Current Kubota B-series - issues with rear remote leak downs?

[tallguy104]

Hi folks.
I bought a new Kubota B2301 6 months ago.
I've currently got it fitted with a third function kit and 4-in-1 bucket.

I'm now thinking I'd really like to get hydraulic top and side links fitted (mainly for box blade use), however I've seen a few threads talking about some major issues with the new Kubota B-series and their rear remotes leaking down (apparently wasn't such an issue on earlier models).

I'm a bit of a newbie to all this (especially having a tractor with hydraulics), so I'm not sure how serious this issue is for a guy like me considering getting another 2 rear remotes installed. It's a big investment (about $2000 USD here where I am - in Australia) so I'm a bit worried about going ahead with it after reading these threads.

How much of an issue is this? Am I better off forgetting about hydraulic top/side links altogether??

 

[nyone]

What's the issue with leak down? Generaly you should park the machine so there is minimal pressure on the cylinders anyway. If you cant, like a backhoe outrigger the cure is to pull it up before moving.

 

[oldnslo]

Tallguy
A pilot operated check valve is a simple an inexpensive fix for top and tilt cylinder drift if you do not want that function to float which allows the implement to follow the terrain.

if you require load holding and float the circuit gets a little more difficult but still fairly easy to do.

main question is what implements will you be using on your 3 point hitch? Box blade you would probably be adjusting frequently so unless leak or drift is real bad you would not even notice it. Rotary mower - brush hog you want to maintain level for hours while mowing you notice the leaking or cylinder drift.

 

[BeezFun]

I added these ball valves to my remotes, they only cost about $15 and solved the same problem you're having. I used surplus center valves that also leak down fast. I use float on the top link when I bush hog. So if I want to use a remote I open the ball and leave it that way until I'm doing something where I don't want it to leak down, then I close it.

 

[tallguy104]

main question is what implements will you be using on your 3 point hitch? Box blade you would probably be adjusting frequently so unless leak or drift is real bad you would not even notice it. Rotary mower - brush hog you want to maintain level for hours while mowing you notice the leaking or cylinder drift.

Mostly just the box blade. The only other attachments I have is a roto-tiller. I have a mid mount mower deck so won't be using a mower/slasher which attached to the rear.

Cool, okay thanks folks. Just some of those threads had me a bit worried that I might regret ever buying these things...but it sounds like it isn't much of an issue.

 

[mikester]

Finding a hydraulic system without any leakdown is like finding Sasquatch. Take lots of pictures.

 

[BufordBoone]

BeezFun has the right idea. I purchased something similar from Fitright Hydraulics.

I have a check valve on one tractor and the ball valve on the other. The ball valve is less expensive and only downside is that you have to open it to make adjustments.

Since the offset cutter sometimes benefits from adjustment, the check valve works best on that tractor...but no float.

 

[tallguy104]

For the work I'll be doing I'll tend to be adjusting the top and side links very often...I gather those valves BeezFun has suggested require the operator to physically switch them on whenever he wants to adjust the top/side link....is that correct?

 

[BufordBoone]

Since you plan to be adjusting very often, you may not have enough leak down for it to affect your operation. The ball valves will require being turned on and off manually.

The check valve will not require manual attention but won't allow float.

Fit Right told me about an electrically operated ball valve he had but it was a bit more than what I wanted/needed.

I'd get the Top and Tilt and deal with the leak down if it becomes a problem.

 

[s219]

For frequent adjustment, normal leakdown won't be an issue. I think a valve (or cylinder) would have to be seriously defective if there is a noticeable amount of leakdown in under 10-15 minutes.