Kubota Tractors Easy to Work on?

[dieselcrawler]

This thread exposes the difference between trained (oem specific) technicians and shade tree amateur DIY mechanics...
Just buying a service manual and maybe some specialty tools is not the same thing even if one is typically good with a wrench...

I'm not 'factory trained tech', but self taught and very mechanically inclined. (Current employment is Sr Maintenance Tech at an oil bottling plant) Having the model specific shop manual was a huge resource when working on the L2850 I mentioned earlier.

 

[/pine]

I'm not 'factory trained tech', but self taught and very mechanically inclined. (Current employment is Sr Maintenance Tech at an oil bottling plant) Having the model specific shop manual was a huge resource when working on the L2850 I mentioned earlier.

I did not mean that there are not "naturals" out there...natural talent along with keen deductive perception makes wrenching (or most endeavors) easy for some even if it's not their chosen profession...

Even a trained tech will take longer the first time they perform a certain repair etc. procedure than a tech that has done the same job many times...the first time is always a learning experience...

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

Service manuals can be disappointing. The John Deere's service manuals have this to say about changing the belt, and I am not kidding: "Remove fan/alternator belt." That's all the help you get!

"Here's how to do the job: 1. Do the job."

Glad I downloaded the manuals instead of paying.

 

[timswi]

I am definitely not a mechanic. That being said, some manufacturers make products that aren't hard to work on, and others make products that are generally easier to work on. Maybe there are no tractors that are easy to work on.

It would be nice if my tractor was built so a moderately handy person could take care of most small repairs.

The mower deck was designed to be removed by end users, so if removing it is an unpleasant job that can only be performed by a strong male, something is wrong with the product. A belly mower shouldn't be hard to remove. Blades have to be sharpened regularly, the gears have to be lubed, and the bearings have to be greased.

I wonder how hard it is to remove a Kubota 54" deck for maintenance.

I have a 54" on a BX23. 5-10 minutes to remove..The shaft coupler is the only tricky part about re-installation. Pretty good design.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I changed an axle shaft on my JD E-Gator a couple of weeks ago. Half hour job, but the manual implies that I should have taken out the whole transaxle/motor and batteries. Also instructs to drain def oil and open def cover for no reason at all! That could take the whole day just to get it out!

It's certainly not the first time I have run into that. If you were paying for dealer time, the difference would be enormous!

 

[fried1765]

Much of it is about Marketing and curb appeal. They don't care if it makes working on the thing a PITA. It's a machine, but disquise it in plastic panels. Make sure they have cup holders though!

Heated seats too ?????

 

[Industrial Toys]

Of course along with a heated steering wheel. Heard a minivan ad on the weekend. 16 cup holders and an intercom??? While the economy collapses and sea levels rise. It amazes me what is important to people.

 

[dieselcrawler]

I did not mean that there are not "naturals" out there...natural talent along with keen deductive perception makes wrenching (or most endeavors) easy for some even if it's not their chosen profession...

Even a trained tech will take longer the first time they perform a certain repair etc. procedure than a tech that has done the same job many times...the first time is always a learning experience...

I did not take offense to what you said (and agree completely with the quoted post above), was only commenting to emphasize the value of a good shop service manual, which the Kubota manuals seem to be based on my experience. Having said that, some wrench skills and common sense go along way!

 

[goeduck]

If anyone thinks Deere or Kubota, for that matter, are difficult to work on or get parts for many years after manufacture, try doing the same for other brands, specifically lower volume brands.

 

[dragoneggs]

If anyone thinks Deere or Kubota, for that matter, are difficult to work on or get parts for many years after manufacture, try doing the same for other brands, specifically lower volume brands.

:drink:

Not worth the argument green vs. orange. Either will do you far better if you are in it for the long term vs. anything else IMO. Unless of course you are part of the disposable generation.

I haven't found any discernible difference between JD and Kubota with respect to small tractor/lawn & garden type equipment when it comes to DIY maintenance. OEM parts for both seem expensive but at least are available.