Kubota B3350 tractor regeneration problems

[sandyc]

Since my updates earlier this year I haven't run my 3350 much as we are between seasons and didn't get much snow at all. Seems to run great. Starts right up and warms up very quickly. I do not think they reversed the auto gen button. I push it (light up) when I am not in dry material. Right now we are in the midst of red flag warnings so I would prefer not to regen in the woods!

 

[tempforce]

no, but it needs a software update. to correct the problem.
my tractor went in for a second trip for that same issue.
took them just a few hours to pick it up do the job and return the tractor.

my sales manager told me the operation was reversed, when i first received my tractor after all of the repairs.
first regen, the dash light came on, no regen until i pressed the button. i was already at full throttle.
from then on i just used it like to book says.

 

[bumperm]

Thanks guys. I had a call in to the dealer and he was going to call the service rep after the weekend. But, I had some work to do so got the tractor out, started it up, and this time did not push the auto regen button (remember mine is an earlier one that defaults to "No Regen" unless I push the "auto regen" button to turn on the button light.

K, this time I didn't push the auto regen button and as soon as it warmed up, I advance the throttle and it did its duty, and auto regen. So, the did in fact reverse the function of that button, and now it defaults to auto regen enabled like it's newer brethren. I called the dealer back and suggested it might oughta be good to tell the customers about this 180 turn about on button operation.

Got a couple of acres sprayed and all is well, whoopee!

 

[MHarryE]

Thanks guys. I had a call in to the dealer and he was going to call the service rep after the weekend. But, I had some work to do so got the tractor out, started it up, and this time did not push the auto regen button (remember mine is an earlier one that defaults to "No Regen" unless I push the "auto regen" button to turn on the button light. K, this time I didn't push the auto regen button and as soon as it warmed up, I advance the throttle and it did its duty, and auto regen. So, the did in fact reverse the function of that button, and now it defaults to auto regen enabled like it's newer brethren. I called the dealer back and suggested it might oughta be good to tell the customers about this 180 turn about on button operation. Got a couple of acres sprayed and all is well, whoopee!

Same for me on my M135GX. They replaced the computer because nothing else worked to stop my rough shifting complaint. When I got it back I pressed auto whenever I started it just like in the past but it would not regen - I was forced to do a parked regen for the first time. Next time it was close to regen for some reason I forgot to press the auto button and voila - it started the auto regen on its own just like the later builds. The dealer wasn't aware of this either.

 

[sandyc]

I sent an e-mail to my dealer asking him to let me know if the button function had been reversed. I'll advise his response. In the meantime I am not going to push the auto regen button when I start up. If the button was reversed it would have been nice to know it.

 

[bumperm]

SandyC,

Sounds like a plan. My advice either way, whichever approach you use, leaving the button off (light off) or pushing after start to turn light on, during operation if the panel regen light comes on *steady*, it's regenerating as usual and if you keep the rpm above 2000, should be good to go in 15 to 20 or so. But if the regen panel light comes on *flashing*, it is telling you it needs to do a regen and is unable to do so. Make sure rpms are above 2000, if still flashing, push the auto regen button to whatever mode is was not in and see if that fixes the problem and allows a regen to start as normal.

If it does not go into regen (panel light stops flashing and goes on steady), I would go to idle and wait at least 30 seconds to allow turbo to cool, shut down, and then restart. Put auto regen switch in the opposite mode to what it was previously, and then take the rpms up and see if it regens as expected. If you cannot do a running regen for some reason, then expect that soon it will ask for a parked regen.

Parked regens are a bit of a PITA in my opinion. It would not be so bad if a) you could use the tractor (which I guess is a silly complaint as if you could do that it wouldn't be a parked regen!). and b) Why the heck did they not design the parked regen so if you leave it there running and go do something else, that after it finishes and goes to idle, that it would shut back off completely and automatically after a short 'turbe cool down' delay. As is now, it'll just sit there at idle loading up the DPF filter again, until you remember to go check it (over and over) to see if it's finished. Like boiling water, the more you check on it the longer it takes. :c(

 

[sandyc]

Thanks for the info and suggestions Bumperm. I agree about the parked regen and the waste of time and diesel. This whole system is a bit of overkill for someone like me who basically uses my 3350 for snow removal with a bit of yard work during the summer. Oh well, at least I'm warm and dry blowing snow!

 

[bumperm]

Sandyc,

I've often thought the same. Overkill = EPA (as with so many other ill-conceived overreaching gov't regulations).

 

[sandyc]

10-4 on the over regulations. My 51 ford flat head had only a breather tube that emptied under the car. I could handle every repair with a screw driver and a hammer.

 

[bumperm]

True, but there's no denying the major improvement to air quality, such as in the LA basin, that auto smog control devices brought about - no argument there. But for occasional use item, lawn mowers, chain saws, small tractors etc. that might see 50 to 100 hours use per year, the regulations are unrealistic and ill thought out. Instead of leaving my tractor idling for a couple of minutes, I leave it running at 2000 rpm, or wait for a 30 second turbo cool down, shut it off, then do a restart a few minutes later when I need the tractor again.