3-Point Hitch Kubota L 2800 issues

[georgia jeff]

I have the opportunity to purchase a used L 2800 HST with loader. However, after reading some of the posts on this forum I am nervous about buying it. I have read some of the posts about the jerky 3pt hitch and it definately suffers from this ill. Is there any fix other than living with it?

Also the overrunning clutch makes an awful noise when I slow down and was cutting with the rotary mower. It only made the noise when i slowed down or when I pressed in the clutch. I have read about this also but don't fully understand the issues some are having. Is it that the overrunning clutch is supposed to make this awful noise to protect the tractor and that it is normal and not a problem. The PTO engaged and disengaged with out any problems. Can anyone explain this in plain english?

I have also read about the pto engagement cable not working correctly and having to be lubed. How would I check this?

Are there any other issues I need to be aware of? Am I over reacting?

 

[art]

over-running clutches are normally going to give a ratcheting sound while decelerating.

The cable, just lube it!

 

[georgia jeff]

thanks art.

 

[johnrex62]

I have an L3700SU, which I think has the same degree of jerkiness in the 3pt lift. I have not observed any problems in my mowing capabilities as a result. I would expect that it might be more problematic if I were attempting to do finish grading or fine boxblade operations, or perhaps using other ground engaging implements. I have only used my blade for very coarse work and have not had a need for minute adjustments in my blade height.

 

[tr11439]

Might want to check the 3pt adjustment between your legs under the seat. The knob adjusts how fast your 3pt drops with different weight implements. That might help to smooth it out.

 

[georgia jeff]

Might want to check the 3pt adjustment between your legs under the seat. The knob adjusts how fast your 3pt drops with different weight implements. That might help to smooth it out.

I will give that a try. thanks.

 

[k0ua]

As far as I know all over-running clutch's make that ratcheting sound. All I have owned have made the same noise. The over-running clutch is like a one way ratchet. you can drive the PTO shaft, but the PTO shaft cannot drive the tractor, from the stored energy in the rotary cutter. This keeps the cutter from propelling the tractor thru the fence when you make a turn at the end of the row. As far as the "jerky" 3 point hitch, yep it does that. Think of it as digital adjustment going up and analog adjustment going down. In other words, it goes up in increments and goes down smoothly in an infinite number of positions. You control the down rate of course by adjusting the valve under the seat, according to the overall weight you have on the 3 point. I have not found the jerkiness to be a problem. But others might.
James K0UA

 

[georgia jeff]

thanks k0ua. I can live with the jerky hitch but didn't want to buy a tractor that had a problem. I can also live with the over running clutch provided that it isn't tearing up something (which is what it sounds like). So, I shouldn't be worried about the orc clutch?

As far as I know all over-running clutch's make that ratcheting sound. All I have owned have made the same noise. The over-running clutch is like a one way ratchet. you can drive the PTO shaft, but the PTO shaft cannot drive the tractor, from the stored energy in the rotary cutter. This keeps the cutter from propelling the tractor thru the fence when you make a turn at the end of the row. As far as the "jerky" 3 point hitch, yep it does that. Think of it as digital adjustment going up and analog adjustment going down. In other words, it goes up in increments and goes down smoothly in an infinite number of positions. You control the down rate of course by adjusting the valve under the seat, according to the overall weight you have on the 3 point. I have not found the jerkiness to be a problem. But others might.
James K0UA

 

[ccsial]

The ORC on the L2800/3400 HST is not required. The implement will not keep the tractor moving on this HST tractor. The newer models have this ORC replaced with a solid engage unit. There have been a few instances of ORC failure. I believe an improperly adjusted PTO cable is the cause of some of the failures. It is important that the PTO clutch fully engages.

I eliminate the ratchet noise by disengaging the PTO and clutch at the same time. My L3400 has 300 hours with no problems yet except for the leaky sight glass.

 

[johnrex62]

The overrunning clutch comments in this thread have me a little curious. I do not hear any clicking on my L3700SU when slowing while mowing or when I depress the clutch pedal. I can vary my ground speed and I can change throttle speed with the PTO engaged and not hear any noise from my PTO.

When I disengage the PTO the only noise I hear is the blades on my mower whirring as they coast to a stop. I just got my tractor this July and the online documentation states it has an over-running clutch on the PTO shaft, so it is not a solid engage unit as ccsial suggested. The L2800/L3400/L3700SU and I think the L4400 all share the same PTO design.

Perhaps there is some truth in the comment about an "improperly adjusted PTO cable" or some other adjustable system. I have heard that horrible ratcheting click when I got careless and engaged or disengaged the PTO level before the clutch was fully depressed, but never when simply changing ground speed or engine RPM.