
| Overall Width | 1520 mm |
| Minimum Ground Clearance | 342 mm |
| Unladen Weight | 1840 kg |
| Max Permissible Weight | ~2500 kg |
Kubota L3970 – comparisons
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Kubota L3970 – FAQ
What is the engine setup of the Kubota L3970 – Specifications?
The listed engine highlight is 39 HP, 3 Cyl, 1.8L Turbo Diesel. Use the full Engine specification section below to check displacement, torque, aspiration, fuel system, and rated RPM.
Is the Kubota L3970 – Specifications suitable for PTO implements?
The listed PTO highlight is 30.9 HP, Rear/Mid PTO. Before using a rotavator, baler, thresher, pump, or other PTO machine, match PTO speed, PTO power, shaft type, and implement requirement.
What should I check before choosing this tractor?
Check engine power, drive configuration, transmission, hydraulic lifting capacity, PTO compatibility, tyre size, operating weight, and service support in your area.
Are these specifications useful for comparison?
Yes. This page groups the important points into key facts, buyer guidance, ratings, pros and cons, and full specifications so you can compare it with similar tractors more easily.
How much power does the Kubota L3970 – make?
It is rated at 39 HP @ 2300 RPM, with peak torque of 148.3 Nm. See the Engine and Power Output sections for the full figures.
What is the lift capacity of the Kubota L3970 –?
Rated rear hydraulic lift capacity is 1700 kg @ lift points / 1200 kg @ 24 in. Match this to the weight of any mounted implement you plan to run.
What transmission does the Kubota L3970 – use?
It uses a Hydrostatic (HST) transmission in a 4WD (standard) / 2WD Optional drive layout.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the Kubota L3970 –?
The fuel tank holds ~50 L, which together with engine load determines working hours between refuelling.
About this data
Specifications on this page are compiled by the Tractor Arena editorial team from manufacturer brochures, operator manuals and dealer data sheets, then organised into a consistent structure so models can be compared like-for-like. Category scores reflect our own weighting of engine, transmission, PTO, hydraulic and operator factors for this tractor class and are not manufacturer ratings.
- Manufacturer brochure/manual checked
- Dealer data checked
- Editorial review
- Verify before purchase
Specifications may vary by market, tyre configuration, transmission option and model year. Always verify with the manufacturer or local dealer before purchase.