New tractor, a bit disappointed in sticky range lever

[RIDETOEAT]

I just bought a new L4600 HST and I only have 0.4 hours , since it arrived a couple of days ago, my only disappointment is that the range selector lever seems difficult to move from one range to the next, What it the trick ?? Is there a strategy, mine just won't go in low at times, I have to select another range and bump it and then try again. What is going on.... I tried this on a couple of other brand tractors and they are all like butter to move the lever not even running ??

 

[mickeyd]

I would have the dealer fix it as it should not be that way.

 

[RIDETOEAT]

I would like to hear several responses since I played with a couple of other new kubotas at another dealer and they were crappy too compared to the deere ans a Branson I tried yesterday just sitting on lots. I'm concerned it is a bit normal. On one of the kubotas it was sitting on level ground so I released the brake and rocked it by grabbing the rear tire tread and it pupped right in but not practical in real world. I think the manual referenced bumping the go pedal and trying again or something as well. Not impressed with the way this works so far.

 

[Paulemar]

Most of my levers/controls were a little difficult to engage when new. My 4 wheel drive and high/low range levers were like that. They have become much easier over time as I used them. Now the high/low lever is mostly butter smooth and swapping from 2 to 4 wheel drive is better, but I still have to fidget with it a bit. If I raise the front end up with the loader, even that becomes super smooth so that problem is just getting everything to mesh properly when engaging.

 

[hodge]

Congratulations on your new tractor!
Comparing it to another brand isn't fair- they aren't the same machine.
Chances are, it just needs to get broken in. Talk to your dealer, so that they are aware, and see what they recommend.
My dad just bought a new John Deere, and everything was tight on it. 30 hours later, it has loosened up and everything engages smoothly. I'd rather have a tight tractor that loosens up, over a tractor loose from the beginning. It may just be perception, but I wouldn't fret it. Let it break in.

 

[TripleR]

We have John Deere and Kubota and both are about the same, sometimes need to bump pedal and sometimes not. It often helps to apply brake as sometimes there is a bit of tension you really don't notice. It will get a bit better with time, but I've never operated any HST that was consistently smooth as butter, if they were, I'd probably bump it out of range as it's next to my cruise control.

 

[Chevelle]

My 2002 L3710 has almost 2000 hrs. on it and it is still difficult to get it into low at times.....definatly broke in by now.....

 

[RIDETOEAT]

Raining cats mostly since I got my tractor so only out of the barn twice, so I dont know but on the cruise do you have to be traveling forward and then advance the cruise lever to match the speed ?? Manual was a bit vague and don't want to go out in the rain to find out ??

 

[Bluegill]

My L3800 is smooth & nice. But it's not HST...

 

[TripleR]

I'm not really familiar with cruise control on the L Series, but I owned an L5030 and now L5740 and can use the cruise control just like the HST pedal. Often on rough ground, I prefer using the cruise to advance and control speed as my foot tends to bounce around.

 

[CaveCreekRay]

My L3800HST has 187 hours...

Range shifting is usually smooth. It occasionally hangs up and I have to move the gears slightly to get them to engage. Remember, except for your differential, the transmission gears in a tractor are straight cut. If there is no movement at all they should slip between ranges. If there is a tiny bit of rotation on either shaft, the gears clash.

One thing I have noticed with Kubotas is the actuation shaft/levers through the cases are very tight when new. Just for giggles, you might give it five minutes of lever actuation, engine off, with gears meshing to get it working a tad better.

I wish Kubota would put a zerk nipple on each lever but, I guess that might introduce grease into the tranny fluid. The fluid (oil) has to work its way into the actuator rod bearing from the inside out and that happens through use (exercising the levers).

Have any grand kids you can pay?

 

[RIDETOEAT]

My L3800HST has 187 hours...

Range shifting is usually smooth. It occasionally hangs up and I have to move the gears slightly to get them to engage. Remember, except for your differential, the transmission gears in a tractor are straight cut. If there is no movement at all they should slip between ranges. If there is a tiny bit of rotation on either shaft, the gears clash.

One thing I have noticed with Kubotas is the actuation shaft/levers through the cases are very tight when new. Just for giggles, you might give it five minutes of lever actuation, engine off, with gears meshing to get it working a tad better.

I wish Kubota would put a zerk nipple on each lever but, I guess that might introduce grease into the tranny fluid. The fluid (oil) has to work its way into the actuator rod bearing from the inside out and that happens through use (exercising the levers).

Have any grand kids you can pay?

Funny you say that, A buddy and long time Kubota friend called me while standing in front of his dealer in Indy area yesterday and that guy said to drown that shaft with wd40 to loosen it up a bit and get it going since it has been a while since it was built in the factory and likely been setting around maybe 1-2 years before I picked it up. I guess the cycle is a while, that range shifter shaft might have been built into that transmission 2+ years ago.

Assemble the transmission - ship it to assy plant - build into tractor - ship to the states - ship to the whse. - wait for dealer to order one - ship to the dealer - sit in the rain a couple of weeks and now in the barn !!

 

[CaveCreekRay]

If you haven't tried WD yet, get some spray lithium grease and get it wet on a couple sides. That stuff weeps pretty well when wet. Wipe off the excess and you should fine it much easier.

 

[RIDETOEAT]

I will !! Have not done anything yet

 

[sheepfarmer]

If you haven't tried WD yet, get some spray lithium grease and get it wet on a couple sides. That stuff weeps pretty well when wet. Wipe off the excess and you should fine it much easier.

Two uses for spray lithium grease! Mine shifts hard too. Thanks Ray

 

[Tooljunkie]

The older l4610 i ran was picky to shift. Worse when clutch was depressed. A little feathering on the go pedal was all it ever needed. And its not like it needs to be shifted every few minutes. I never really thought it to be a nuisance. Now, my old cockshutt, thats a brute, shift for every direction change and grumpy at best.
I agree with lubing the shafts going into transmission/axle housing. Over time it will get smoother.

 

[Tomcat]

My wife's Aunt just got a new B2440 and it's a bit difficult to shift. The delivery/service guy said it needs to get broken in. I agree.

 

[CaveCreekRay]

Just tell the 10 year-old grand son, "Don't move this lever!"

He'll have it broken in in no time.

 

[RIDETOEAT]

Ain't that the truth !! Problem here is Were adult tweeners, half way between empty nest and grand parents and glad for it. !!!

 

[CaveCreekRay]

Rent-a-kid.com

Try those for awhile and you may NEVER have grandkids!!!