I can't find a thread just on this, so I'm starting this one. There are bits and pieces of dealer complaints, including mine previously, but I can't find a dedicated thread. Not sure this is the best place. But probably those shopping and buying are the ones who need to be aware. Also if any dealers peruse this site.
Got my B2601 with loader and front blade almost a year ago. I have had four setup issues, all related to the loader, of increasing severity. Today's broke my spirit. Partly because, in retrospect, the problem was so obvious. But I've never had a loader and it didn't jump out at me.
Here are the problems, in order:
Today, the fourth problem happened I think when I got stuck for a while backing up, and I think it was the stand digging into the ground. Then I saw it bent and dragging. Coming loose, it bent a rearward attachment bolt and maybe other parts.
My local dealer, a branch of the main store that set up my tractor, has been responsive about addressing previous problems. We'll see with this latest. They are probably as tired of this as I am.
When I got the tractor back last time on the bolt issue, I checked immediately to see the new bolt. It was there—and had not been tightened! Nut was barely on the bolt.
So the problem wasn't one "bad setup kid who was fired." The person who forgot to tighten that bolt at my local store, a bolt that helped connect the the tractor and loader, was a mid- or senior-level tech. Also, I drove the tractor off the trailer and it had been shut down with the throttle wide open.
Based on my experience, you need to assume your Kubota has issues from improper setup. Inspect it carefully. What that means is do a pretend 50-hour service or 100-hour service so you check everything.
Yeah, it was unlucky to get a "bad setup kid." But who if anyone supervised him? Was he supported with mentoring, tools, etc. Why was he hired in the first place? It's an art to hire, especially young people, many of whom have not developed yet a feeling of responsibility.
The setup was last winter during the pandemic. Maybe they had lost people. Maybe he was under too much pressure to get several tractors together. Still, my opinion of the dealership has taken a nosedive.
This is the key, front bolt that was missed and the leg stand hanging down [the missing nut was a very loose one I'd just removed]:
Got my B2601 with loader and front blade almost a year ago. I have had four setup issues, all related to the loader, of increasing severity. Today's broke my spirit. Partly because, in retrospect, the problem was so obvious. But I've never had a loader and it didn't jump out at me.
Here are the problems, in order:
• loose hydraulic hose to left rear loader cylinder. Spewing fluid, noticed day after delivery.
• two less convenient loader zerks not greased, noticed when I did the first greasing.
• right side loader frame attachment bolts: one misplaced and one missing, noticed at 50 hours.
• right side front loader stand not attached in front, causing it to come loose. Rest of bolts in right side stand assembly loose. Noticed when it came loose and was bent while plowing now @ 70+ hours.
Today, the fourth problem happened I think when I got stuck for a while backing up, and I think it was the stand digging into the ground. Then I saw it bent and dragging. Coming loose, it bent a rearward attachment bolt and maybe other parts.
My local dealer, a branch of the main store that set up my tractor, has been responsive about addressing previous problems. We'll see with this latest. They are probably as tired of this as I am.
When I got the tractor back last time on the bolt issue, I checked immediately to see the new bolt. It was there—and had not been tightened! Nut was barely on the bolt.
So the problem wasn't one "bad setup kid who was fired." The person who forgot to tighten that bolt at my local store, a bolt that helped connect the the tractor and loader, was a mid- or senior-level tech. Also, I drove the tractor off the trailer and it had been shut down with the throttle wide open.
Based on my experience, you need to assume your Kubota has issues from improper setup. Inspect it carefully. What that means is do a pretend 50-hour service or 100-hour service so you check everything.
Yeah, it was unlucky to get a "bad setup kid." But who if anyone supervised him? Was he supported with mentoring, tools, etc. Why was he hired in the first place? It's an art to hire, especially young people, many of whom have not developed yet a feeling of responsibility.
The setup was last winter during the pandemic. Maybe they had lost people. Maybe he was under too much pressure to get several tractors together. Still, my opinion of the dealership has taken a nosedive.
This is the key, front bolt that was missed and the leg stand hanging down [the missing nut was a very loose one I'd just removed]:
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