OP
dfkrug
Super Member
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2004
- Messages
- 7,185
- Location
- Santa Cruz Mtns, CA
- Tractor
- 05 Kioti CK30HST w/ Prairie Dog backhoe, XN08 mini-X
Here are the "final" pix. I am currently making a subframe for it, so I can
mount a backhoe. This will be a 2-piece subframe, with 4 mounting points,
plus an enhanced fixed toplink. Call it a 5-point mount. Stay tuned for that
project.
A few comments on this tractor, and the 4x00s in general:
This unit required NO repairs to the engine, front axles, or HST unit,
despite having more than 2000 hours on it. I expect that it can
easily go another 2000 hours or more without major repairs, if it
is properly cared for.
The newer rear axle housings are clearly better than the old ones. If
the 3-pt arms are properly restrained by the sway controls, they
should not break. That also assumes the user is not otherwise
abusing the hitch. Like using rippers at high speed. Sadly, the new
JDs have aluminum axle housings AND gearbox. Hopefully, they
don't get put into rental service!
The many interlock switches will eventually cause major headaches
when the tractor gets older. Some add a modicum of safety; others
don't, IMO. Jumper them at will, either now, or after you are stranded
out in the field.
These Yanmar engines are amazingly reliable, if they always get to breathe
clean air. Monitor that intake hose in the tight engine compartment. A
once-every-ten years cleaning of this area would be nice. That's when you
can adjust those valves, after taking off the muffler.
mount a backhoe. This will be a 2-piece subframe, with 4 mounting points,
plus an enhanced fixed toplink. Call it a 5-point mount. Stay tuned for that
project.
A few comments on this tractor, and the 4x00s in general:
This unit required NO repairs to the engine, front axles, or HST unit,
despite having more than 2000 hours on it. I expect that it can
easily go another 2000 hours or more without major repairs, if it
is properly cared for.
The newer rear axle housings are clearly better than the old ones. If
the 3-pt arms are properly restrained by the sway controls, they
should not break. That also assumes the user is not otherwise
abusing the hitch. Like using rippers at high speed. Sadly, the new
JDs have aluminum axle housings AND gearbox. Hopefully, they
don't get put into rental service!
The many interlock switches will eventually cause major headaches
when the tractor gets older. Some add a modicum of safety; others
don't, IMO. Jumper them at will, either now, or after you are stranded
out in the field.
These Yanmar engines are amazingly reliable, if they always get to breathe
clean air. Monitor that intake hose in the tight engine compartment. A
once-every-ten years cleaning of this area would be nice. That's when you
can adjust those valves, after taking off the muffler.
