60 series cab and alternator problems

[Kubotafan]

Did I read here where some people were having trouble with the alternator on their 60 series cab tractors not putting out enough power to keep the battery charged? I have tried to find the thread but couldn't. Has there been any progress with Kubota finding a solution to this problem?

 

[razor]

My dealer upgraded the alternator on mine. I believe the original was a 60 amp and the new one is a 90 amp. They had to change a bracket and some wiring. Before I got the new alternator I was careful with running the blower motor and the rear defroster. I unpluged the side window defrost and only ran the rear defrost for a few minutes at a time. I had to do this for a month or so and never had a dead battery.

 

[Kubotafan]

My dealer upgraded the alternator on mine. I believe the original was a 60 amp and the new one is a 90 amp. They had to change a bracket and some wiring. Before I got the new alternator I was careful with running the blower motor and the rear defroster. I unpluged the side window defrost and only ran the rear defrost for a few minutes at a time. I had to do this for a month or so and never had a dead battery.

Thanks for your reply. I was sure I had read of a problem, but haven't been able to locate the thread. I am glad to know there is a 90 amp available, and if I was to buy a new tractor I would insist on the change being made. I use it for snowblowing and need adequate lights and heat and need to depend on it starting in cold temperatures. The last thing I need is a half charged battery.

 

[skyhook]

I am glad to know there is a 90 amp available, and if I was to buy a new tractor I would insist on the change being made. The last thing I need is a half charged battery.

I agree, these machines should come standard with at least "90 amp" alts.

 

[ericdube]

The post was probably from me. Here's the details:

Kubota has developed a new alternator upgrade kit (P/N T0350-99550) for the L60 series. It consists of a new 90-amp Denso alternator (originally had a 60-amp alternator), longer belt, bracket, and a new wiring harness. The new alternator is massive compared to the old one and barely fits in the engine bay.

 

[PSDStu]

First I heard about this......

How did you find out??

Is/Was there a charge for this kit?

Thanks!

 

[Kubotafan]

First I heard about this......How did you find out?? Is/Was there a charge for this kit?

Thanks!

There was/is a thread on here with more details....I just haven't found it again. Everyone not likely would have a problem. Those of us in cold weather areas who are running the heater, electric window defroster and a/c as well as extra lights for plowing snow are requiring more power from the battery than what the alternator could put back in. Switching out the front and rear work lights for LED would likely help to address the problem, but it the tractor cannot handle what Kubota puts on it I think they are the ones who need to provide the 90amp alternator or switch the lights for LED.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

its not at all unusual to have to swap out the alternator when doing rear defoggers.

 

[Kubotafan]

its not at all unusual to have to swap out the alternator when doing rear defoggers.

I bought a B3030HSDC in the USA and brought it to Canada (I think it was really glad to get to live here!!!!). I had the rear window defrost package added which included a new rear glass with the defrost grid on it and a heavier alternator. I still have the original alternator (or dyno - which ever it is) and figure some day I may find a buyer.

 

[94BULLITT]

I have noticed with the headlights on, and 1 set of the factory work lights on, it does not charge enough at a idle. I usually set the throttle to 1200-1300 RPMS to keep it charging.

 

[skyhook]

I have noticed with the headlights on, and 1 set of the factory work lights on, it does not charge enough at a idle. I usually set the throttle to 1200-1300 RPMS to keep it charging.

I hear ya, imagine if the heater is going also.

 

[94BULLITT]

I hear ya, imagine if the heater is going also.

Once I give a fast idle I can run radio, headlights, front and rear work lights, and heat or a/c with out problems.

 

[ericdube]

First I heard about this......

How did you find out??

Is/Was there a charge for this kit?

Thanks!

I only found out about it because it was getting more and more difficult to start the tractor and my radio would randomly cut out during normal operation of the tractor. After a quick bit of troubleshooting, I noticed when I had all the accessories (defrosters, fan, lights, hazards, wipers, etc.) turned on at the same time (even at RPM) that the alternator wasn't keeping up with the load (voltage was way too low to charge the battery and reliably run the accessories.) Essentially, I was running on battery causing the battery to discharge the more I used the tractor (and I usually do most of my plowing at night when you'd be expecting to run all the cab options at the same time.)

At first I thought it might have been a bad alternator, but when the dealer tested it they said it was fine (because they weren't turning *everything* on at the same time.) After some further diagnosing (including some coaxing from me that there was an issue) they ended up contacting Kubota who told them about the problem along with information on the kit they were developing for it. If my memory serves me right, if you happen to have a fully loaded cab, the draw is around 68-amps at load so there's no way the stock 60-amp alternator could keep up with the demand.

I was actually one of the first 10 owners to get the kit installed on their L60 series tractors (this was a while back when the issue was first uncovered.) Kubota did cover the cost of the alternator upgrade kit (including labor), so it didn't cost me anything at the end of the day. So far, everything has been working great with the new 90-amp alternator and I haven't ran into a single issue since.

 

[PSDStu]

Thanks Eric!

I don't do alot of snowplowing here but I will watch for this.

 

[Kubotafan]

Thanks Eric!

I don't do alot of snowplowing here but I will watch for this.

I have cleared over 525 driveways so far thus year, using mainly a rear snowblower assisted by an angle blade mounted on the loader. When I upgrade tractor again I would need to make sure I have the heavy duty alternator.

 

[skyhook]

Once I give a fast idle I can run radio, headlights, front and rear work lights, and heat or a/c with out problems.

Your L4240 is equipped with a 55 amp alt.
The non cab version is 40 amps.
Thats the problem with these "low" amp alts, they need to be run at a higher rpm to start charging.
Let that machine idle and you won't be doing your battery a favor. Throw in extreme cold conditions
and its a recipe for a "no start" the next morning.
My L4200C came with a 40 amp, I will be upgrading it to a 130amp 3G alt, these can be picked up at your local scrap yard for 40 bucks.
At idle, 900rpm's, these put out a steady 14.3 volts and plenty of amperage.
My battery will love me for it, I will then "light" my tractor up like the 4th of July.

PS: Excellent post, Eric.:thumbsup:
For those who are interested, "just Google" 3G alt upgrade" and you'll find plenty of info.

 

[94BULLITT]

Your L4240 is equipped with a 55 amp alt.
The non cab version is 40 amps.
Thats the problem with these "low" amp alts, they need to be run at a higher rpm to start charging.
Let that machine idle and you won't be doing your battery a favor. Throw in extreme cold conditions
and its a recipe for a "no start" the next morning.
My L4200C came with a 40 amp, I will be upgrading it to a 130amp 3G alt, these can be picked up at your local scrap yard for 40 bucks.
At idle, 900rpm's, these put out a steady 14.3 volts and plenty of amperage.
My battery will love me for it, I will then "light" my tractor up like the 4th of July.

PS: Excellent post, Eric.:thumbsup:
For those who are interested, "just Google" 3G alt upgrade" and you'll find plenty of info.

I was thinking the 4240 had a 60 amp, but that is still marginal for a cab tractor. So people are using a 3G alt on Kubota? I think I have one but I don't know if it is the correct one for the swap. I also have a 4G alt, I know that won't work.

 

[skyhook]

There's different types with different pulley set-up's,,

Just find one that matches your style of alt.
Very simple to hook up, sometimes a bracket mod is required for belt tightening.
It's a little cold here now, but when i do mine I'll post some pics.
On my previous (L2550) i did it, removed the voltage regulator completely, since the one I installed had it built in.
The high output ones are shown, notice it has "two" hole's within 3 of the sections, (sort of like a Y)
The 4 holed ones are 90 amps, i believe.

 

[ericdube]

Not great photos since I'd have to remove the grill on the side of the engine, but here's a few to get an idea on the size of it.