toukow:
My CK2610 with R4's arrived just after noon, on Monday (2 days ago), along with a rear blade, box blade, pallet forks and a 3pt. quick attach. Options that were dealer installed are the linked throttle, and the rear remotes... Floor mat is back ordered.
Since delivery, I have spent a couple of hours grading my 200 yard driveway.
My first impressions are:
- The linked pedal is a "must have" feature for me - however, the implementation is not perfect - it doesn't open the throttle enough in reverse. The mechanism is a wonder to behold - I'm not sure how they could have made it more complicated.
- The 3pt lift action is "jerky", perhaps it will smooth out over time (The control lever is shorter than what I'm accustomed to, with a much shorter lever travel distance.
- The ability to exit from the right side is nice to have. The restricted egress on the L2501 would be an irritant.
- R4's definitely have less traction than R1's in loose material.
- The inside turning radius (in 2wd) is incredible... I'm not sure what they measured for the "8ft radius" published in the spec sheet, but inside to inside of the rear tire is significantly less. Perhaps radius and diameter were confused in translation?
- The 2wd/4wd control location could be much more convenient.
- Range selector is stiff and "notchy" - but I'm figuring out the tricks.
Thanks for your observations on your new tractor.
Not sure how much longer to get mine delivered, and take mine in trade. It seems strange to me to get a price for my trade-in tractor simply based on photos, no actual physical inspection. Don't think there will be issues given mine is in good shape and I fully disclosed any issues, but that remains to be seen.
Hopefully the three point actuation smooths out, as that would be annoying. The only comments I had read with someone having an issue was leak down.
It will be nice to have access from the right side, which I currently don't. I asked about buying a step for the right side, one dealer said it was available, mine said that it wasn't. As I mentioned in another thread on chains for this model, I ordered the left side step for $100 from a CK3510SE which is a bit lower to compensate for the R1 tires, and pretty much brings it back to the level of having R4's. My knees ain't what they used to be.
When you comment on the linked throttle ' The mechanism is a wonder to behold - I'm not sure how they could have made it more complicated.' That's from a physical examination of components or you happen to have a controls schematic? Either way doesn't sound encouraging. I saw your and others comments on usage of this feature, and I can see how one does exactly the wrong thing and applies more pedal throttle in a situation where it starts to bog down, effectively going to a higher gearing (no range change as clarified) as I understand it.
I'm glad I stayed with the R1's, given your comments. I got the impression the R4's would last longer,have a tougher carcase, but not a factor given my usage as I don't do much heavy FEL work and never drive on grass. After our major snow event (major for Seattle anyway), snow traction is my focus. Didn't get a price break though on the R1's as Kubota was willing to do.
I had read about the shifting issues, and after searching the forum and seeing the issues with Kubota in this regard as well, realized it's the nature of the beast with HST. My dealer gave advice that matched up exactly with that in the Kubota L2501 owner's manual stated below. The Kioti manual I downloaded from the forum link does not mention pushing the forward pedal, simply engaging/disengaging the clutch. In general, Kioti could do better on the documentation side of the equation in my mind, or I'm just not searching correctly. I've asked for a price on the Kioti service manual, but haven't heard anything yet.
A If it is difficult to shift the lever into L, M, or H from neutral position:
On slopes be sure to set the parking brake before starting the procedure.
(1) Slightly depress the speed control pedal to rotate the gears inside of the transmission.
(2)Release the speed control pedal to the neutral position.
(3)Depress the clutch pedal, wait for a moment and then shift the lever.
The Kubota threads say it just becomes second nature. On my property I don't see changing ranges much. Thanks for sharing your initial evaluation, Toukow