Warranty Void via Modification

DAP · Mar 21, 2006

Does anyone know that if I modify my Operator Presence switch I will void my warranty?

I would like to install a simple switch that would allow me to run my PTO driven implement with me off the seat , like a PTO driven generator.

Can't say for sure that it was an oversight by the designers of safety devices, but I can't save the ranch watching the fuel gauage go down while the generator is producing power during an emergency.

I can assure you that if I need to use my generator, sitting on my arse is probably not what I need to be doing.

In general, I'm all for safety features including this one (in general) but it lacks common sense in this situation.

Cinderblock might do it .. but now the principle is bugging me I hate the idea of scaring up a cinderblock while the friggin basement is flooding and the sump pump is out ....

Anyone disconnect or put a cockpit switch on their Kubota re: operator presence switch?

RonR · Mar 21, 2006

My BX lets me run the PTO if the gear selector is in neutral and the seat is flipped forward. The manual says that's what it is supposed to do. Might not be that way on all models.

If yours is not set up that way, can you secure your seat belt tightly over the seat and have it hold it down?

Ron

escavader · Mar 21, 2006

I stick a cedar shingle in it
ALAN

DAP · Mar 21, 2006

Thanks guys ... I really wanted to know if my warranty would be voided if I added a tidy lil switch to do that.

I have no idea where on earth I could get a cedar shingle in the state of maine.

Like .. way kidding ...

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

ByronBob · Mar 21, 2006

My guess is yes, but if you did have a warranty issue then I'd put it back to the original position before going in for service.

cp1969 · Mar 21, 2006

I can't see how any part of the warranty could be denied because of a work-around on this switch. Product liability, yes. Warranty, no.

Put a 'bypass' switch in line with the seat switch to mimic whatever that switch does when the operator is in the seat.

chucko · Mar 21, 2006

Adding the switch you have "done" something to change the safty.....but if the wire were to come unplugged on it's own..............well then.....um.......

snal · Mar 21, 2006

BX24 manual says to turn the seat to the BH operating position.

KennyV · Mar 21, 2006

I have to agree with cp1969… This could in no way change what is warranted by the manufacturer.
For those that are use to being cheated out of an honest warranty claim… ??? What type of companies are you accustomed to dealing with?
The reason you choose a manufacturer is their reputation in making equipment that is correct. If you have anxiety about their nitpicking a claim… should you not be looking at why you are buying their products?
Even beyond the manufacturer is the dealer you are doing business with, unless you have tried to take advantage of him, why would you think he is out to take advantage of you?
I think this is actually the question… Is there anyone that has ever had Kubota unreasonably refused a claim for warranty work? KennyV.

snal · Mar 22, 2006

Knowing little about tractors, I asked the locals alot of questions about tractor brands before I made my purchase. The general consensus was that JD was great to deal with on any problems, Kubota was excellent about dealing with warranty issues, but once the warranty was up...your on your own, even if it was a "known" issue. I find this hard to believe, seems like if it were a known issue...some sort of notice would be sent for correction.
I have several neighbors that own Kubotas...I talked to all of them....no issues at all with their 6-10 year old tractors. That was a big factor in my purchasing decision. Besides, green mighta clashed with the neighborhood motif. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RayH · Mar 22, 2006

I dont have experience with Kubota warranty but I know that in the case of automotive warranties, the manufacturer has to prove that any modifications you did could effect the warrantied item. So, no, your whole warranty wont be shot down but if you were to have an electrical failure and it was traced to your switch in any way, they arent obligated to warranty it.

What model tractor do you have? I cant believe theres no provision to run the PTO out of the seat, such as flipping it forward.

KennyV · Mar 22, 2006

Snal:
Your method of “asking a lot of questions” is exactly the reason to protect a reputation… If they didn’t have good things to say, you would have certainly heard bad news. A manufacturer or dealer is only as good as their reputation. Another thing with your neighborhood having common equipment… your local dealer should be rather solid… /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
I noticed in your bio, …Ruger, another company with a stellar reputation. In the mid 70’s I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with their head gunsmith and his son also at Ruger… Good people and Great company /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif. KennyV.

snal · Mar 22, 2006

Kenny, I'm a huge Ruger fan. I tend to reasearch the heck out of anything I do...which took me to Ruger when I started shopping for my first handgun. I now have 8 Rugers, and hope to aquire more (luv them single actions).

herringchoker · Mar 22, 2006

I have a B7800 and, like RonR's BX, (if the shift lever is in neutral) all I have to do is quickly flip the seat up when I get off and the motor keeps running with the PTO engaged. I've never actually used this, but I did try it and it worked.

DAP · Mar 22, 2006

Well, aint that the cats meow. I supposed if you want to get back on the seat, ya kinda have to flip it down and sit right quick to keep her from stallin.

I will try this guys .. and let ya know. Thanks for the tip.

bota7800 · Mar 22, 2006

( Well, aint that the cats meow. I supposed if you want to get back on the seat, ya kinda have to flip it down and sit right quick to keep her from stallin.

I will try this guys .. and let ya know. Thanks for the tip.

)

Normal remounting speed is sufficient. The tractor runs a few seconds after the seat is lowered.

berlinbx23 · Mar 22, 2006

Does the seat flip also work when using the mid mount PTO for the mower on the BX?
It is a pain to have to disengage the mower every time I want to remove a stick or a tow from in front of the tractor when mowing.

nharrold · Mar 22, 2006

I have a B7800, and a lightweight wife for whom the engine kept stopping whenever the rough terrain bounced her up off the seat sufficiently to activate the operator presence switch. So I disconnected and shunted the switch with a jumper to solve that problem, and haven't really noticed any safety hazards using it that way.

Of course, Kubota's lawyers probably wouldn't see it that way...

jimainiac · Mar 22, 2006

A low tech solution to the seat switch problem could be a strategically placed plastic wire tie to hold down the arm. I'm not recommending this, mind you, it's just theoretical, and easily removed.

rdsaustintx · Mar 24, 2006

( Does the seat flip also work when using the mid mount PTO for the mower on the BX?
It is a pain to have to disengage the mower every time I want to remove a stick or a tow from in front of the tractor when mowing. )

Yikes. That is one safety feature I agree with. Want that thing to *stop* if you come off your seat!