Kubota m7040 draft control?

[remington270]

I have a 2009 m7040 and I recently bought a 3 bottom plow. It has been pulling well, without much difficulty. After doing some research, I realize that I might should be using the draft control feature on my tractor- which I didn't even know that it had (prior to plow, I was only bushhogging). I understand what the draft control "does", but how do I actually make it start working.

As I understand it, the draft control should raise the toplink in the event of getting bogged down some while plowing, so how do I do this? (I feel sure that it involves the lever on the right fender just inside the position control lever, but I could be wrong)...

 

[KennyV]

As I understand it, the draft control should raise the toplink in the event of getting bogged down some while plowing,

It has nothing to do with raising the Top link... The Top link gives an increased load feed back to the Lower Link control valving... when the top link sees an increase in load... the Lower links are raised...
With the draft control (located along side the position control), you can set it to respond fast or slow... KennyV

 

[The It]

As I understand it, the top link does the sensing and the bottom links do the lifting.

Your operator's manual explains it somewhat. Here is a link that explains a little more: http://www.tractorsmart.com/main/Tractor Three Point Lift Types.htm

 

[TripleR]

If it is pulling well, why do you feel the need to use draft control? When I was farming, I only used it when I was in a situation where my tractor was bogging down.

 

[gwdixon]

I have that year and model tractor and pull a 3-bottom plow.

The draft control is the lever next to the seat right next to the 3PH lever. Foward decreases draft control, rearward increases it.

The way I test it is to pull the lever all the way back, put a long crowbar where the top link connects to the tractor, and push up (or down) to slightly rotate the connection. You will see a lever on the left side will move actuating the hydraulics. The lower lift arms will lift. Releasing the tension will allow the lower lift arms to lower.

Practically, it really has little use. Some people say that when dragging a box blade it will level the ground better but I've not seen it be effective.

With a plow, it would lift when the ground got more firm giving an uneven plowing depth.

So, in summary, I have it and don't use it. TripleR has it right, if the tractor is bogging or you spin all four wheels it may be useful.

 

[remington270]

I have that year and model tractor and pull a 3-bottom plow.
...

Practically, it really has little use. Some people say that when dragging a box blade it will level the ground better but I've not seen it be effective.

With a plow, it would lift when the ground got more firm giving an uneven plowing depth.

So, in summary, I have it and don't use it. TripleR has it right, if the tractor is bogging or you spin all four wheels it may be useful.

Ok, that's more helpful than anything. I have never had any problems getting bogged down with the 3 bottom plow, so I guess there's really no need to use it. On the other hand, I do have a 7-shank renovator/ripper and that thing can stop the tractor if its really deep, so there may be a need for it there.

As for the tractorsmart.com article above, I have read that, and it is a great explanation.

 

[sixdogs]

If you are using a lanscape rake or something like that, draft control in a light tractor is wonderful. I use a Kubota L4300 (with draft) and an 8' Woods landscape rake and I can make a yard or field flat as a pancake if the ground is packed pretty good. It also helps with chisel plows on a bigger tractor.
Where you hook the toplink helps too. Higher or lower on the tractor matters for lighter or heavier equipment but I forget which is which.

 

[TripleR]

I think the bottom line is simply if you need it use it. I haven't used one in years and with what I do, I never will.