Adding Telescopic Stabilizer Kit-Worth It?

[The Deerslayer]

Looking for some feedback on the benefits of adding the telescopic stabilizer kit option to my my Kubota L3901. I already have the Pat's system on the lower arms, so wondering how much of a benefit it would be. There are times when I have to adjust the turnbuckles which can be a bit of a pain and I suspect this is where the sliding arms may come in handy. Particularly interested in anyone who added these after purchase to show a before and after comparison in regard to degree of benefit and if the extra cost was worth it. That said all feedback welcome!

 

[Mike from MI]

I put a set of Mark Hodge's on my L3200. Worth every penny in my opinion. Hook up made so much easier than messing with those turnbuckles.

 

[Code54]

I have them from the factory on my 5100 and LOVE them.
Went and bought a set of "Mark's" for my BX and never thought twice about it. Makes hooking up MUCH easier and faster. Well worth the money!!

 

[kubotacres]

This was the best mod I performed. After driving a Grand L for awhile I got used to them, and knew I would upgrade once I bought the l3200. Well worth the $175 for the Kubota stabilizers.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/230960-new-goodies-installed-l3200.html

 

[Mike from MI]

I don't have the quick hitch. I thought if you had one there would be no need to adjust turnbuckles. Like I said I don't have one so maybe someone more knowledgeable can jump in and add there insight with the quick hitch.

 

[s219]

I bought the Kubota stabilizers for my L3200 (nearly same as your L) for about $175 if I remember right. They are quicker to adjust than the turnbuckles, but the turnbuckles give you infinite adjustment and can be smoothly snugged to exactly where you want. The stabilizers have a finite number of peg holes so you can get "close" to what you want but not perfect. Sometimes it takes some jockeying to get to that point. The pins are easy to handle (and chained, so they can't be lost) but they are secured with small spring pins on the end that are fidgety (have to take gloves off) and easy to lose. I suspect the spring pins could be skipped without much consequence.

I think the stabilizers are faster for "large" gross adjustments when removing/adding/changing implements. But for fine adjustments the turnbuckles are better. Decide where/when you'd see a benefit and decide if they are right for you!

 

[SLIMSHADIE]

I have Pats and Hodges stabilizers. Hooking up a 3pt implement is a snap and only takes seconds, yes seconds with no tools needed. I figure time is money and its gonna save me alot of time overall. Granted I have a BX but its generally the same.

Hodge had stated this on another forum,
"customers who had broken their turnbuckles. That isn't uncommon, and neither is stretched threads. With turnbuckles, only one side holds the load- the side that is being pulled against. The other side does nothing, due to the loose mounting system, and the nature of a turnbuckle. Telescoping stabilizers, on the other hand, hold both under tension (pulling), and compression. So, both sides keep the load stationary, making the system stronger and less prone to damage. A quick hitch has no effect on that- it depends on the stabilizers to hold it stationary. So, while a quick hitch could make telescoping stabilizers unnecessary because a person isn't having to adjust them when changing implements, the weaker design still has a bearing on how the system holds up. Telescoping stabilizers, in conjunction with a quick hitch, is a simple to use system, that is also stronger."

 

[Mike from MI]

I have Pats and Hodges stabilizers. Hooking up a 3pt implement is a snap and only takes seconds, yes seconds with no tools needed. I figure time is money and its gonna save me alot of time overall. Granted I have a BX but its generally the same. Hodge had stated this on another forum, "customers who had broken their turnbuckles. That isn't uncommon, and neither is stretched threads. With turnbuckles, only one side holds the load- the side that is being pulled against. The other side does nothing, due to the loose mounting system, and the nature of a turnbuckle. Telescoping stabilizers, on the other hand, hold both under tension (pulling), and compression. So, both sides keep the load stationary, making the system stronger and less prone to damage. A quick hitch has no effect on that- it depends on the stabilizers to hold it stationary. So, while a quick hitch could make telescoping stabilizers unnecessary because a person isn't having to adjust them when changing implements, the weaker design still has a bearing on how the system holds up. Telescoping stabilizers, in conjunction with a quick hitch, is a simple to use system, that is also stronger."

Outstanding information about this type of setup answered all my questions about the turnbuckles with the quick hitch.

 

[s219]

Hodge had stated this on another forum,
"customers who had broken their turnbuckles. That isn't uncommon, and neither is stretched threads. With turnbuckles, only one side holds the load- the side that is being pulled against. The other side does nothing, due to the loose mounting system, and the nature of a turnbuckle. Telescoping stabilizers, on the other hand, hold both under tension (pulling), and compression. "

I don't agree with that at all. As long as there is play, one of the stabilizers will always be in tension and the other will be slack. There is no way around that when you draw a diagram of the 3-pt linkage (it's designed that way in fact). Turnbuckles or telescopic stabilizers, it doesn't matter. Neither can go into compression without first doubling back slack against the end clevis/pin/ring, and that is not a reliable way to go into compression.

 

[SLIMSHADIE]

I have to agree that the turnbuckles can be adjusted a little tighter than the stabilizers, but the turnbuckles will not be going back on my Kubota in my lifetime!

 

[Baby Grand]

My experience is that a little bit of slack in the stabilizers is not a bad thing - sometimes even desirable. As others have said, after using the telescoping stabs that came on my L3240, I cussed the turnbuckles on our new to us B5100. It was especially burdensome for The Plant Manager. After I replaced the turnbuckles with Mike Hodge's kit, she was able to hitch our 40" tiller without my help. When we got the B2320, which she uses almost exclusively, another set from Mike was ordered within a week of the tractor's delivery. Like night and day - a 20 minute ordeal was reduced to a few minutes. Mike is a stand up guy and takes pride in his product, and rightfully so. Cast off the turnbuckles of oppression!
-Jim

 

[TripleR]

One of the best modifications I've ever done.

 

[murphy1244]

Add a quick hitch and you won't need them.

 

[TripleR]

Add a quick hitch and you won't need them.

I'm one of if not the only person who doesn't like them, I've got a set for my BX and GL lying in my garage somewhere I took off. I have considered one of these, but don't change implements that often: Quick Hitches | Land Pride

 

[The Deerslayer]

One of the best modifications I've ever done.

Do you have a quick hitch set up as well?

 

[murphy1244]

I'm one of if not the only person who doesn't like them, I've got a set for my BX and GL lying in my garage somewhere I took off. I have considered one of these, but don't change implements that often: Quick Hitches | Land Pride

Never seen a sub cut QH. When did they release that? What don't you like about them Larry?

 

[TripleR]

Do you have a quick hitch set up as well?

I did, but took them off.

Never seen a sub cut QH. When did they release that? What don't you like about them Larry?

Must be something wrong with me as I didn't like all the shims and I didn't like how it set my equipment back several inches. I sent the original ones for my GL for the ones that replace the OEM extendable lower links and found I missed the ability to extend, so I just gave up.

As of a couple of years or so ago I can no longer swap equipment, so my sons or brother does that and I told them where the PATS were if they wanted to use them and they declined. My brother uses a Land Pride copy on one of his tractors and likes it, but not the PATS.

PATS are great people with which to do business, so certainly no complaints there. They even shipped my replacement hitches out before they got the originals back.

 

[George the Beagle]

Mark Hodge is no longer in business, unfortunately.

 

[Mike from MI]

Mark Hodge is no longer in business, unfortunately.

Mark took his website down because he couldn't keep up with orders. If you want to contact him about getting a set his email address is markhdg@gmail.com.
Outstanding workmanship and person to deal with.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Telescopic stabilizers were one of the best mods I did, perhaps THE best mod.

I recently added Pat's Easy Change but still would not be without the telescopic stabilizers.