Remotes - worth it?

[canoetrpr]

I've decided to bite the bullet and buy a snowblower this year.

I have a Kubota L3400. The price difference between the manual crank and hydraulic chute is $250. I don't have remotes but I am wondering that if I want to get them in the future, I probably shouldn't delay much and get the snowblower with the hydraulic cylinder.

The only other implement I have is a rotary cutter. I plan to add things like a rake, blade etc. Not things I really would need remotes for, nor would I want to buy the more expensive models of these implements that use hydraulics.

The only use I would have for remotes would be:
- snow blower
- hydraulic top link would be nice

OTOH, I really can't see why it would be much effort to use the hand crank for the blower. After all I will be backing up and it will be right there. While a hydraulic top link would be nice, is it really worth spending about a thousand bucks getting a couple remotes and hydraulic top link installed.

For what i would pay for the remotes, I could put the money towards other things - like a rake and or blade.

What do you guys think?

 

[MadReferee]

From my perspective, rear remotes are the single most important option you can get for your tractor. The possibilities for use are practically unlimited. For example they can be used for dump wagons, snowblower chute/deflection, hydraulic top link and tilt link, rear blade angling, log splitter, backhoe, and anything else you can think of that uses a hydraulic cylinder.

If you can't afford the factory remotes then an aftermarket valve and connectors can be had for about 1/2 of what the factory charges. It's just not as eligantly integrated.

 

[bx23barry]

I guess the question to ask is: How often do you need to turn the chute? Is it worth <> $1000 to you to not get off the seat to do it? I don't think the rear tilt cylinder is a big deal on a rake or back blade (maybe a angle cyliner on the blade).

 

[canoetrpr]

I guess the question to ask is: How often do you need to turn the chute? Is it worth <> $1000 to you to not get off the seat to do it? I don't think the rear tilt cylinder is a big deal on a rake or back blade (maybe a angle cyliner on the blade).

Actually I don't even think that I'll be getting off the seat for it. The manual crank should reach just behind the seat for me to turn it. I'm pretty sure the blower I have priced out is setup this way anyway.

 

[herringchoker]

I agree with Mad Referee, the possibilities are unlimited. Consider what you may want to do in the future (we are always finding new things to do with our tractors ). Another thing to think about is if you install a cab or shelter the hand crank may not be as accessible. I installed a pair of remotes when I built the cab on my B7800 and I'm glad I did.

 

[wushaw]

I have the three remotes on my L2800 and am in total agreement with MadReferre..my BB work is just so much easier and more productive than without the remotes.

 

[canoetrpr]

I have the three remotes on my L2800 and am in total agreement with MadReferre..my BB work is just so much easier and more productive than without the remotes.

wushaw:

Do you primarily use the remotes with top-n-tilt or do you have a BB that has hydraulic adjustment for scarifiers? I can totally see how BB work could be much easier with the remotes.

How much does a top-n-tilt type setup cost anyway - in addition to the remotes of course.

 

[wushaw]

wushaw:

Do you primarily use the remotes with top-n-tilt or do you have a BB that has hydraulic adjustment for scarifiers? I can totally see how BB work could be much easier with the remotes.

How much does a top-n-tilt type setup cost anyway - in addition to the remotes of course.

Yes its primary purpose is the BB with hyd scarfiers.
It has been over a year since I had the remotes installed and I think it was somwhere around a grand for all the parts and installation at the Kubota dealer.
Here is a link to the pics of my set-up. wushaw : Gallery

 

[MadReferee]

How much does a top-n-tilt type setup cost anyway - in addition to the remotes of course.

Remotes for the L3400 are about $600 for the first and about $400 for the second spool and another $400 for the third spool.

The top and tilt kit from Kubota is not available for the L3400 according to the price guide. You can always buy the cylinders cheaper elsewhere. When they are in stock, CCM has the best deal on cylinders for about $250 each with check valves.