The jerky Kubota 3 pt hitch issue has been a hot topic on this and other tractor web forums recently. Two months ago I sold my aging Massey compact tractor with a smooth operating 3PH and purchased a new L3800 and a new box blade, rotary cutter from a Kubota dealer. I assumed that the 3PH on the new Kubota would be at least as good as the one on my 1979 Massey. I was wrong, very wrong. The 3PH jerks those implements so violently that I wonder how long the lift arm attach points at the transmission case can withstand the pounding before breaking or cracking. At no point did the Kubota dealer disclose the jerky 3pt hitch issue to me or warn me that the new tractor I was buying was unsuitable for my obvious, intended use. The Kubota brochure for that tractor devotes space touting the virtues of the new plastic tool box that comes standard, but not one hint that the 3PH is substandard. I dont think I am alone in assuming that the basic functions of a new tractor would work properly. I purchased a new Kubota compact tractor based largely on Kubota's sterling reputation as the premier manufacturer of compact tractors. They have to know how valuable their reputation is. They spent many years developing it. They also, have to know about this problem and I hope they are formulating a company policy to deal with it.
Kubota substandard 3 pt hitch issue
- Thread starter scottcampthomas
- Start date
It is bad that there are some jerky 3 point hitches out there in the basic L models. But to be fair they're not all jerky.
There are posts every week or so with new L3200 & L3800 owners that say their's are fine. Mine is fine. There are also thousands of L2800/3400 tractors out there that are working away...Some jerky, most not.
It is a problem, just how big a problem we don't know.
Hope you get yours fixed.
There are posts every week or so with new L3200 & L3800 owners that say their's are fine. Mine is fine. There are also thousands of L2800/3400 tractors out there that are working away...Some jerky, most not.
It is a problem, just how big a problem we don't know.
Hope you get yours fixed.
It is fair to ask what is different with one L whatever and another, and why one does it, and the other doesn't. I think it is safe to assume that the jerkiness could develop in the future, even if it isn't there now. Therefore, it is in the interest of every L series owner to know if and what the final fix is, or if Kubota is stabbing in the dark.
We just don't know and there is a lot of speculation. All I've read about the problem is they were jerky from the start. Never read of one becoming jerky later?
That's my point- what if 5 or 10 years down the road, long out of warranty, and it starts? It would be nice if there is a solid fix, and it can be taken care of now. It should be on Kubota's dime, not the owners years from now.
I will be shocked if Kubota continues to ignore this problem and refuses to offer a remedy for owners. Their reputation is at risk
Never heard of the problem starting later, always right out of the shoot. But yes, if there were to be a fix it'd be best to do it sooner than later.
I still don't believe this problem effects that many tractors. This could be why Kubota isn't moving fast? Like I said before, we just don't know...
I have 5 hours on a new 3800 now. No doubt there was some 3 pt jerk movement at hour 1 - 2 but it is now operating smooth. I hope it stays that way.
I'll state again that mine does NOT have a jerky 3pth.
Clearly there seems to be an issue with some of them and I would like to see Kubota fix the problem for those folks that are having issues. That seems like the right thing to do. I too bought the Kubota because they are supposed to be the best. I'd hate to see an issue like this hurt their reputation.
In the day and age of the Internet, problems like this are going to be hard to ignore. A video of the problem is only a google search away.
As usual, that's just my opinion of course.
Clearly there seems to be an issue with some of them and I would like to see Kubota fix the problem for those folks that are having issues. That seems like the right thing to do. I too bought the Kubota because they are supposed to be the best. I'd hate to see an issue like this hurt their reputation.
In the day and age of the Internet, problems like this are going to be hard to ignore. A video of the problem is only a google search away.
As usual, that's just my opinion of course.
BAP
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
2012 Kubota 2920, 60MMM, FEL, BH65 48" Bush Hog, 60"Backblade, B2782B Snowblower
Have you talked to your dealer's service department? They aren't going to know there is trouble if you don't talk to them. If they can't find a solution for your problem, ask them to contact the Territory Service Rep and possibly the Territory Sales Rep about your problem and have them insist that you need a resolution for this problem. the more people let Kubota know there is a problem with some of these tractors, the more likely they are to act on this problem and find a solution. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets greased. Good Luck
TripleR
Active member
Equipment
BX2200, BX2660, L5740 HSTC, M8540HDC and some other tractors and equipment
No excuse for this problem and no reason it isn't being fixed properly as it appears to be possible: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLbzcMKidJ8
My 3800 hitch is jerky. Wonder what's common among the ones that are? Serial # range? Maybe we should start a tread and only post if yours is jerky and what the serial is, of course just put "xxx" for some of the digits for privacy but see if a certain range is common?
...
...
I agree. It is a black eye for Kubota, and they should be correcting the problem for the money they've been paid- it isn't a favor to the customer.
Burt
New member
Equipment
L3700SU, box blade, 6 foot rhino blade, 1 bottom plow, 3 point receiver hitch.
To Number 9 and Scott Camp Thomas and interested:
I had the Jerky 3 point issue on my L3700SU (same as L3800) and contacted the dealer under warranty. Dealer told me it was "normal." I told dealer this wasn't my first tractor or rodeo. Then told the dealer I wanted to talk to the factory rep. Dealer told me I couldn't do that. I told the dealer that I'd send an an e-mail to them and expect it to be delivered to the factory rep. They did. Dealer told me that there is an issue and a bulletin out on it per the factory rep. Dealer got permission to replace the valve under warranty. They did replace the valve.
It's not perfect, but it IS BETTER.
Now, general instructions that work:
1. Try the dealer first. But first, adjust your knob for the 3 point to various positions with weight on.
2. Contact your factory rep and don't give up.
3. Have your s/n, model and all info provided.
4. IF no go, be sure you are keeping a good log of previous calls, attempts, e-mails and contacts date, time.
5. Go then if all fails to the consumer affairs commissioner for your State and prepare to file a complaint.
6. Notify your dealer, ask for their principals name and the name of their RECEIVING AGENT and factory rep of your intentions and then DO IT. If necessary. Send the letter certified to the dealer, their receiving agent and the consumer affairs cheese.
A miracle will happen.
7. Don't expect this forum to be able to solve it except for advice.
8. As I mentioned before, this issue doesn't fail the "fitness for purpose test." It does, however abridge the safety issue and test as we had a near accident with it due to the 3 point jerkiness with a box blade in a tight area by a wall.
9. Never give up.
10. I can give you my serial number and I do believe that I wrote down the original valve number and the new replaced valve number, posted it here a couple years ago and may have it in my tractor file.
I can do that later, not today.
Burt
I recently started using my box blade and discovered the feathering inability of my L3800 3 pt hitch (jerky). I spoke with the service mgr of my dealer and he informed me that he was entirely unaware of this as an issue. While I was talking with him, he told me he was looking for service bulletins but found nothing. He offered to call his Factory Rep and get back to me.
It's odd when a company hasn't been made aware of a problem that many many people have complained about. We have a Ford Freestyle and I brought it to the local dealer(where I purchased it) and informed them that it surged forward/backward when at low driving speeds (parking lot/garage/etc...) They informed me that there was no problem with the car even to the point of the service advisor getting upset with me due to my persistence that there was a real problem. 2 months ago while looking on a Ford Freestyle enthusiast website I see a recall and extended service repair for this problem (surging due to throttle body issue). It was 1.5 years from the 1st time I brought it to dealer informing them of this problem before Ford made a recall procedure for fixing this dangerous problem. The Ford dealership is no longer in existence and a different dealership performed the recall repair. It makes me wonder. I'll keep you all posted.
It's odd when a company hasn't been made aware of a problem that many many people have complained about. We have a Ford Freestyle and I brought it to the local dealer(where I purchased it) and informed them that it surged forward/backward when at low driving speeds (parking lot/garage/etc...) They informed me that there was no problem with the car even to the point of the service advisor getting upset with me due to my persistence that there was a real problem. 2 months ago while looking on a Ford Freestyle enthusiast website I see a recall and extended service repair for this problem (surging due to throttle body issue). It was 1.5 years from the 1st time I brought it to dealer informing them of this problem before Ford made a recall procedure for fixing this dangerous problem. The Ford dealership is no longer in existence and a different dealership performed the recall repair. It makes me wonder. I'll keep you all posted.
Problems like these are not only a liability, but they affect the bottom line. I have no doubt that manufacturers are well aware of them, but they handle them slowly and take the "see no evil" approach.