Kubota "key is on" time versus "run" time and maintenance intervals

[bhesco]

Kubota "key is on" time versus "run" time and maintenance intervals

I'm getting ready to buy a Kubota L3301 or L3901 and after reading all of the docs, internet videos and operators manual, something I have not found a consistent answer to is if Kubota utilizes a "key on" timer or a dynamic "run timer" based upon rpm. The reason that is significant is the 50 hour maintenance intervals and how much I leave the tractor idling for either convenience and/or not running the battery down (particularly since it will be in an open "barn" and only run every ~3 weeks in the winter, although NC doesn't get that cold). I don't want to have to turn it on and off all of the time to keep the hours down (not a factor for resale, I'll never sell it, just to keep track of when maintenance is due). So if it's just a cheap "key on" timer, should I just subtract out approximate hours when it is idling from the hourly maintenance schedule? thx.

 

[SDT]

Re: Kubota "key is on" time versus "run" time and maintenance intervals

I'm getting ready to buy a Kubota L3301 or L3901 and after reading all of the docs, internet videos and operators manual, something I have not found a consistent answer to is if Kubota utilizes a "key on" timer or a dynamic "run timer" based upon rpm. The reason that is significant is the 50 hour maintenance intervals and how much I leave the tractor idling for either convenience and/or not running the battery down (particularly since it will be in an open "barn" and only run every ~3 weeks in the winter, although NC doesn't get that cold). I don't want to have to turn it on and off all of the time to keep the hours down (not a factor for resale, I'll never sell it, just to keep track of when maintenance is due). So if it's just a cheap "key on" timer, should I just subtract out approximate hours when it is idling from the hourly maintenance schedule? thx.

I would expect that not all Kubotas are the same in this regard.

It would be rather easy to test yours.

SDT

 

[Rustyiron]

Re: Kubota "key is on" time versus "run" time and maintenance intervals

Sounds like you may not hit that 50hr interval in a year, I know some say that an annual oil change is a minimum. :confused3:
I might apply this thinking to the motor oil, not so much for the "slow speed" stuff like axles and transmission. Then there's always oil sampling that could put you at ease along with avoiding unnecessary fluid changes.

 

[bhesco]

Re: Kubota "key is on" time versus "run" time and maintenance intervals

I'm guessing I'll hit 50 hours every 3 months perhaps at least initially, full weekends at a time on the ~ 30 acres. Typically every 2-3 weekends depending on time of year.

 

[Rustyiron]

Re: Kubota "key is on" time versus "run" time and maintenance intervals

I think the 50 hr service is only the initial " first service", after that it's much longer and each component i.e.; transmission, front drive axle, engine, fuel, etc. each have different change intervals. It will be in your sparkling new owners manual. Take one of those weekends and spend some quality time with your new machine, open up a bottle of oil and break out some new filters.:cool2:

 

[number two]

Re: Kubota "key is on" time versus "run" time and maintenance intervals

Kubota uses both types meters.
An electronic panel like a Grand L Intellipanel will be key on hours.
A L3301 or L3901,if like the L2501,will use a cable driven mechanical hourmeter accumulating time based on PTO RPM hours.
From what I've observed from various Kubota operators manuals,they seem to take this into account when specifying oil change intervals.
Good Luck!

 

[MHarryE]

Re: Kubota "key is on" time versus "run" time and maintenance intervals

The ones at which you are looking have a engine on meter meaning there is an oil pressure switch in the circuit so the key must be on and the oil pressure must be above about 5 psi. For engine related items, idle time can be as severe as high power as the engine oil contamination might be worse if the engine is not really heated. Like my cars counted down time to oil change faster with short hop driving while time at Interstate speed dropped the meter at a lower than mile per mile rate. I think yours is a 400 hour change interval after the first 50 hours.