Buying Advice How does cab with AC hold up on a ccompact Kubota? Hot, dusty area

[elslarsen]

First time tractor shopper. Choice is down to Kubota L2501, L3301, or one of the new LXs (2610, 3310) which have optional cab with AC. How does the AC do in these small cabs? I'm in the low desert, where it get extremely hot and dusty--probably the most challenging environment for AC. Tractor would be used primarily for landscaping--moving mulch and trees and rototilling, plus some small farm maintenance--moving hay, pallets of feed, and dragging an arena. I've heard that the extreme heat and dust can really put a strain on these AC units. Has anyone had an older model Kubota with AC, e.g. B2650 or B3350, for a few years? How has it held up?

Thanks

 

[rademamj1]

I have been using a Kioti CK4010SEHC, with the factory cab installed here in central Texas for 3 years now. During hot summer temperatures exceeding 100F, the cab AC cannot keep up with the thermal energy transmitted through all the windows.

As a result, during July and August, I mainly use the tractor in the morning when its much cooler, and the AC can handle cooling nicely right up to about 1pm, and then its time to park the tractor.

I have considered window tinting of the back and side windows, and only the upper part of the front window of the cab. About 70% of the cab windows will be tinted, and should give the tractor AC strong support in defeating the thermal heat transmission.

 

[Cat_Driver]

i live near you and all last week when the temps were 120 plus the AC is useless.
From Octobet to june july it works perfect, but extreame heat you need to work between 5:30 am and 9:am then quit for the day.

At 5:30 the AC is freezing cold you need to turn it down, by noon 120 degrees the ac doesn't even feel like it's on.

 

[true temper]

I have a Kubota 3430 absolutely love my AC. Last week we had a 100* day I mowed all afternoon, I was comfortable warm with cold air blowing on me.
If it were 110* it wouldn’t be able to keep up. 90* I am very comfortable .
I built a custom cab filter, for my tractor the stock filter lets in a small amount of dust. I have to take the roof off to service the filter but its very worth it. Did I mention I love my cab? Should of done it 10 years earlier.

 

[elslarsen]

Thanks for the information. Sounds as though the cab/AC are worth it for making it comfortable to work much more of the time, just not all the time (when man nor beast shouldn't be out in the sun anyway).

 

[Johnkn]

What about having the cab windows covered in a high quality ceramic sun block. An example, this states it blocks ~79% of the sun's heat. Then a reflective thermal insulated mat on the roof...

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/buildin...utm_campaign=17_Adb_3MWindowFilms_Paid_Search

 

[Doug62]

The MF I just got will cool down the cab in about 15 seconds flat. Was hot an humid here, sweating profusely while discussing the tractor outside. I got in, turned the key and shut the door. Before I could reverse it and start pulling forward it was nice and cool. It was SWELTERING outside. The humidity here is what makes it so miserable. Now, that said, I have yet to stay in it for any length of time in the sun running heavily but so far it feels pretty darn good. I'll get my first good taste of it in a few days and let you know then.

 

[rademamj1]

What about having the cab windows covered in a high quality ceramic sun block. An example, this states it blocks ~79% of the sun's heat. Then a reflective thermal insulated mat on the roof...

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/buildin...utm_campaign=17_Adb_3MWindowFilms_Paid_Search

I looked at the 3M ceramic tint and see its used for nearly everything from residential homes, to commercial buildings and vehicles.

Great idea on the reflecting thermal mat on the cab roof.

 

[elslarsen]

That's a great idea to put on the 3M ceramic tint but would it mess with the warranty?

 

[rademamj1]

I can't see how tinting can void any factory warranty on the tractor. And tinting probably not necessary on most cab tractors, just those cab tractors being used in the high heat states like Arizona or Texas or Florida; and only needed during summertime.

I did see a tractor mowing last week along highway I-35 in Texas, a Kubota M-series had tinting on his cab tractor. Outside temperature was 106F that day. I don't know why I did not think of tinting earlier to help with AC cooling on my cab tractor.