Kubota L1500(L175) PTO RPM Data

JGD · May 23, 2005

My first tractor was purchased recently along with several implements as part of the deal for a "transition from military" residence near Pensacola, FL. I was "had" since I knew nothing about the Kubota and failed to do my own research prior to purchase. As Pres Reagan put it, "Trust, but Verify" (I didn't). It's an old grey model low hp tractor. The previous owner also failed to leave a user manual and "personal instructions" as promised. I've figured out that it is apparently a Kubota L1500 and that the made for US model L175 is the rough equivalent (note the picture). I've ordered an L175 manual from Amazon.

The tractor starts quickly and the engine sounds strong--I hooked up the Kutter King rear discharge finishing mower and cut the approx 3 acres of lawn. I've since learned from this forum and the Kutter King web site that 540 is the right rpm. I think I used the 3rd PTO gear (it has 4) and ran the tractor in 2nd gear at about 2300 rpm which, from what I glean from this forum suggests that I was cutting at well over 540--not good! Does anyone have a precise guide for PTO speed for this model--I saw no indicator mark on the tach. If I have no better info from this posting, I think I should use 2nd PTO gear and run the tractor engine at about 2100 rpm.

That's my fundamental question. I have several other attachments, including a brush hog, that I believe are too much for this small tractor, but I'll ask about that later. As an aside, one of my rear, water filled tires blew out (sidewall) as I was finishing my 1st use--the Firestone tech people say they have the 8.3x22 (aggressive lug) that's on it now and a more turf friendly 9.5x22. I'm happy to have found this forum (manna from heaven for a newby). Bottom Line: (1) What's the PTO speed calculation, and (2) Who's considered this forum's guru on the L1500 (presuming I'm right about he model of my tractor /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)? Thanks in advance for any and all help/information on this tractor.

Tractors4u · May 23, 2005

Put the PTO shifter in 1st. 1st will be 540. The mark for PTO speed on the tach will not say PTO. It will be a small red or orange mark. If it doesn't have a mark, run the engine speed around 2200 to 2300 RPMS. The speed does not have to be exactly 540rpms. What size is the bush hog you have? That tractor can run a 4 footer.

CSH · May 24, 2005

I have a grey market L2201. I think all of the Kubota tractors in this size range use the same tach / PTO speeds. Forget about PTO 3 & 4. They are pretty much useless for implements rated for 540 RPM. PTO 1 requires 2430 engine RPM for 540 PTO RPM. PTO 2 requires 1876 RPM for 540 PTO RPM. At the engine speed you specified for PTO 3, the gearbox was turning about 950 RPM. The correct engine speed for 540 PTO RPMs in PTO 3 is 1300, which puts too much strain on the engine. The tractor should have a small round foot pedal below the brakes on the right side. Holding this pedal fully down should generate the correct engine RPM for a 540 RPM PTO in PTO 1.

Your tractor has a very strong lift and will easily raise implements that are too large for the engine. Stick to 4' and smaller implements, with the exception of the finish mower. It would probably run a 5' mower if the grass isn't too thick.

There are several folks on this board who are very knowledgeable of these tractors. One is BillK (from New Zealand), another is Leonard Schaffer. Leonard can also hook you up with parts and manuals should the need arise.

JGD · May 25, 2005

Thanks to both of you for PTO information--I wish I had looked for and consulted this forum before mowing the first time! I hope I didn't cause undue wear on the finishing mower by running it at such a high speed. I'll drain and replace the gear oil in it and check the blades etc. before using it again. Also, my brush hog is old but seems to be in working order--it's a 4 ft-er, so from your replies, it appears that my L1500 tractor should be fine pulling it. Searching this site has provided a wealth of information on brush hog maintenance and safe & proper ways to employ it. I greatly appreciate your help, including the referenced duty experts on my tractor.

CSH · May 26, 2005

JGD, the L1500 should be able to run the 4' hog, but the going will be slow in the thick stuff. I can mow down briars, blackberries, small trees, and other growth that is taller than me if I run in creeper gear. I usually go in reverse for the really tall stuff, raising and lowering the cutter as I go. I think this is the best method any time you can't see the ground (and potential dips and holes).

If your gearbox wasn't making odd noises after being run at a higher than normal speed, I doubt you did any damage to it. I usually run mine in PTO2 @ 2000 RPM for mowing. This generates 575 RPM to the gearbox. As Brent said, you don't have to run @ exactly 540 PTO RPM, but try to keep it within 10% of the maximum. I would be willing to bet that the higher PTO speed resulted in a noticeably better cut. You can let us know after the next mowing session.

Something else you might want to consider is changing the fuel filter if it hasn't been done recently. When I bought my tractor the engine had 490 hours, and I'm certain the original fuel filter was on it. There was so much debris inside the filter I'm surprised the tractor could run so smoothly. I buy my tractor filters at NAPA.

JGD · May 26, 2005

Thks CSM. Because of the tire blowout and my uncertaintly about the tractor and safety considerations relative to others using it (...all prior to finding this forum), I bit the bullet and also purchased a new subcompact 17.5 hp, 42" deck Murray (from Home Depot) that my wife or son can use prior to my being at the property full-time (I'm now finishing up some work for the military at a distant location).

There were no grinding noises and no terrific heat buildup, so maybe my ignorant high speed PTO cutting hasn't cost me dearly. The cut was very clean except where I ran through high thick grass and weeds... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I now know that I was going too fast and using way too much PTO rpms--interesting that your advice about using PTO2 and 2000 rpms is precisely what another local guy told me yesterday (he thought I should also use 2nd gear if the lawn wasn't too high--this guy is a previous owner of a L1501, apparently very similar to mine).

Again, I greatly appreciate your interest in helping me get started and will changeout the fuel filter first thing, that is, as soon as I address my tire problem.

honeycutt · Jul 26, 2005

JGD...can you post a picture of the L1500. I have a L175 and just wanted to check the difference. If it is the same I have different links that you might be interested in. Also I have an IPB for the L175.

loaderbob · Jul 28, 2005

JDG,
I looked at my ZL1500 and the gauge is ticked as 2400-2500 for a perfect 540. I will take a picture of it tomorrow in the light and post it. I agree with the other folks that within 10% is good.

As far as size of implements I usally suggest a 42 inch bush hog for an 18hp tractor. A 48 inch will work, but take your time in the thick stuff.

Welcome aboard!
Bob

Carl2cv · Aug 8, 2005

On highway 90 west of theodore (near Mobile) alabama is a dealer who sells and maintains Kabota grey market tractors. I knowlingly bought my 1500 an have been very satisfied with it these last 3.5 years. If you have gear oil coming out around the shifter look under the seat on left side. there is a 90 degree angle pipe that is plugged by a dirt dobber. remove clean out an hose clamp a piece of screen wire over pipe.
Carl near Al/Ms boarder. 251 865 1190 about 415 pm if you want to call.

BillK · Sep 24, 2005

Yes thanks CSH , I'm still here from time to time but keeping a low profile. I'm actually located in Sydney Australia and still playing with my toys at www.dieseltraders.com.au
Bill Koncz (BillK) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif