L48 seat rotation

[gray]

Hello TBN.
I am new to the forum. Have learned much in my viewing and hope to learn more. May even be able to share something of value? My question. Is there anyone who has worked out an improvement to the rotating seat on the L48? I have been sketching a lift and shift mechanisum that may allow a user to remain seated and rotate from the back hoe to the loader position. There is enough room if done right and it would make it safer and faster to do. OK, so I am a frustrated mechanical designer.
The L48 has been a great tractor and a good upgrade from my L35 that was good.

 

[bbfarm]

Gray

Sorry off topic, why did you upgrade to the L48?

I like the L35 and was wondering what type of tasks did you use it for?

Thanks! David...

 

[del]

That seat is a sore point on my L35.

Only someone who has never used a backhoe, or who has only
used a backhoe on streets would ever want such a piece of...

Comfortable seat but I'm going to put another seat for the
backhoe and learn to like the "stock" seat moved forward.

Getting off in the mud when the terrain doesn't allow me to
move the tractor with the hoe, then fumbling with the seat
and climbing back on is ridiculous.

I'll probably build a step panel like I did on my Ford. I'd
rather climb over or use a monkey bar to go from front to
back then get down.

I especially like the fact that going from hoe to front you
have to release the seat IN THE FRONT then go back, lean over
the muddy tire and release the pivot #$%#@%@#$%.

Wife keeps wondering how in the heck I keep getting the chest
of my jacket dirty!

"What are you doing rolling around on the ground?" ha ha

The ROPS/FOPS should have been built much wider to allow
passing easier.

The rest of the tractors good points make up for that but
it boggles the mind that such an otherwise good design could
be tarnished by that jackass seat (fingertip control notwithstanding).

The "creep to position" feature on the JD110 sounds like a
great idea.

I know guys that leave their HST's in gear, idle it down and
goose the pedal with a long stick to move tractor.

I know, the L35 hoe would probably pull the tractor up a
cliff if asked to do so. I'm talking about situations in the
woods and slopes etc where things could get away from you.

I learned quickly with this to only move the tractor with the
hoe with the engine just about all the way idled down.

WHOOPS YOU JUST MOVED 6 FEET IN 1 SECOND AND YOUR SHORTS
NEED CHANGING!!!/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

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[gray]

I had begun to think I was the only one feeling this way. Maybe we are the only 2?
The trackto has so many good features that I can not understand how they (the engineers) could settle for such a crude design.
I got tired of getting off my L35 just to get back on it, that it bscame one of the reasons fo go to the L48. Now I am tired of half standing up and holding on so I don't slip then rotating the seat, then stepping through and getting reseated without slipping and falling somewhere in the process. It is not bad-----but, it is not good!!!!!
With a tractor full of hydraulics and having a battery why not make a simple mechanism that makes this a good seating change over. That is why I am working on it. No prototype yet but parts searching is in progress. Sketches are being worked on and hopes are high that this will work. I am looking at an electric lift at this point for coast and ease of set up. I am dead sure a hydraulic ram would work but I am not experienced in that. It may come to that if my options are too small for electric type.
I don't know if what I am working on would work on the L35 but if not, I am sure something would.
Why the L48? Power, lift height and HST, the seat was also a plus. I have forks for it and do some light construction so lift hight and HST for tight spots became an issue. Hoe strength and reach is also big for me. Some of the footing work on aditions just took too much time with the L35.
I often moved the L35 form the hoe seating possition- carefully. I have a long reach. It helped to do that but was not easy to do and posed a safety issue in some cases. The option to move the L48 form the hoe seat would be great but I felt that instead of installing a linkage to do this(at very low speeds) , a easy rotation seat would be a safer choice.
Let me know more about your ideas.

 

[B21nut]

Guys,
I don't want to start a war on this but I have the B21(little Jr. of the L35,L48). One of the things that have to be compromised on these TLBs are some of the creature comforts of the big boys. After all these are Compact TLBs. I have worked with a buddy on a CAT 416 1997 model and let me tell ya I wish my B21 had alot of those features but thats life. If you buy a Vette and go to the market for groceries don't complain that it does have enough trunk space. Again,
just my 2cents and offered respectfully.
John D.

 

[del]

No offense taken, and your point is a good one.

On the B21 it would be real hard to go from front
to back due to the tractor width.

I have a Ford the same size as the L35 and I go
from front to back all the time. I am not very
"catlike" anymore either.

Having to step off into a bunch of goo and getting
back on is messy. Getting off into a bunch of brush
you are working through is tough. Getting off and
on is not safe either. Everytime is a chance for
a slip or unwanted tractor-to-body contact.

For putting in water lines along side the highway
on flat ground or something there's not much of a problem
as you will probably just push the tractor with the hoe.

I don't like getting off the tractor on a slope if I can
help it anyway, leaning over and operating the seat. I
have always assumed my tractor(s) will start moving and
try to kill me so I keep a respectful distance from them
on slopes.

On the L48, an even wider setup it would be even easier.
I hadn't looked at one so I was surprised by this post
that even on those there isn't a simple swivel seat you
can get around on without dismounting.

On my Ford I stand, flip up the front seat, flip down the
rear seat and climb over. No fuss after you get the hang
of it. I don't look very graceful doing it/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gifbut I
still find it easier than up and down.

Actually as I remember from looking at the B21 it has a
better seat design then the L35.

The L35 is like you mentioned a COMPACT TLB, more crammed
into a smaller space and that's why I like it. Personal
modifications to your car/truck/tractor are always rewarding
when you "beat" the designers.

Everything's a tradeoff and I would never go back to a
"conventional" add on backhoe or loader where the tractor
wasn't designed from the ground up as a TLB. Not many
choices, B21 L35 L48 and now the JD110. JD should get their
heavy equipment designers to work again and come out with
a JD "010" or "070" or something about the L35 or smaller
size.

Heck, sometimes I consider the L35 my macho "stairmaster".
We old toads need the excercise anyway!

dig on!

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[gray]

Del,

Many good points. I hear you. I am just one of these guys who likes to try to improve things. On the L48 there is enough room to do what I am describing. On the L35 I am not sure there is the room to do what I describe, in fact, I don't hink so. The width of the L48 is the only thing that makes this a possiblity.

I understand , it is not nice messing with some things. If it does not work, I will admit it and take my lumps.

Injuring myself on the L35 one time was enough to look at moving to the L48. I guess, I am hyper sensitive to the seat thing.

I totally agree with the thought that these TLB's are best when designed as a package rather than pieces put together. I had looked at some JD models and NH but they did not appeal to me for that reason. The loaders were not bad, mabe even good but the BH left much to be desired. My thoughts-2 cents.

The L48 would be the undisputed top dog in the small TLB if:

The hood sloped enough to get a veiw of the bucket.

The back hoe had a extention option.

The medium speed range is 5.5 mph vs 4.2mph.

Oil and voltage gauges.

SEAT ROTATION WHILE SEATED.

200 pounds lighter for an easy fit on a 10000gvw trailer.



All ideas are welcome.

Gentalmen- fire away.

 

[del]

Gray, how can you consider yourself an intelligent, experienced
TLB operator when you didn't list the IMPORTANT THINGS?

Leather, 8 speaker stereo, reclining seat, multiple cupholders
(wait, in my attempt at humor I hit on something, which I'll
probably have to strap on the FOPS, a THERMOS holder!)

And that other new car MUST HAVE, that I really wouldn't
mind having Nov-Feb, a HEATED SEAT.

Ditto on the idiot lights, I try to spot trouble BEFORE
it gets out of hand myself.

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[gray]

Del,

Your right- how could I have forgotten all that?

On the real side- Did I have any of the improvement issues right in your view? Other then the oil and volt meter.

I did think of a couple of things while reading your note:

I have to find a drink holder that hold work well on the machine. Some makes have them?

I just got done dropping my rebuilt 455 into my Olds Cutlass convertable. Now that is a comfort, stereo, cruising machine that may have spoiled me when it comes to the L48.

When I work, I work hard but I like the best tools I can get. When I play, I play hard with the best I can afford. You don't live forever- make the best of the time you have?

My wife has told me, I enjoy using the tractor too much- must be doing something right?

BTW- I am new to this whole tractor thing. August of 02 was my first time with a CUT (35) === Gee, that sounds bad? Like I'm a teen telling stories? But, it's true---really.

 

[del]

gray

Does your L48 have quick attach for the backhoe bucket?

I know you can install the adaptors to be able to change
the front bucket easily.

An extendahoe would be great, the stuff from the big tractors
is slowly trickling down but it seems to take so LONG.

I also wish Kubota would set the tractor up to already be
plumbed for an electrically controlled hydraulic thumb. I
went to a lot of work to get a unit I like that has been
survivable (knock on wood) for stumping and clearing land.

Would have been SO much easier if tractor was already set up
for it.

Of course I also want hydraulic suspension like the lowrider
cars so I can adjust it for slopes.

Or something cool like those "spider tractors". I don't know
the correct name but they have hydraulic outriggers coming
out the side with wheels on them. They are used to mow highway
slopes you can hardly stand up on. I pulled over once and watched
a guy. People stopped to ask what I was looking at, when I
told them they got back in their cars mumbling.

I'd like Kubota (and JD) to wake up and realize that filling
the fuel tank should be on the SIDE of tractor not in the center
of the HOOD!

If someone agrees to plunk down $$$$$$$$ for a new tractor
they ought to be able to get extra wheel and tire combo's at
Deere's cost as a way of saying Hey Thanks!

FOPS on the L35 may be "legal" for whatever load they test
it with but it will probably work ONCE and then be JUNK.
At least in the front. One bolt? That sucker will probably
twist all up if the tractor tips over. $$$$$$

I had a custom made FOPS on my Ford, you could drop a tree on
it over and over again with no damage. I only did it once
I don't think I even mussed up the paint.

Got cocky pushing trees down hit one low, it looked OK but
instead of falling over it snapped clean off and fell on
me. Other then a heck of a THWAM sound no fuss.

(Yeah right, and my hands ALWAYS shake like that /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif)

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[gray]

Del.

You have it right- gas tank NOT on the hood!!!!!! Stupid.
Other CUT's have it right.

No, I am not just sitting around ripping on the L48, just thinking on line- dangerous? But at times fun.

This unit could handle an extendahoe system- a 14ft reach would blow the comp. away. I would love it.

The hydraulic finger is something I have thought of and Once again- your right? A electric over Hydraulic system would make it easy-effective and light.

Yes, I have the Quick tach front loader bucket system and a 4in1 form ATI on it. Great thing to have. On occation , I have wished I had more capacity with a standard bucket but the versatlity of the 4in1 is great. Stumping, and brushing and burning is a snap. No chains, trips to the ground or small trees that you can't just pull out by the stem. I have heard of some that swear by a root grapple bucket. Too many things to haul on the trailer.

I am looking at many impements but have not made up my mind on them.

Back to the seat. I am going to try a contraption.

Oh-ha the remotes. I want some.

I had a hard top canopy on the ROPS of the L35. It was tough. I also had a Curtis cab on it that I rarely used because I had few reasons to run the unit in winter. The L48 has very strong ROPS on it. Does your have a foldable system? I have never seen that in one before?

Sounds like you do alot of BH work with yours? I do as well.

That makes me think ( dangerous) , I would like to se a boom lock on it. Not a big deal to provide , but a nice feature. Your right-alot like the full sized machines.

More info for comment??????????

 

[gray]

Del,

Oops, You asked if I have a quick tach BH bucket. No, I don't and wish I did.

I have a 24 inch bucket. The L35 had an 18 inch which I found a bit small for many things. The 18 would be better for stumping then the 24 but it hasn't been a big problem. And a 30 would be nice for excavating. The 24 was the best compromise for my needs.

Del, You have an L35? How is it equiped?

I still want this machine to be ( all it can be) The seat work will continue. I hear the laughing.

 

[del]

gray, all the L35s have the same FOPS/ROPS, and they are all
attached with ONE bolt to a each side of a cross bar by the
loader. I could probably drop an L35 on top of my Ford and
not damage the FOPS on that. Even with the weight it's never
felt tippy though.

I ordered mine with the dual a/filter (std now I think) and
also the precleaner for working in brush, it is a filter on
top of the hood where all the grass and leaf bits stay and
look cool spinning around and around until you dump it out.

Got the extra 4 worklights as well.

HD Front Bucket,removable cutting edge and removable tooth
bar on top of that so it has a nice lower lip.

I added a grapple clamp to the top of it
controllable by a thumb switch on the loader stick. I
thought about the 4 in 1 but only advantage to me was
the easier grading edge but I have another tractor with
no loader teeth and a rear 8 way? blade on the back,
tilts, offsets, and angles. What made the choice of the
HD bucket a done deal was I got the tractor through a
dealer to dealer trade. I believe first dealer (small) bought it
had customer cancel and was looking to get out from underneath
the cost.

I can pick up some pretty bulky stuff with the grapple, have
thought about redesigning it to pick up more but I don't
have enough time so it's fine as is.

I also use it to pickup some weird scrap metal junk which
would be difficult with a 4in1 and keep the stuff away from
the front of the tractor.

I have the 18 inch bucket. Some of my property is gravelly
so an 18 inch bucket makes a 24-30 inch ditch!

Bucket force in a given spot is reduced with a wider bucket
and I do some stumping. I still may get a 36 for it.

Looked a different backhoe thumb designs, they all have
drawbacks from each other, I had to rework what the
"professional" did to make it work correctly. Since I'm
no hydraulic whiz it was a terrible time. A few of the other
April 00 and earlier registered guys on this board helped and
I found a hydraulic place that helped me get through it
all.

Underneath the control cowl are 2 relief valves plus the
electric controller which also has reliefs in it. It is
all removable, tightenable if necessary with weird ended
wrenchs! Looks like a plate of spaghetti. Setup is dumped
and relieved every which way. I knew all the
guys at our local fitting supplier by the time it was done.

Should have trailered it down there and worked on it in
the parking lot!

Oh, for my birthday I also want the tractor modifed for
dual rear wheels for slope work. Like the B I G tractors
have. Just kidding but sure would be hard to tip it over!

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[art]

I would think that with the lift and turn it would be quite a project as someone already took the time to find a feasable way to do it to begin with. Good luck with your project! I hope nobody hurts there knee's to bad while making the swing!

 

[del]

Art, maybe the swing around seat will only work
on the tractors equipped with the optional
rubber ROPS.../forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

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[gray]

Del- Art,

I did the measurements to be sure there was enough room.
If the controls were not on the side of the seat, it would be even better. I have to deal with what's there.

Sounds like you have really tweaked the H--- out of the L35. I have never heard of so many mods. Now I don't feel my hopes are so off base?

I was always amased at how agresive the L35 hoe has. I pulled many stumps out that looked at first to be impossible. The L48 with the 24" BH bucket has about the same ripping power as the L35 with the 18" bucket. Some day I may have a need to spend $ on a second bucket.

I had no idea the L35 ROPS had only one bolt. Lucky I have never had to use it, let alone drop it on a Ford.

Off to do more on the seat thing?

 

[uhmgawa]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( On the L48, an even wider setup it would be even easier.
I hadn't looked at one so I was surprised by this post
that even on those there isn't a simple swivel seat you
can get around on without dismounting. )</font>

I think Kubota marketing calls it a "walk-through"
design. Still I find if I lift up my feet I can swing the
seat with myself still seated. I'm 186cm so others
may have varying degrees of success.

That said I don't find it too awkward to occasionally
operate the backhoe with the seat forward, nor
reach the hydro petal with my hand to tweak the
works forward/rev with the seat pointed backward.
If there is one thing you can do with a hydrostatic
transmission that you can't with a manual, that's it.