L2800 Position Control (Jerky?)

canoetrpr · Dec 2, 2008

Toy Camry - I'm reasonably sure that my L3400 would be pretty close to yours after the new valve.

Still much better than the old one - but no question - not as smooth as the JD790.

jeconn - take my advice and bite the bullet on that extra $$$. If that is all they are asking - it is well worth it. Think of that money spent over the period that you will own the tractor. It is almost nothing! Give up a coffee habit or something - you will more than make up for it!. In hindsight, I wish I had pushed for a deal like that.

Not worth it for me at this point to upgrade. I've put $$$ into my tractor - sunshade, remotes, worklights etc. It is doing what I need it to do and realistically a smoother 3 PT would be a luxury to me as mine is doing what I need it to.

Some point in the future, when I do upgrade, it WILL be a Grand L (with a CAB!). Just can't justify it at this point given the economy is where it is and I have another 100 things to spend money at.

lawn_king · Dec 3, 2008

I would go out of my mind with a valve that operated in that manner. I dont even know if i could finish grade loam for hydroseeding with that action?

paulgwin · Dec 3, 2008

Toy Camry's 3pt operation with the upgraded valve operates about like the L2800 I was going to buy from the local dealer.

If a dealer demo'd a tractor with a 3pt like that - the customers would just walk away (like I did).

How did operation like this pass Kubota's internal product requirements?

teg · Dec 3, 2008

It saves them a little money... but it might cost them a lot in the long run.

canoetrpr · Dec 3, 2008

Best I can say is that you get used to a valve like that

. Guess those of us that haven't operated another tractor with a smoother valve, notice it less.

FWIW, my recollection of the CK30 I operation was that the valve seemed about the same. Sure as heck is not the case with the JD790 posted here though.

The Grand L is more than worth it IMHO. In hindsight, I would have paid the extra $ for my tractor to not be called 'Economy'. That said, it is doing all of what I need it to do so no point taking the depreciation hit quite yet for me. But I say again, if your tractor has only a few hours, go try to do a deal with your dealer and get yourself into a GL3240. You won't regret it.

Harvest Moon · Dec 3, 2008

This discussion has lead me to conclude that this is an "opening price point" marketing strategy for Kubota. They provide the base model L as an outstanding blend of quality, durability and price. Probably the BEST value in its class but they intentionally hold back on options, features, attachments and performance... not to save $50 but to create a carefully calculated price gap between a more profitable machine that benefits from an implied value relationship.

The Grand L's probably have a slightly higher profit margin with a slightly less competitive value, my speculation.

The highly competitive value of the L3400/L2800 lures customers away from other brands and leaves the dealer a chance to sell the customer on the features and performance the Grand L's. Some don't go for it, some can't afford it and some really want the value offered in the economy model, either way Kubota gets the sale and the future parts and maintenance "contract".

That's why they don't want to deal with L3400/L2800 complainers, because the complainers (me included) are trying to beat there strategy and get Grand L performance at an "economy" price.

This strategy is probably very effective for maintaing Kubota's market share but I think this valve issue must be tied to some marketing big shots ego because it undermines their brand reputation for quality and durability and crosses the huge divide between Kubota and junk. Of course I bought one anyway, so I guess it's time for me to get over it now.

Caveat emptor.

canoetrpr · Dec 3, 2008

LOL! Harvest Moon - excellent post! This must be a huge ego thing for someone senior given how much grief they give us over it.

I don't have a problem with the valve operating this way - as much as I have a problem with them not advertising to you that this is one of the differences between the standard/economy L and the grand L. All their literature makes it sound like you are losing out on bells and whistles and if you look deeper you know that you are not getting the same hydraulic capacity / lift capacity etc... but no where you look is there any hint that the 3PT operation characteristics are substantially worse / jerky / less smooth than the Grand L.

THIS lack of information is THE problem, followed by the rhetoric when you go back to get it dealt with.

Goog · Dec 3, 2008

The L2800/L3400 might be considered "economy" tractors but when I bought mine to me it was a **** of a lot of money.

I looked at John Deere, Massey Ferguson and Kubota. I was torn between the Massey and the L3400 right to the end and finally picked the Kubota based only on reputation as a great and long lasting tractor.

This was my first tractor purchase but I had been around them and I knew how a 3 pt. works.

After delivery my first project was post holes with my new tractor and auger. I could hardly wait. After the first hole I knew there was a serious problem with the function of the 3 pt. You could not raise the bit without all the dirt falling back in the hole. Even my said " is it supposed to jerk like that".

I was so disappointed and mad that I was ready to turn it right back in. Kubota steped up and replaced my valve and all was well.

If they refuse to replace the valve I would refuse to own or recommend any Kubota product. Economy is one thing but it must function in a useable manner.

I really think the new owners with any of these machines need to make as much noise as possible and get Kubota to take care of the problem and not sell a tractor with a useless 3 pt.

Good luck to all, Brian

jeconn · Dec 4, 2008

canoetrpr said:
Toy Camry - I'm reasonably sure that my L3400 would be pretty close to yours after the new valve.

jeconn - take my advice and bite the bullet on that extra $$$. If that is all they are asking - it is well worth it. Think of that money spent over the period that you will own the tractor. It is almost nothing! Give up a coffee habit or something - you will more than make up for it!. In hindsight, I wish I had pushed for a deal like that.

Well I tried to take your advice and talk to my dealer about getting the 3240. He told me last week that I could trade my tractor and $1815 for his 3240. I used my tractor Monday and go so frustrated that I called my dealer and offered my tractor and $1200. We settled on my tractor and $1300. I was happy for about 3 hours. He called me back and said the tractor will be ready Friday but I had to give him my new bush hog heavy duty box blade too.($650) It would have been cheaper to just give him the $1815 he quoted me last week. He won't budge on it. Didn't seem to care about the deal. Just said to call him if I decide to trade. Well I decided not to. He still won't buy my tractor back either. I guess I'm about to give up and just deal with a tractor I'm not happy with. I tried making a lot of noise but nobody seems to care even as I go up the ladder. That video next to the JD shows exactly what we are dealing with. How can Kubota say that is NORMAL?

canoetrpr · Dec 4, 2008

jeconn - you are in a crappy situation no doubt.

Remember that as you put on a few more hours on your tractor there will be no $1800 $ deal to be had as your tractor will be regarded as used and it will depreciate at least 10%.

It sucks to be at the losing end of this, but again, my advice to you is to take this loss at this time and get a tractor you will be happy with. This IS likely to continue to frustrate you.