Help me understand the differences in these PTO specs.

[RIDETOEAT]

Below is a clip from the Kubota brochure for the L3200, L3800 and my new L4600. They use different terminology for describing the PTO's on each tractor and I am particularly interested if any of the three would of been advantageous for getting the 200 lb. flywheel soft started on the wood chipper I am wanting to order. Or if there is any real difference's at all and just diff, ways of saying the same thing. I don't know about the other tractors but the L4600 has an electric switch engagement and says wet clutch and PTO brake, how will that work as I bought the L4600

 

[Bulldog]

I think I'm going to tell you right but I'm sure if it's not someone will bust my chops about it.

The 3200 gear trans, the clutch has to be pushed in to engage the pto. The overrunning part means when you push the clutch in to stop or change directions the implement such as a mower or rotary cutter won't push you until they quit turning.

The hst 3200 & 3800 (I think this is right) still need the main clutch pushed in the engage the pto but once it's running you can change directions or stop without affecting the pto. I'm going to guess the 3800DT has a dual clutch but I may be wrong.

The 4600 has the real deal. No clutch is required to operate the pto. It has a wet clutch pack kind of like what a automatic transmission has and operates seperate from the transmission. If the engine is running the pto brake will hold or lock the pto shaft while it's not engaged. Sometimes this is a real PIA but then again I have seen tractors without a brake have to be shut off the do anything to the pto because it won't stop turning.

Unless the 4600 has a electric engage pto (don't think it does) you should be able to start it slow and easy. I can't imagine it being any harder to start than a batwing bushhog. Just have the rpm's low, engage slow then bring the engine speed up.

 

[Diydave]

ORC is only of concern if you are using a mower or cultivator. Any of the 3 systems listed should be fine, as you will be operating the chipper as a stationary implement. Just don't slam the brake on at full throttle, or you will quickly wear it down. Let the chipper idle down, and then shut off the PTO, and your system should have a long life...

 

[RIDETOEAT]

The 4600 does have an electrical switch to engage and dis engage but will my clutch pedal have no effect ??


EDIT: My dealer just called to say they were heading out to deliver the tractor so I asked, he said the switch is electrical but has a bit of variable power signal as you twist it to the fully on position and it actuated a spool valve to engage the fully independent pto so it provided some amount of feathering as such. We'll see soon...

 

[Bluegill]

I think I'm going to tell you right but I'm sure if it's not someone will bust my chops about it.

The 3200 gear trans, the clutch has to be pushed in to engage the pto. The overrunning part means when you push the clutch in to stop or change directions the implement such as a mower or rotary cutter won't push you until they quit turning.

The hst 3200 & 3800 (I think this is right) still need the main clutch pushed in the engage the pto but once it's running you can change directions or stop without affecting the pto. I'm going to guess the 3800DT has a dual clutch but I may be wrong.

The 4600 has the real deal. No clutch is required to operate the pto. It has a wet clutch pack kind of like what a automatic transmission has and operates seperate from the transmission. If the engine is running the pto brake will hold or lock the pto shaft while it's not engaged. Sometimes this is a real PIA but then again I have seen tractors without a brake have to be shut off the do anything to the pto because it won't stop turning.

Unless the 4600 has a electric engage pto (don't think it does) you should be able to start it slow and easy. I can't imagine it being any harder to start than a batwing bushhog. Just have the rpm's low, engage slow then bring the engine speed up.

Spot on. I like the 2 stage on the L3800DT. Don't care much for a electric pto switch. The L4600DT does have a very nice synchronized gear trans.

 

[Bulldog]

Spot on. I like the 2 stage on the L3800DT. Don't care much for a electric pto switch. The L4600DT does have a very nice synchronized gear trans.

I like the 2 stage on my L3000. If the independent isn't available the 2 stage is a great option. I also agree with you on the electric pto. I have used a few tractors with this and it's just not as smooth to engage IMHO. Maybe if it didn't have a heavy load like starting a batwing or when you have a full roll in a baler it may be great but I would take a manual engage any time.

I bet a 4600 would be a great little tractor. Now I wish I would have bought one around that size instead of my 3000.

 

[Bluegill]

I like the 2 stage on my L3000. If the independent isn't available the 2 stage is a great option. I also agree with you on the electric pto. I have used a few tractors with this and it's just not as smooth to engage IMHO. Maybe if it didn't have a heavy load like starting a batwing or when you have a full roll in a baler it may be great but I would take a manual engage any time.

I bet a 4600 would be a great little tractor. Now I wish I would have bought one around that size instead of my 3000.

I kind of wanted a L4600DT when I was lookin, but dealer didn't have em yet
and all L4400 were gone. But couldn't pass on a like new L3899DT for 15k.

Figured I'd keep the 3800 and get something in the 50-60hp range at some point.