Hey every one my other post was about hooking up my new king kutter 4ft rotary cutter and I have all that handled, tractor is running great!!! My issue now is this small tractor seems to struggle way to much with the bush hog??? Seems to not want to run at the speed it needs to? What gear on the pto should I be in??? Also what gear on tractor??? I put the pro in gear and let the clutch out, then put trans in gear and start to go???? Any input will be very thank ful
L185 w/ 4ft cutter seems to struggle to much?????
- Thread starter Ozziekubota67
- Start date
76_Bronco
Member
Equipment
B7200 4WD w/FEL, 4' disc, 4' Brush Hog, 14" Plow, 4' Blade, JD 246 2 row Planter
The PTO speed should be 540rpm, probably the lowest speed on your model. I bush hog in low 3rd gear @2300 rpm's with my 17hp kubota, it's just a little slower than high 1st, but I get a clean cut and feel safe on my hilly property,
So the PTO needs to be set in 1st on the PTO select... Along with the tractor(trans) in 3/7 in LOW??? It's a 4ft brand new and I could not seem to find a sweet spot.....
The mower will want to be spun at 540 RPM. 1st gear PTO, engine probably 2500+ RPM. Mine is 2800 RPM for reference. Use whatever transmission gear gets you a good ground speed for the terrain and vegetation you are cutting. Thick and tall will need slow ground speed and/or multiple passes.
I engage the PTO with transmission in neutral, let out the clutch and throttle up to get the blade spinning, then clutch again and shift trans, and release.
I engage the PTO with transmission in neutral, let out the clutch and throttle up to get the blade spinning, then clutch again and shift trans, and release.
Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
Did you verify there was lubricant in the gear box of the cutter?
I have a L185 and a 4 foot cutter and it seems fine, only bogs a little in thick and tall grass (3 to 4 feet)
As others stated, the proper PTO gear is first gear (540 RPM). There is a mark on the tachometer (you really kind of have to look straight on the tach face, it can be hidden by the bezel) that shows where the correct RPM is for the PTO speed. Full throttle would probably still be OK, it is not too much more that the mark.
I use a ground speed that is appropriate to what the vegetation and terrain.
If you say it is struggling then you should us a lower gear and keep the engine RPMs up.
I have a L185 and a 4 foot cutter and it seems fine, only bogs a little in thick and tall grass (3 to 4 feet)
As others stated, the proper PTO gear is first gear (540 RPM). There is a mark on the tachometer (you really kind of have to look straight on the tach face, it can be hidden by the bezel) that shows where the correct RPM is for the PTO speed. Full throttle would probably still be OK, it is not too much more that the mark.
I use a ground speed that is appropriate to what the vegetation and terrain.
If you say it is struggling then you should us a lower gear and keep the engine RPMs up.
Nice I checked the fluid at the store I purchased and he added a tint bit for me.... What type of fluid does the gear box on the bush hog take???
Thanks for all the input on the gears etc I'm excited to get out tomo and do it!!!!
I have my gearing to to high and did not relies there is a mark( just walked in garage to look) and I'll be having fun cleaning up some debris tomorrow...
Also now I'm running a cutter I want to do a service on trans/hydro system....and yes I am going to clean the screen as well cause who knows when it was done... So I was looking into my manual and I saw SAE80 oil ???? Which I can't seem to find any where... But I find trans/hydro fluid in 5 gallon pails that says it's for tractors????
Thanks again in advice guys very helpful...
Thanks for all the input on the gears etc I'm excited to get out tomo and do it!!!!
I have my gearing to to high and did not relies there is a mark( just walked in garage to look) and I'll be having fun cleaning up some debris tomorrow...
Also now I'm running a cutter I want to do a service on trans/hydro system....and yes I am going to clean the screen as well cause who knows when it was done... So I was looking into my manual and I saw SAE80 oil ???? Which I can't seem to find any where... But I find trans/hydro fluid in 5 gallon pails that says it's for tractors????
Thanks again in advice guys very helpful...
Let me also add that with the PTO on number 1 setting the PTO shaft is not going fast???? Will it still be good enuf to get the job/cut handled???
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Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
The manual was written when SAE 80/90 was all there really was.
The tractor uses the same fluid for the transmission gears and the hydraulic (3 point hitch). I went through the same thing as you, what to use in the transmission. I ended up using the Kubota UDT on the recommendation of numerous sources.
You can use any universal transmission hydraulic fluid such as this at Tractor Supply. I believe that Walmart also caries something. These are less expensive than the Kubota UDT.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/travellerreg;-renew-tractor-fluid-5-gal
There are several drain points. Two on the transmission bottom and two on each of on the lower portion on the rear wheel drive, all connected together (6 total on my tractor). Use all of the drains to get the fluid out. There is a lot of it so have lots of 5 gal buckets with good lids so you can transport the fluid to recycler. I also recommend having a large tub to help keep the floor clean if you spill. The buckets can sit in the tub. You will probably have to stop draining to switch buckets or just get a tub large enough and drain into it (but how to get from tub to something else?). See this link http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasgad-Large-Mixing-Tub-887102A/202086174?N=5yc1vZaq89
It can be a bit messy but not too bad.
In the gearbox of the mower you can use SAE 80 90 and get it at Tractor Supply in several different size containers. You should also be able to find it at auto parts stores (NAPA).
The tractor uses the same fluid for the transmission gears and the hydraulic (3 point hitch). I went through the same thing as you, what to use in the transmission. I ended up using the Kubota UDT on the recommendation of numerous sources.
You can use any universal transmission hydraulic fluid such as this at Tractor Supply. I believe that Walmart also caries something. These are less expensive than the Kubota UDT.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/travellerreg;-renew-tractor-fluid-5-gal
There are several drain points. Two on the transmission bottom and two on each of on the lower portion on the rear wheel drive, all connected together (6 total on my tractor). Use all of the drains to get the fluid out. There is a lot of it so have lots of 5 gal buckets with good lids so you can transport the fluid to recycler. I also recommend having a large tub to help keep the floor clean if you spill. The buckets can sit in the tub. You will probably have to stop draining to switch buckets or just get a tub large enough and drain into it (but how to get from tub to something else?). See this link http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasgad-Large-Mixing-Tub-887102A/202086174?N=5yc1vZaq89
It can be a bit messy but not too bad.
In the gearbox of the mower you can use SAE 80 90 and get it at Tractor Supply in several different size containers. You should also be able to find it at auto parts stores (NAPA).
Well napa is who is close to me and I have a acct with them.... So I need to just find a 80w90 oil???? Litttle more specific so I make sure to get the right stuff the first time( napa is still 28 miles away)...
The manual I had sent to me via email did not show hoe to service the screen??? Any DIY or another manual that might have how to clean screen in it??? The PDF I received was the owners manual over view... Any 1 have repair manual??? Thank you
The manual I had sent to me via email did not show hoe to service the screen??? Any DIY or another manual that might have how to clean screen in it??? The PDF I received was the owners manual over view... Any 1 have repair manual??? Thank you
Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
With the PTO gear in 1 and the engine at speed the PTO stub will be at 540 RPM. I don't recall ever looking at it to see if it is "fast" or "slow".
I think it would look slow to me but I am involved with electric motors and see shafts at 1800 and 3600 RPM all the time. That is fast and really fast looking.
What I can tell you is to do this: put the PTO in gear, leave the tractor in neutral. Let the clutch out and the cutter will start to spin. Set the throttle to the proper tach setting for 540 RPM.
The mower should sound like it is spinning at a fairly high speed and making a noise that is fairly loud. I wear ear plugs when on the tractor some of the time and all of the time when mowing since the combination of the mower and engine is too load for comfort.
DO NOT GET OFF THE TRACTOR WHILE THE MOWER IS SPINNING. DO NOT GET NEAR THE PTO SHAFT WHILE IT IS SPINNING. I have one safety thought for tractors - they really want to kill you and will come up with some way to do it, if you let them!
I think it would look slow to me but I am involved with electric motors and see shafts at 1800 and 3600 RPM all the time. That is fast and really fast looking.
What I can tell you is to do this: put the PTO in gear, leave the tractor in neutral. Let the clutch out and the cutter will start to spin. Set the throttle to the proper tach setting for 540 RPM.
The mower should sound like it is spinning at a fairly high speed and making a noise that is fairly loud. I wear ear plugs when on the tractor some of the time and all of the time when mowing since the combination of the mower and engine is too load for comfort.
DO NOT GET OFF THE TRACTOR WHILE THE MOWER IS SPINNING. DO NOT GET NEAR THE PTO SHAFT WHILE IT IS SPINNING. I have one safety thought for tractors - they really want to kill you and will come up with some way to do it, if you let them!
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Thanks.
I am going to work it tomo and see how it goes
So I'm going to get the fluid @ napa tomo can you give a little more info on fluid want to use a quality fluid to.... $$$ is not a huge concern as it is not a service done all the time!!!!
Thank u....
I am going to work it tomo and see how it goes
So I'm going to get the fluid @ napa tomo can you give a little more info on fluid want to use a quality fluid to.... $$$ is not a huge concern as it is not a service done all the time!!!!
Thank u....
I keep hearing problems with an L-185 bush hoging high grass. I have NOOO problems with a 4ft hog and my B6100. I bush hogged this at the same speed I would if it was short or if I had the finish mower on.
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Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
I do not feel qualified to recommend lubricants.
If you have a Kubota dealer near I would get the UDT (no need for UDT2 or super UDT but that may be all they have).
If you are getting it from NAPA I don't think you will have much choice except between the universal fluid and the SAE 80/90.
Total you will need several gallons (23 quarts = 5.75) for the transmission. I recommend getting some container less than 5 gallons unless you have some pump to use. There is not a lot of room in the area between the seat and the fill for a 5 gallon bucket to fit. I used a 5 gallon pour spout bucket (saved a few bucks) but it was very difficult to pour and hold that much fluid for the amount of time it takes to run into the transmission. Even the two gallon bottles were a bit difficult to get the spout to the right place but much better that the 5 gallon.
You will need a funnel. I used one with a screen on it that slowed the process down. It would not sit down into the transmission fill hole far enough to be really stable.
If you have a Kubota dealer near I would get the UDT (no need for UDT2 or super UDT but that may be all they have).
If you are getting it from NAPA I don't think you will have much choice except between the universal fluid and the SAE 80/90.
Total you will need several gallons (23 quarts = 5.75) for the transmission. I recommend getting some container less than 5 gallons unless you have some pump to use. There is not a lot of room in the area between the seat and the fill for a 5 gallon bucket to fit. I used a 5 gallon pour spout bucket (saved a few bucks) but it was very difficult to pour and hold that much fluid for the amount of time it takes to run into the transmission. Even the two gallon bottles were a bit difficult to get the spout to the right place but much better that the 5 gallon.
You will need a funnel. I used one with a screen on it that slowed the process down. It would not sit down into the transmission fill hole far enough to be really stable.
gpreuss
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Equipment
L3200DT w/FEL, K650 Backhoe, 5' Rotary, 40" Howard Rotavator, 6' Rhino blade
The screen cover is way down near the bottom on the right hand side, below the seat. The cover is about 2" in diameter and held on with two bolts, if memory serves me correctly. You should drain the oil first. Once you have the screen out you can clean it in any good solvent, gas or diesel fuel. Or replace it.
I ran my old L185DT with a 5' rotary. In really heavy 2-3' grass I was in low low gear, 1st in the PTO, and working like crazy - remember that the L185 only has about 13.5 PTO horses. I have about 2-3 acres that are really heavy - usually the tractor radiator would whistle a couple of times - I'd run over to the water tap and fill it up, and back to mowing. In normal or lighter grass I was in 3rd or 4th. Mostly I was impressed by what the tractor would do, not what it wouldn't.
I ran my old L185DT with a 5' rotary. In really heavy 2-3' grass I was in low low gear, 1st in the PTO, and working like crazy - remember that the L185 only has about 13.5 PTO horses. I have about 2-3 acres that are really heavy - usually the tractor radiator would whistle a couple of times - I'd run over to the water tap and fill it up, and back to mowing. In normal or lighter grass I was in 3rd or 4th. Mostly I was impressed by what the tractor would do, not what it wouldn't.
Thanks guys!!! Today I messed around with the tractor and after remembering basics 1st I relize the rpm is low???? When I push the pedal/bar I can only rev 2600 in neutral and then with PTO in 1st and trans still in neutral it is at 2000 rpms? Then when in 3 high trans and PTO in 1st rpms are at around 1600-1800 range???? So I feal as if I have a other issue causing this???
By the way all you guys have been extremely helpful, I am a members at lots of truck/agri forums but hands down y'all rock!!!!
By the way all you guys have been extremely helpful, I am a members at lots of truck/agri forums but hands down y'all rock!!!!
Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
Yes the lack of engine speed is the root of your trouble.
You should have a hand throttle on the right side of the tractor (long rod sticking up to hood height). If so, pull it toward the back of the tractor and see if you can increase the RPMS more.
From what I understand you are saying you have been using the foot throttle pedal. It may be bent and not letting you get to full throttle. I have never used the foot throttle while mowing.
You should have a hand throttle on the right side of the tractor (long rod sticking up to hood height). If so, pull it toward the back of the tractor and see if you can increase the RPMS more.
From what I understand you are saying you have been using the foot throttle pedal. It may be bent and not letting you get to full throttle. I have never used the foot throttle while mowing.
I have used both... The hand lever and gas pedal..
I also used by hand and she does not want to turn the 500-800 rpms extra needed lol
I also used by hand and she does not want to turn the 500-800 rpms extra needed lol
Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
Have you replaced the air filter and the fuel filter?
Sounds like you have a problem with the engine, fuel system or air system. How does it run other wise than the limited RPM? Color of exhaust? Bubbles in the radiator when it is running (remove cap when cold, start tractor and look in cap).
On my L185 it can get past the RPM of the 540 PTO mark.
You can search Aquaforce on this forum and he had a cracked head on a similar L175 tractor and describes that problem well.
Hopefully others can chime in with suggestions to remedy the situation.
Sounds like you have a problem with the engine, fuel system or air system. How does it run other wise than the limited RPM? Color of exhaust? Bubbles in the radiator when it is running (remove cap when cold, start tractor and look in cap).
On my L185 it can get past the RPM of the 540 PTO mark.
You can search Aquaforce on this forum and he had a cracked head on a similar L175 tractor and describes that problem well.
Hopefully others can chime in with suggestions to remedy the situation.
Brand new fuel filter, air filter housing looks to be a aftermarket home made contraption???? Works and it has a new filter??? Should I pull air filter housing off to allow more air? And it runs flawless up and down and stuff just the rpm does not get high enuff.... 2300 is it wide open....I really don't want to take to dealer after fixing injectors,lines,flow plugs I want to handle this as well with out the dealer...