B2601 loader crooked

[smalltimefarmer]

Hi everybody!

I am a displeased new owner of a B2601 complete with the LA434 loader. I will probably never buy another Kubota again as my dealer has proven incompetence and Kubota has proven to cheap out a little too much on a 20,000 dollar machine. That being said I intend to use this machine up and see what it is really made of, which leads me to my concern.

After only an hour of use I noticed my bucket was low on the right side (from the drivers seat) by about 1". After my dealer took the tractor back and installed the loader mounts correctly, the problem persists. I have been informed by my dealer that Kubota is aware of the problem, the extent of which is all B2601 tractors built. I was also told that Kubota is working on a solution.

I am reaching out in hope that the community can tell me if what my dealer is telling me is universal.

Thank you for reading and remember to keep the dirty side down!

 

[RCW]

Sorry to hear its tilted, but the first thing I would do is check rear tire pressures, and sidewall height of each.

That has fixed the problem for a few folks here.

Put it on flat, level ground and see if rear tire pressure adjustment might level it out. Of course, wouldn't hurt to check fronts, too.

Good luck.

 

[sheepfarmer]

No it is not universal, here is a link to what my dealer did about it for me.

http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19776

As said above check tire pressure. A quick measure of whether or not it is a factor, take a tape rule and measure from ground (concrete) to top of rim of each rear wheel dead center. Should be the same. A half inch difference could translate to an inch or more at the loader.

 

[Kennyd4110]

As stated above, be sure to check the REAR tires pressure, and you can measure the circumference of the REAR tires to see if they are the same.

 

[ShaunRH]

Hi everybody!

I am a displeased new owner of a B2601 complete with the LA434 loader. I will probably never buy another Kubota again as my dealer has proven incompetence and Kubota has proven to cheap out a little too much on a 20,000 dollar machine. That being said I intend to use this machine up and see what it is really made of, which leads me to my concern.

After only an hour of use I noticed my bucket was low on the right side (from the drivers seat) by about 1". After my dealer took the tractor back and installed the loader mounts correctly, the problem persists. I have been informed by my dealer that Kubota is aware of the problem, the extent of which is all B2601 tractors built. I was also told that Kubota is working on a solution.

I am reaching out in hope that the community can tell me if what my dealer is telling me is universal.

Thank you for reading and remember to keep the dirty side down!

Bucket adjustments are common and it's covered really well in Sheepfarmers thread. We all hate incompetent dealers, they exist, but it certainly wouldn't make me buy or not buy one machine over another.

If you think Kubota is cheaping out on a $20,000 machine, please go spend that money someplace else and really experience cheaping out. Kubota's didn't get their reputation for longetivity, toughness and basically owning the small tractor category by being cheap.

Any company will produce lemons, it's the nature of manufacture. Kubota tends to produce fewer than others but yes, even some entire lines are considered poor purchases and you need to research that before you buy any brand of tractor.

I didn't settle down to Kubota on a whim. I did months of research and shopping. I couldn't find a better unit, with better resale value than a Kubota. No other manufacturer was within 2% on resale value. Some units were being sold used, 2 years old, at almost the same price as new. That spoke volumes to me.

Now that I've said that, I firmly believe that any tractor can be a good tractor, no matter the maker. Some just require more fuss than others. I've seen 'lemons' fixed up and work just fine, they just need some bouncing on the Manufacturers doorstep and there is no Manufacturer out there that will just take your word for it and give you whatever you want easily. They all fight for that last dollar.

 

[Tooljunkie]

Seems like all bases covered. A crooked bucket on a new tractor would make me crazy. I would do my best to get it as close as possible, starting with rear tires. Not like mounts could be loosened and shims being placed in appropriate spots.

I have a feeling the dealer is shorting you on quality service.

That being said, if it sits on ground level, i dont think i would sweat it, in a landscaping perspective i dont think any machine could do any better job, 1" out or not.

 

[smalltimefarmer]

I want to begin by thanking everyone for their responses. I signed up for this particular forum because it seemed like the people here genuinely love their tractors.

I have to admit my dealer has actually been pretty good except for a major mistake in setup. They fixed it so to speak, but the whole thing is just suspect and Kubota might know there is a major problem with something.

My salesman was at my garage for 20 minutes looking it over and talked to somebody. After a few days deliberation they have told me the tractor they just received also has the exact same problem. They are either being 100% honest or completely lying. I just wanted to know if anybody else has the same problem.

I read the other thread, I think I got the point.

I will check the tire pressure. I believe the problem lies in the frame, subframe, or loader mounts.

 

[smalltimefarmer]

Bucket adjustments are common and it's covered really well in Sheepfarmers thread. We all hate incompetent dealers, they exist, but it certainly wouldn't make me buy or not buy one machine over another.

If you think Kubota is cheaping out on a $20,000 machine, please go spend that money someplace else and really experience cheaping out. Kubota's didn't get their reputation for longetivity, toughness and basically owning the small tractor category by being cheap.

Any company will produce lemons, it's the nature of manufacture. Kubota tends to produce fewer than others but yes, even some entire lines are considered poor purchases and you need to research that before you buy any brand of tractor.

I didn't settle down to Kubota on a whim. I did months of research and shopping. I couldn't find a better unit, with better resale value than a Kubota. No other manufacturer was within 2% on resale value. Some units were being sold used, 2 years old, at almost the same price as new. That spoke volumes to me.

Now that I've said that, I firmly believe that any tractor can be a good tractor, no matter the maker. Some just require more fuss than others. I've seen 'lemons' fixed up and work just fine, they just need some bouncing on the Manufacturers doorstep and there is no Manufacturer out there that will just take your word for it and give you whatever you want easily. They all fight for that last dollar.

Why are you so angry about this? Good dealers are really important to me, like 10 - 15 min away at most. When I am done with this tractor I will have to pay someone else to take it for me.

It is not my job to fix this tractor.

 

[pauly]

Smalltime,
ShaunRH is just pointing out some facts. I too did my research and ended up with a Kubota. Buy once cry once.
I'm sure your dealer will make it right for you. It's on you to make sure you see to it that he does.
The question I have is why are you hating on Kubota? How much seat time on your new machine?

 

[smalltimefarmer]

Smalltime,
ShaunRH is just pointing out some facts. I too did my research and ended up with a Kubota. Buy once cry once.
I'm sure your dealer will make it right for you. It's on you to make sure you see to it that he does.
The question I have is why are you hating on Kubota? How much seat time on your new machine?

ShaunRH is not pointing out any facts. He got his panties in a bunch because I said I was unhappy with Kubota. I have to interest in his opinion in this regard.

I am hating on Kubota because they sold me a tractor with improper construction and I am a little angry with them for potentially covering it up.

Not that it is your business, I have 38 hours on it now. So, about 10 hours per week.

I didn't research this purchase because I have a lot of things to research. One might think they could save time and get a tractor that is from a company with a good reputation. When I need another tractor I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

 

[smalltimefarmer]

The rear tire pressures have been equalized. The problem persists.

I want to thank everyone for their assistance. Onward....

 

[ShaunRH]

ShaunRH is not pointing out any facts. He got his panties in a bunch because I said I was unhappy with Kubota. I have to interest in his opinion in this regard.

I am hating on Kubota because they sold me a tractor with improper construction and I am a little angry with them for potentially covering it up.

Not that it is your business, I have 38 hours on it now. So, about 10 hours per week.

I didn't research this purchase because I have a lot of things to research. One might think they could save time and get a tractor that is from a company with a good reputation. When I need another tractor I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

Actually, I think you are misreading my post or my intent. Anyone that reads my posts tend to understand that I'm the last person to get all brand loyal. I have a bunch of vehicles, all different brands.

I'm not picking on you at all. I was trying to help you understand the nature of the issue you are facing and to approach it in a way that helps you resolve it and still enjoy your purchase and have confidence in it.

I suppose I could've avoided the whole problem by stating this:

"Hey, we can help you get this fixed. It's a common issue for all front loader tractors. Once fixed you might find you like that little orange critter."

 

[ShaunRH]

The rear tire pressures have been equalized. The problem persists.

I want to thank everyone for their assistance. Onward....

If I'm following the steps correctly, the next would be to get it on a level pad, make sure the tractor is level, and loosen the mounting bolts to let the loader rest level to the tractor and then retorque the bolts.

Of course, I'd probably call the dealer and have THEM come out and do this. If they aren't competent enough to pull it off, show them the thread from Sheepfarmer.

Even if they get it fixed, I think I'd still submit an email to Kubota informing them of the issue and that they need to look at recertifying that dealer and asking them to give you a call so you can let them know how frustrating the situation has been for you.

 

[smalltimefarmer]

"Hey, we can help you get this fixed. It's a common issue for all front loader tractors. Once fixed you might find you like that little orange critter."

Maybe it is an issue for all of these toys.

 

[smalltimefarmer]

If I'm following the steps correctly, the next would be to get it on a level pad, make sure the tractor is level, and loosen the mounting bolts to let the loader rest level to the tractor and then retorque the bolts.

Of course, I'd probably call the dealer and have THEM come out and do this. If they aren't competent enough to pull it off, show them the thread from Sheepfarmer.

Even if they get it fixed, I think I'd still submit an email to Kubota informing them of the issue and that they need to look at recertifying that dealer and asking them to give you a call so you can let them know how frustrating the situation has been for you.

That is not an actual solution. It is a band-aid to cover up what is likely a manufacturing defect.

Something needs to physically hold the loader mounts in a specific place (like a big steel block). It is improper design to have the friction created by 8 bolts (or whatever) dealing with all of that twisting. Its called being cheap and trying to meet a certain price point.

 

[Lil Foot]

When I am done with this tractor I will have to pay someone else to take it for me.

Hell, I'll take it right now & you won't even have pay me.
Sorry, couldn't resist.

Sorry you're having troubles and second thoughts. I think just about everyone with a FEL has had this problem to some extent. Mine was pretty bad when I got it, and loosening up everything, pushing the bucket down on a level slab, then re-tightening got a 90% improvement. But mine's 36 yrs old, and I guess I'd be PO'ed if I bought a new tractor with this problem.

As for dealer problems, be glad you don't have to deal with the AZ dealer- you'd have paid at least 51% more for the tractor, they would have worked on it, not fixed the problem, broke something else, then charged you a lot of money for the work.

 

[ShaunRH]

That is not an actual solution. It is a band-aid to cover up what is likely a manufacturing defect.

Something needs to physically hold the loader mounts in a specific place (like a big steel block). It is improper design to have the friction created by 8 bolts (or whatever) dealing with all of that twisting. Its called being cheap and trying to meet a certain price point.

You could be right there..

It's also possible that you're dealing with a long length, high torque item that has very tenuous connections to a supporting structure, and add onto that it's likely remove-able.

So an engineer has a couple of choices to make:

Precision machining and mounting of a high physical abuse item and hope it stays precise for a couple of years until it gets out of warranty then leave the owner on their own to get a machine shop to fix it.

or

Make a mount that if it gets out of whack it can easily be adjusted by loosening a few bolts and retightening them. The owner can do this right there on the farm and it costs them an hour every few years or so.

I'm not defending the choice. You're correct, the first option would be more expensive and be dead on accurate... for a while. Then it would need repair to get back into spec.

The second choice is what they chose to do with to keep that price point down and be user serviceable without any special tools. If that's being cheap, I'll buy there's an argument for it. However, it's an understandable choice. The other way would cost you $500 more at sales time and it would take you 10 years to get it back in time spent then lose it all again when the parts wear. It's just a choice.

I have an old loader that is made EXACTLY the way you are saying. It has no adjustments, it's held solidly in place and it does not move. It has worn over time and now it's sloppy as heck and I *WISH* I could fix it's level by just loosening some bolts and cranking back down on them. I have to put about $1000 of work into fixing the damage running it 'loose' has caused.

 

[smalltimefarmer]

I am beginning to think my dealer is being pretty good. He said I can tell you what we used to do at John Deere about this to which I replied I think I get it and please don't do that. He knows I don't want any shenanigans. If he said yea, we are gonna loosen this and put weight on it and tighten the bolts, hopefully that will cover the problem up, I would have laughed in their face and they know that.

I don't care how much something costs if it is built correctly. Something like this should work for the life of the machine (not forever mind you). Its just not something that can be 99% right when the 1% is a bad loader.

A lot of people seem to be under the impression that sheepfarmers thread is how you fix this. That the play was designed into it to allow for adjustment and that all of these loaders will eventually be wrong and require said adjustment. I obviously disagree with that point of view in regard to my specific tractor.

I bid you all farewell for the time being as we are no longer sharing useful ideas related to fixing loader.

 

[aeblank]

I bid you all farewell for the time being as we are no longer sharing useful ideas related to fixing loader.

Heh, from the one accusing others of having their panties in a bunch....
Go charge ahead, knowing everything.

I'll speak for the engineers among us. A tractor *could* be designed that is very precise. No need for adjustments, dowel pin alignment, machining everything out of billet to 5 thou. tolerances, etc. Of course, zero of them would sell and zero of us would be able to afford them. Yup, engineering is full of compromises, imagine that.

Speaking of the "covering up" of a problem and "manufacturing defects" that you *know* are there is pretty insulting. You don't *know* how it was designed. Find me a loader that isn't bolted on.........

This whole thing is preposterous.

Good luck man, you're gonna need it.

 

[smalltimefarmer]

Heh, from the one accusing others of having their panties in a bunch....
Go charge ahead, knowing everything.

I'll speak for the engineers among us. A tractor *could* be designed that is very precise. No need for adjustments, dowel pin alignment, machining everything out of billet to 5 thou. tolerances, etc. Of course, zero of them would sell and zero of us would be able to afford them. Yup, engineering is full of compromises, imagine that.

Speaking of the "covering up" of a problem and "manufacturing defects" that you *know* are there is pretty insulting. You don't *know* how it was designed. Find me a loader that isn't bolted on.........

This whole thing is preposterous.

Good luck man, you're gonna need it.

Shut up....