Barely 80 hours and

[TheOldHokie]

Brand new L3901 with 83 hours and the damn thing wont start. I was chopping leaves with a 3pt finish mower and stopped to move some limbs. Forgot to disengage the PTO before I stepped off and it shut down. Not the first time I have done that and I thought nothing of it. Climbed back on, disengaged the PTO, and not the first sign of a crank. Dash is flashing OPC. I assume the contacts on the PTO microswitch are stuck closed. I tried rapping on it but that had no effect. Is this as simple as unplugging the harness and jumpering the pins in the plug?

Dan

 

[Mlarv]

Without trying to be a smart A---- did you engage and disengage the PTO a few times to see if it was just not moving all the way back? Also parking brake on etc. I have done this myself and this is how I figured this out.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Without trying to be a smart A---- did you engage and disengage the PTO a few times to see if it was just not moving all the way back? Also parking brake on etc. I have done this myself and this is how I figured this out.

I did all of the above. Just FYI the tractor will normally start without anyone in the seat or parking brake set. As near as I can determine the only start interlocks are the PTO and HST pedal.

But I did figure my problem out with a little further experimentation. I sat down really hard on the seat and that got rid of the OPC error indication but still no crank. That led me back to the PTO switch and I observed that the switch lever would open just a bit further if I pushed the PTO control lever all the way back and held it there. As long as I hold it there the engine will crank. Tractor is no longer sitting in middle of lane but it looks like a PTO cable adjustment may be in order. Not sure what to make of the seat part.

Dan

 

[Mlarv]

I did all of the above. Just FYI the tractor will normally start without anyone in the seat or parking brake set. As near as I can determine the only start interlocks are the PTO and HST pedal.

But I did figure my problem out with a little further experimentation. I sat down really hard on the seat and that got rid of the OPC error indication but still no crank. That led me back to the PTO switch and I observed that the switch lever would open just a bit further if I pushed the PTO control lever all the way back and held it there. As long as I hold it there the engine will crank. Tractor is no longer sitting in middle of lane but it looks like a PTO cable adjustment may be in order. Not sure what to make of the seat part.

Dan

Dirt or dust. Glad you got it figured out.

 

[RCW]

Don't hold me to it, but I think some of the L-01's are noted for PTO cable issues.

Just a matter of lubrication on a more regular basis...sounds like it can be a little "fussy," if my memory serves.

Seems like it can present as "partially" engaging sometimes?!?!

 

[TheOldHokie]

Don't hold me to it, but I think some of the L-01's are noted for PTO cable issues.

Just a matter of lubrication on a more regular basis...sounds like it can be a little "fussy," if my memory serves.

Seems like it can present as "partially" engaging sometimes?!?!

The problem here is not with PTO engagement or disengagement. The problem is that when disengaged there is some free play in the lever/cable itself. That allows the lever to stay a little forward. In that position the microswitch arm is partially depressed and apparently makes the circuit signaling PTO engaged. I will find a fix and hopefully its nothing more than a turn or two of the adjusting nuts. I am more concerned about the seat switch behavior.

Dan

 

[RCW]

The problem here is not with PTO engagement or disengagement. The problem is that when disengaged there is some free play in the lever/cable itself. That allows the lever to stay a little forward. In that position the microswitch arm is partially depressed and apparently makes the circuit signaling PTO engaged. I will find a fix and hopefully its nothing more than a turn or two of the adjusting nuts. I am more concerned about the seat switch behavior.

Dan

Oh, got it. Thanks. Now I understand better.

Yeah, the seat switch does sound a little wonky.

 

[lugbolt]

a lot of times the pto lever is just pulled away from it's "engaged" detent, and then just released so that the spring pressure "should" return it to "off", and no more thought is given.

When it's done this way a couple things can happen. One, there is enough spring tension on the trans-mounted lever, that the pto lever itself returns to "off" with enough force to bounce back away from the switch. Or, the lever might not even make it all the way to "off".

It's just a side effect of the design; one that many don't really think about. Myself included.

 

[Mlarv]

After a few frosted malt beverages (so don't trash me if wrong) maybe when you bounced off the seat the PTO lever bounced enough to reset the error code. Stranger things have happened. I would clean the PTO cable and switch area then keep going and see if it does it again. I think the seat is a red haring the real issue was the PTO lever didn't reset.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Oh, got it. Thanks. Now I understand better.

Yeah, the seat switch does sound a little wonky.

Looks like I have another issue. I noticed fluid dripping from the front of the tractor as it was sitting running in the driveway. Seems oil is dripping from the front just behind the battery area. When I searched for L3901 oil cooler I found a thread about loose hose clamps. Hope that is all it is. Will have a look see tomorrow.

Dan

 

[TheOldHokie]

After a few frosted malt beverages (so don't trash me if wrong) maybe when you bounced off the seat the PTO lever bounced enough to reset the error code. Stranger things have happened. I would clean the PTO cable and switch area then keep going and see if it does it again. I think the seat is a red haring the real issue was the PTO lever didn't reset.

The PTO lever by itself does not generate an OPC indication on the dash. I checked that multiple times to be sure.

Dan

 

[NCL4701]

Looks like I have another issue. I noticed fluid dripping from the front of the tractor as it was sitting running in the driveway. Seems oil is dripping from the front just behind the battery area. When I searched for L3901 oil cooler I found a thread about loose hose clamps. Hope that is all it is. Will have a look see tomorrow.

Dan

At about 75 hours or so on mine, my wife asked me why I seemed to be working on a new machine regularly and not upset about it. Seemed to her it was a piece of junk that would be a continual problem. Told her IMO getting a new machine we traded old machine problems for new machine problems. By that point on the new machine I had fixed two coolant leaks (both loose clamps and after the second I checked all the hose clamps I could find anywhere on it); replaced a ruptured hydraulic line (defective); fixed two leaking hydraulic fittings (just needed tightening); experimented figuring out true proper air pressure in R4 loaded rear tires (not the 35psi they came with); and of course she was counting the 50 hour service which she assumed would be about every 50 hours. Seems like there were some other ticky tack little things I’m forgetting.

The break in period on new equipment can get a little irritating. Seems like there always is one while getting everything settled in.

 

[TheOldHokie]

At about 75 hours or so on mine, my wife asked me why I seemed to be working on a new machine regularly and not upset about it. Seemed to her it was a piece of junk that would be a continual problem. Told her IMO getting a new machine we traded old machine problems for new machine problems. By that point on the new machine I had fixed two coolant leaks (both loose clamps and after the second I checked all the hose clamps I could find anywhere on it); replaced pl ruptured hydraulic line (defective); fixed two leaking hydraulic fittings (just needed tightening); experimented figuring out true proper air pressure in R4 loaded rear tires (not the 35psi they came with); and of course she was counting the 50 hour service which she assumed would be about every 50 hours. Seems like there were some other ticky tack little things I’m forgetting.

The break in period on new equipment can get a little irritating. Seems like there always is one while getting everything settled in.

True enough and my no-start problem was not hard to isolate and resolve. But this oil leak simply should not happen. If it is a loose oil cooler hose clamp and a recurring issue as the thread I found indicates it speaks very poorly of the quality coming out of Kubota.

I like the new machine and its a massive improvement over the old one. But my long held believe in Kubota value which is what drove my buying decision is quickly waning.

Dan

 

[NCL4701]

True enough and my no-start problem was not hard to isolate and resolve. But this oil leak simply should not happen. If it is a loose oil cooler hose clamp and a recurring issue as the thread I found indicates it speaks very poorly of the quality coming out of Kubota.

I like the new machine and its a massive improvement over the old one. But my long held believe in Kubota value which is what drove my buying decision is quickly waning.

Dan

Agree. It’s not a good reflection on the brand when you’re fixing things, even small things, right out of the gate. With tractors’ final assembly being at the dealer some things are manufacturer and some dealer but both reflect on the brand.

I’ve been pleased with quality on mine but reading some of the posts here makes me wonder a little if that’s my good fortune or truly representative of the brand. Actually, one of the things that was a plus to me for the model I chose was the number of years it had been in production, dealer’s representation of how many had been produced (I don’t recall the number but it was many thousands and I couldn’t find an independent source for production number), and what appeared to be a notable lack of mention of the model in service and repair threads on OTT and TBN. That led me to think they had whatever bugs worked out with the model so it should be pretty solid. Seems all brands have problematic models and features. The newest updated model of anything usually isn’t my first choice. Just not an early adopter.

The old 2N/8N/9N junkyard combo the L replaced had gotten to where it was worked on more than worked with so retiring it from routine service with its seemingly constant old equipment problems may have given me a different perspective from some in dealing with the L’s new equipment problems as it was still a vast improvement comparatively.

That said, I’ll have to admit loose hose clamps, loose hydraulic fittings, and overinflated tires were all a bit disappointing even though minor fixes. The defective hose, to me, was just a “stuff happens” thing although I did report it to the dealer in case it’s a common enough problem to warrant Kubota addressing with their supplier.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Agree. It’s not a good reflection on the brand when you’re fixing things, even small things, right out of the gate. With tractors final assembly being at the dealer some things are manufacturer and some dealer but both reflect on the brand.

I’ve been pleased with quality on mine but reading some of the posts here makes me wonder a little if that’s my good fortune or truly representative of the brand. Actually, one of the things that was a plus to me for the model I chose was the number of years it had been in production, dealer’s representation of how many had been produced (I don’t recall the number but it was many thousands and I couldn’t find an independent source for production number), and what appeared to be a notable lack of mention of the model in service and repair threads on OTT and TBN. That led me to think they had whatever bugs worked out with the model so it should be pretty solid. Seems all brands have problematic models and features. The newest updated model of anything usually isn’t my first choice. Just not an early adopter.

The old 2N/8N/9N junkyard combo the L replaced had gotten to where it was worked on more than worked with so retiring it from routine service with its seemingly constant old equipment problems may have given me a different perspective from some in dealing with the L’s new equipment problems as it was still a vast improvement comparatively.

I have 2 Ns in the shop. They are for nostalgia not working tractors. I have 3 other Kubotas - two over grown lawn tractors and an old B7200 that has been a workhorse. Time has caught up with it hence the new L3901. Its a much more capable and operator friendly machine with better features but clearly not designed or built with the little tank mentality that went into the older machine. Loose oil cooler hose clamps is on the factory not the dealer. I cant wrap my head around how that can be an ongoing issue.

I am not condemning the new machine outright but these little niggly problems are not good for building customer loyalty or confidence. If I were to go shopping today I would not be writing the competitors off like i did the last time. I am just one customer but six months ago I bled orange. Now not so much.

Dan

 

[GeoHorn]

I also bought a Kubota based upon reputation to replace a N-Ford I used to keep about 27 acres mowed and a gravel road bladed and the occasional hole augured.

Unlike my richer friends here at OTT I couldn’t justify a new tractor and an online search found good words said for M-model Kubotas. I don’t need or want whistles-and-bells and the fact that most M’s were equipped with FELs was a huge step in the right-direction for me.

Two low-hour M4700DTs (mid to late ‘90s) within one-county-away was the choice I had to make and I cannot complain too much considering I’ve had less …a Lot Less ….problems with a used tractor than so-many here complain about their New ones. (No fuel shut-off solenoid…. no seat safety… only safety is a no-start swtich on the range-lever and PTO…both of which must be in neutral for start….no other requirement..)

Don’t misunderstand this post… I’m not braggin‘…. I was just lucky enough to be able to use and store a larger tractor….and it was just luck that it was available so close to home….
… but the Reason for this Post is to urge any “new buyers” who are considering a Kubota….to look around and consider one of the older models that helped Establish the Kubota reputation… and perhaps avoid the troubles of Regen/EPA and “trouble codes” and excessively-intrusive safety-switches on new equipment.

A lightly-used older tractor may have had all the “new tractor” bugs already worked out, and it certainly is nice to have a basic machine with no emissions and no microchips to confuse….just hit the “start” …see the short-burst of black smoke and listen to the roar.

 

[JerryMT]

I also bought a Kubota based upon reputation to replace a N-Ford I used to keep about 27 acres mowed and a gravel road bladed and the occasional hole augured.

Unlike my richer friends here at OTT I couldn’t justify a new tractor and an online search found good words said for M-model Kubotas. I don’t need or want whistles-and-bells and the fact that most M’s were equipped with FELs was a huge step in the right-direction for me.

Two low-hour M4700DTs (mid to late ‘90s) within one-county-away was the choice I had to make and I cannot complain too much considering I’ve had less …a Lot Less ….problems with a used tractor than so-many here complain about their New ones. (No fuel shut-off solenoid…. no seat safety… only safety is a no-start swtich on the range-lever and PTO…both of which must be in neutral for start….no other requirement..)

Don’t misunderstand this post… I’m not braggin‘…. I was just lucky enough to be able to use and store a larger tractor….and it was just luck that it was available so close to home….
… but the Reason for this Post is to urge any “new buyers” who are considering a Kubota….to look around and consider one of the older models that helped Establish the Kubota reputation… and perhaps avoid the troubles of Regen/EPA and “trouble codes” and excessively-intrusive safety-switches on new equipment.

A lightly-used older tractor may have had all the “new tractor” bugs already worked out, and it certainly is nice to have a basic machine with no emissions and no microchips to confuse….just hit the “start” …see the short-burst of black smoke and listen to the roar.

My sentiments exactly.
Our newest tractor is a 2007 Tier II New Holland. The others were built in the late '70's and early 80's. They don't roll black smoke and they are reliable. While I believe these emmission controls on farm tractors are a stupid waste of money. (especially for farmers who have a tough enough time making a living). They drive cost into the purchase and maintenance of the machine and reduce its reliability and for what. When I'm in the field I can't even see the nearest tractor so what is Tier IV doing for me and my neighbors?

These pages are full of reliability problems and poor design solutions on the Tier IV stuff. When we sold our Montana ranch, a big California farmer was looking at the place and saw our tractors. He wanted to buy them on the spot. He said all his new stuff spent more time in the dealer's shop than in the field and many time the dealers and their factory support could not figure out what was wrong or how to fix it!

Well, enough of my rant!

 

[NCL4701]

I have 2 Ns in the shop. They are for nostalgia not working tractors. I have 3 other Kubotas - two over grown lawn tractors and an old B7200 that has been a workhorse. Time has caught up with it hence the new L3901. Its a much more capable and operator friendly machine with better features but clearly not designed or built with the little tank mentality that went into the older machine. Loose oil cooler hose clamps is on the factory not the dealer. I cant wrap my head around how that can be an ongoing issue.

I am not condemning the new machine outright but these little niggly problems are not good for building customer loyalty or confidence. If I were to go shopping today I would not be writing the competitors off like i did the last time. I am just one customer but six months ago I bled orange. Now not so much.

Dan

Yeah, when I was looking for a more modern replacement to retire our antiques, after defining needs and wants to spec out what exactly I was shopping for, I looked at every brand that had a dealer within an hour, which encompassed quite a wide variety. Everything that made it past the online research and buddy who owns one research then went to butt in seat and dealer interview. Looked at used market and new market. Irritated the crap out of everyone I knew who owned a CUT or UT to the point they all rejoiced when I finally bought something. Whole process took about 10 months.

If I was buying another tractor or any kind of expensive equipment I’d do the same again and recommend anyone else do the same if possible. I’m a fan of Kubota but not a fanboy. There are other quality manufacturers and some whose use may not dictate a top tier, commercial grade, low hour machine.

 

[Chanceywd]

My sentiments exactly.
Our newest tractor is a 2007 Tier II New Holland. The others were built in the late '70's and early 80's. They don't roll black smoke and they are reliable. While I believe these emmission controls on farm tractors are a stupid waste of money. (especially for farmers who have a tough enough time making a living). They drive cost into the purchase and maintenance of the machine and reduce its reliability and for what. When I'm in the field I can't even see the nearest tractor so what is Tier IV doing for me and my neighbors?

These pages are full of reliability problems and poor design solutions on the Tier IV stuff. When we sold our Montana ranch, a big California farmer was looking at the place and saw our tractors. He wanted to buy them on the spot. He said all his new stuff spent more time in the dealer's shop than in the field and many time the dealers and their factory support could not figure out what was wrong or how to fix it!

Well, enough of my rant!

I can't say it any better and the reason why I got the L2501DT. I am 68 and figure it was going to be the only new tractor I would buy. I do all my own repairs and wanted no part of the smog control or a HST. I have had enough of for example my wife's forester with 100k dealing with failing sensors on engine and wheels. Off topic but a failed sensor on that would cancel your cruise even if it was a wheel sensor. Not fun when you are just pulling out for a 2.5 hr drive on a vehicle we bought new.

Bill

 

[Old_Paint]

Agree. It’s not a good reflection on the brand when you’re fixing things, even small things, right out of the gate. With tractors’ final assembly being at the dealer some things are manufacturer and some dealer but both reflect on the brand.

I’ve been pleased with quality on mine but reading some of the posts here makes me wonder a little if that’s my good fortune or truly representative of the brand. Actually, one of the things that was a plus to me for the model I chose was the number of years it had been in production, dealer’s representation of how many had been produced (I don’t recall the number but it was many thousands and I couldn’t find an independent source for production number), and what appeared to be a notable lack of mention of the model in service and repair threads on OTT and TBN. That led me to think they had whatever bugs worked out with the model so it should be pretty solid. Seems all brands have problematic models and features. The newest updated model of anything usually isn’t my first choice. Just not an early adopter.

The old 2N/8N/9N junkyard combo the L replaced had gotten to where it was worked on more than worked with so retiring it from routine service with its seemingly constant old equipment problems may have given me a different perspective from some in dealing with the L’s new equipment problems as it was still a vast improvement comparatively.

That said, I’ll have to admit loose hose clamps, loose hydraulic fittings, and overinflated tires were all a bit disappointing even though minor fixes. The defective hose, to me, was just a “stuff happens” thing although I did report it to the dealer in case it’s a common enough problem to warrant Kubota addressing with their supplier.

You guys must have got tractors that were built on a Friday. Holy smokes! The only work I've done on mine is maintenance. It's been flawless since I've had it. Uh oh, I probably just jinxed it.