PTO cable L2800/3400

Marcussen · Aug 17, 2007

I had to take my tractor to the dealer because my PTO would not engage. PTO cable binding (again), this is the second time it's been to the dealer for a PTO cable.

This time they also replaced the PTO cable brackett (the one on the fender)
It was part of service advisory bulletin, not a recall. PSB-2007-027
The new kit has a bracket that re-aligns the cable to prevent kinking and breaking.

This is could be a safety issue since my first cable was replaced because the PTO would not disengage but the tractor would start and run even when nobody was in the seat because the safety interlock for the PTO is dependent on the PTO lever position not the actual status of the PTO.

Kubota will only replace the cable/bracket IF the tractor is under warranty and only if the cable actually breaks.

teg · Sep 21, 2007

I was running the PHD and it was flying all over the place between holes because it would not shut off. Since it's not worth driving to my dealer, & I would have to run the cable back and forth a few more times to break it... Do you have a photo of the new bracket so I might be able to fab one up. Why is Kubota like this?

Shimon · Sep 21, 2007

teg said:
Why is Kubota like this?

Because: $$$$

That's what happens when companies let bean counters make business decisions. Bottom line is all that matters. If they think customer service will help the bottom line then they will emphasize customer service. If they think they can still make a good bottom line by ignoring certain problems then so be it. Don't take it personal, it's all about the $$$$. The only voice you have is with your wallet.

bigballer · Sep 22, 2007

my 3400 had this exact problem. when disengaging the PTO it would not shut down, I had to wiggle the lever fwd/back a couple times and it would shut down. The dealer explained the the boot that covers the cable at the transmission end had failed and the cable rusted which led to the sticking problem. He also told me that lever housing was updated so the angle was not as steep. He replaced both and I have not had any problems since.

Here are a couple pictures of the new setup:

Shimon · Sep 22, 2007

Good pictures, bigballer. I didn't realize that the PTO lever is different on the HST and gear models. This sounds like it might be an HST issue only? I'll go take a look at my gear tractor to see how the cable is routed to the transmission. The lever is between your legs down low near the deck.

teg · Sep 23, 2007

Those are great photos, it show what I need... ...I need to write to customer service and see if I can get that mailed to me.

If I had the part, I could have this done before the time it takes to get to the dealer.

daBear · Sep 24, 2007

My L2800 PTO would not disengage. Dealer replaced the cable and said the old ones were stretching. Works fine now. Now if I can get the 3 point hitch to operate smoothly I will be happy with the tractor and not wish for a JD.

canoetrpr · Sep 24, 2007

I've not had any problems with the PTO not disengaging. Best I can tell the cable hookup looks just like the pictures here - the boots seem to be in good condition.

How many hours did those of you who have had this problem have before running into it? I've got about 68 - lots of that is PTO?

teg · Sep 24, 2007

My tractor has 102 hours; of which, less than 15 was with the PTO. I had my shredder on the first time it happened which was within the first 7-8 hours of the PTO use. My tractor did sit outside... could not afford a barn at that time.

My PTO knob is really short (kind of cute looking; no more than 2 inches tall). When the PTO would not turn off with the Posthole digger... I started to look a little closer at it. The cable would not retract and just bind before the black outer cable. I was told I only needed to oil it but after seeing the other posts... I wonder it that is true or not?

Marcussen · Sep 24, 2007

canoetrpr said:
I've not had any problems with the PTO not disengaging. Best I can tell the cable hookup looks just like the pictures here - the boots seem to be in good condition.

How many hours did those of you who have had this problem have before running into it? I've got about 68 - lots of that is PTO?

Mine failed twice once at 37 hours, (frayed cable replaced) second time at about 110-120 this time both cable and bracket was replaced. I believe the new bracket should fix the problem. The boots was in good shape both times.