Questions for Kubota?

jim_wilson · May 15, 2012

Even though I am shortly going to upgrade my BX23 to a B3200 - I still question why - after 8 years - Kubota still can't come up with a quick attach solution for their sub compact tractors - where Deere has had one on their sub-compacts since the day they came out.

I spent a lot of hours trying to figure out a good solution before I put a welder and grinder to work - never really did have the time to pursue it. I've noticed though (after sort of not paying attention for a few years) - that there are now MULTIPLE solutions out there for putting QA on the BX FEL's.

That ought to be telling Kubota something - the market is demanding a solution - because they are failing to supply it.

The B series tractors have the same issue to a certain extent. There is a QA solution - from Kubota - for the B series FEL's - but it's not really all that optimal in my opinion because it reduces the capabilities of the loader - plus it's really just a way of adapting QA onto the existing bucket - which does have it's advantages - but it's again - not really optimal.

It's only when you get up to the L series that Kubota really has a good QA solution - because they offer the Skid Steer style quick attach.

Honestly - I think the poor offerings that Kubota has on QA for the FEL is one of the biggest drawbacks of their product - and the market, and the pages of TBN are full of people who try to compensate for that fact.

beppington · May 15, 2012

Oh yeah a bright 4WD indicator would be very helpful. I haven't taken off down the road with it engaged, yet, but think I sure could.

beppington · May 15, 2012

One issue a few Grand L owners have, including me, is a steering "notchy-ness" issue as described very well by member CAgnoli in this thread:

"My new L3940 was delivered today, really like it. I'll post pictures when I get a chance, but one thing is really bugging me. Is the steering supposed to feel "notchy"? I'm used to very fluid steering, and regardless of where the RPMs are, with the loader on or off, and at varying speeds, it feels notchy. I can actually see the front tires stuttering when I steer at a stop or very slow speed. If this is normal, that's fine, but I'd like to know for sure."

Scooby074 · May 15, 2012

Actual tach and indicator lights (or multifunction display) for parking brake, 4wd, PTO, Temp etc.

Wonder how the meeting went?

foreman Etexas · May 15, 2012

I would like a 8540(85??),cab,4wd,ldr with the new Kubota look and a buddy seat,when can I expect it?

oakdalecarl · May 16, 2012

I am new to Kubota and for that matter "real" tractors; however, I find it very strange that my BX1860 tie rod ends have no guard on them. Same goes for ball joints. Yep, shredded my tie rod ends while using my Brush Hog ("fixed" with inner tube, contact cement, and self sealing electrical tape).

Someone already touched on the transmission fan. An easy fix should be available should the worst happen.

Yep, I know that the BX8160 is the runt of the clan, but I did not get it to just cut the lawn. I plan on using it in the field as well as the yard, and having guards would have been nice. A retrofit would be even nicer!

rScotty · May 16, 2012

oakdalecarl said:
I am new to Kubota .......snip.... An easy fix should be available should the worst happen.

........I did not get it to just cut the lawn. I plan on using it in the field as well as the yard, and having guards would have been nice. A retrofit would be even nicer!

I've not seen many Kubota retrofits. Maybe the company just haven't figured out how to publicize them. Or maybe they haven't yet caught on to just how mad we Americans are to retrofit, refit, and accessorize our machines.

Right now our best bet seems to be to start a model specific thread on the Kubota owner's Forum and keep it updated. We did that for the M59 when it came out with good results. TractorByNet is a huge website with tons of members.....which makes me curious just how much effort Kubota puts into listening in to our discussions? Considering all the effort they spend on marketing, checking in on an owner's forum seems like a no-brainer.
rScotty

JasG · May 16, 2012

What direction they will be going to meet emissions if they will continue to use EGR or if they are working on SCR.

Jeff F. · May 16, 2012

Move the brake on the BX models to the left side of the counsel.

MessickFarmEqu · May 17, 2012

JasG said:
What direction they will be going to meet emissions if they will continue to use EGR or if they are working on SCR.

EGR is cheaper, so they'll probably use that in whatever models they can. SCR will be a nessesity to meet Teir4 (right now we're going into Teir4i.. thats different)

kenb2320 · May 17, 2012

I'd like to ask them if they are doing anything about the excessive noise from the HST pressure relief valves on the B series? at least that's what I think is causing the chattering/screeching noise when loaded down. With all the complaints I've read I would think they would unless the dealers are not passing on the complaints to them.

bleedsgreendrivesorange · May 17, 2012

wawajake said:
My grand child is getting given (by relatives and friends )too much clothing that says "John Deere" that they buy at the TSC store . It is time for Kubota to get their brand in the TSC store . !!!

No seriously tell them to get their brand out there.........we are all proud of it and we want to show it !

I can't agree more...I'm a proud new owner and looked into getting an awesome orange hoodie online but could only find in the state and the shipping was as much as the price of the hoodie.

If they want a Canadian Clothing rep....let me know!:thumbsup:

Curtis Gray · May 17, 2012

MX5100 owner. Purchased about 2 months ago. My other tractor is a 1973 1066.

I almost passed on the entire Kubota line when at my first experience boarding an MX5100, when stepping into the first stirrup to climb aboard, I noticed that it flexed. I could hardly believe that a company that has such a good reputation would have a prospective buyer step on a piece of stamped cheap steel (I weigh 190 lbs) as his introduction to their entire tractor line!

I bought the tractor, and so far I like it, but here are a couple of additional potential improvement areas that I would have been happy to pay addional money for:

1) Indicator light for the parking brake
2) Indicator light for the engaged 4x4. (my tractor was delivered to me IN 4 wheel drive!)
3) 3 point hitch lift lever is made out of metal that one would expect to purchase on a cheap toy. PUT SOME IRON IN IT.
4) PTO engagement lever. Lets just say that I would have been embarassed if I had manufactured something that appeared to be so CHEAP!

Maybe it's because I am accustomed to operating a 12 thousand pount 116 hp tractor that was built in the 70's, but when I am tractor shopping, I am interested in purchasing something that I KNOW will last longer than I will.

I'm not trying to be overly critical, but perhaps I grew up in a day where things were built to last.

Thanks.

shownuff · May 17, 2012

tell em to use an external oil cooler instead of that cheap plastic fan

capt_met · May 17, 2012

I'll third or fourth the question about the M59 factory cab. Do they plan to add one and when.

wildcatblue · May 17, 2012

I forgot to mention one other thing that I inproved on this B3200HSD is the exhaust pipe pointing right at the FEL arm blowing black sut and turning the loader arm black, and the whole left side of the loader for that matter. come on now this should be lenghtened a couple of inches more and turned outward, so I found a pipe at Lowes hardware that perfectly slipped right over, secured with 1 stainless screw and cut off the extra. worked perfect.. and looks good too.
This kind of issue should not have to be corrected by the buyer at all..4 more inches of exhaust pipe and bend a little outward for very little more money..

jim_wilson · May 17, 2012

wildcatblue said:
I forgot to mention one other thing that I inproved on this B3200HSD is the exhaust pipe pointing right at the FEL arm blowing black sut and turning the loader arm black, and the whole left side of the loader for that matter. come on now this should be lenghtened a couple of inches more and turned outward, so I found a pipe at Lowes hardware that perfectly slipped right over, secured with 1 stainless screw and cut off the extra. worked perfect.. and looks good too.
This kind of issue should not have to be corrected by the buyer at all..4 more inches of exhaust pipe and bend a little outward for very little more money..

I don't want to throw the thread too far off track here - but I have to ask: where in Lowes did you find the pipe and what was it's original purpose? I'll be picking up my B3200 in a week and a half - and that's an improvement I would like to make.

wildcatblue · May 18, 2012

Jim, from what I can remember it's been 2 years ago, it was a curved piece of galvinized metal conduit in the electrical section of Lowes I can send you a photo of it if you would like. I would post it on here but not sure how..

srs · May 18, 2012

jim_wilson said:
I don't want to throw the thread too far off track here - but I have to ask: where in Lowes did you find the pipe and what was it's original purpose? I'll be picking up my B3200 in a week and a half - and that's an improvement I would like to make.

jim_wilson, I went to a plumbing supply house to purchase a piece of copper pipe fitting that I used on the exhaust of my B3030. I think it cost me about $10.00 a couple of years ago. I heated it with a propane torch while holding it with a pair of vice grips due to the heat then easily slipped it over the exhaust pipe. Once cooled it shrunk for an extremely tight. I had to trim the exhaust pipe first so the fitting (I believe a 45 degree STREET fitting) would be at the correct angle. Cheap easy fix! Not to hijack this thread but wanted to help jim_wilson. Stanley