3rd Function Issue

[RFB]

GL540HSTC with 3rd function FEL hydraulics for grapple and snow blade angle control.

When pushing the buttons to activate flow in one direction or the other, the circuits do not cancel when the button is released. I have to flip back and forth (top and bottom button on joystick) until the solenoid releases. This happens in both directions.

It seems to become less prevalent after about 30-45 minutes of use (fluid getting warmer??)

Any ideas gentlemen?

 

[nybirdman]

Welcome to the third function Kubota club.Sadly not a good thing.Lots of problems with this.No good fix;the only thing that works for me,slightly drop the three point hitch.Mine has been to the dealers three times for the same thing,called Kubota corp.Kubota has a desigh flaw,I believe.

 

[kuboman]

It has been the subject of many complaints. The valve pressures up and the return spring is not strong enough to center the valve.
After reading all the complaints I T' d into a rear remote and used the loader hardware from a third function kit to route the lines to the front. I can't use the rear remote and third function at the same time but adding a second and third RR is cheaper and more satisfactory than the sticky electric valve.

 

[RFB]

Thank you gentlemen.

I was unaware of the history re. this issue. I have emailed my dealer (tractor is just a few months old) and also linked to the various posts here. He is pretty attentive to the site to obtain knowledge from users.

I also asked him to research the issue prior to any service scheduling. I will post an update when I know more.

 

[don white]

That is bad news I just installed the kit on a B26. I will be interested to hear what you learn.

 

[Harry in Ky]

Just curious, what does this lovely package cost, and how much fun is it to install?

 

[powerstroke444e]

The problem seems to only show up when the 3pt is out of adjustment and is at top and dead heading or hitting releaf instead neutral. You should always have a little play see shop manual but 1/2-3/4" of travel left when the lever is at the top.
I had my for 3 years no issues on B26 but had friend that had problems and the problems left after I adjust 3pt.
Local dealler said problem shows up when tractor not set up correctly.
Mine was included in price but I installed it about 1hr to install.

 

[RFB]

Harry,

I added as a oem option with the purchase so I am unsure of the price. If you go to Kubota (build you tractor), it might have the msrp price there.


Powerstroke,

What adjustments do you suggest for the 3 point?



I will keep the thread updated as I know more.

 

[4shorts]

I'm on my second Grand L with Kubota's 3rd valve and both of them reacted the same way in which they worked every time I used them but once in awhile there might be a small (less than a second) delay in kicking out. It's barey noticeable , has no effect on its operation and not even a concern to me.
It will be interesting to see what your dealer says. I'm actually very pleased with mine.

 

[powerstroke444e]

There is adjustment to center the 3pt valve its a threaded rod that is attached to rocker shaft with to jam nuts. If you raise 3pt lever all the way some you should be able to grab 3pt with nothing on it and have just a little play left on top of travel. Also some people remove the adjuster that is on lever hole which allows lever to travel to far. Most of time I can here it if is out of adjust do to it making relief squil.

 

[don white]

I think it was around 650. I would have to dig out the paper. The install was not bad at all. All the holes are there and the directions are good. Understand I have worked as an industrial mechanic for 30 years. So easy for me may not be for others. The hardest part was getting the back wheel off. Those bolts were tight real tight. I don't have any inpact sockets at home and I broke a socket wrench and a socket.

 

[nybirdman]

If it was a simple adjustment;you would think after three trips to an established Kubota dealer(on their dime) it would have been fixed.I talked to Kubota Corp.;no satisfaction other than "their fix" slightly drop the three point.My dealer has been great but didn't fix my tractor.
Mine was added after owning the tractor for six months;worked fine for the first year,after a service by the dealer(replace switch) it never worked right again.
Any one planning to add to their(Kubota) I would suggest the W.R. Long unit.

 

[lhansman]

Hi Don

I had the front third function kit added to my B26 last fall and have had no problems. I used it all winter for my forks which have hydraulic in and out as well as my snow blade which also extends out. It has never stuck on me.

The only problem I have is that the loader valve lock no longer works. I had the kit installed by the dealer so the next time it is in the shop I will have them sort it out.

Lauren

 

[greenrider1]

I guess I'd better get my FEL plow built this summer to test out my third function before next winter gets here.

Has anyone used a hydraulic auger off the 3rd function? I'd like to use one to do a large deck project, and was just wondering what brand or model is recommended.

 

[powerstroke444e]

Not saying I am right because there are about 6 ways this could happen but I doubt you have implement on rear when it goes in to dealer. And when your running the tractor you just slide lever all way to top. Try it or check it out. Then I would look at the relays then the valves.

 

[nybirdman]

I guess I'd better get my FEL plow built this summer to test out my third function before next winter gets here.

Has anyone used a hydraulic auger off the 3rd function? I'd like to use one to do a large deck project, and was just wondering what brand or model is recommended.

I don't believe there is enough flow to run any hydraulic motors,I.E. an auger

 

[RFB]

Since I live quite a distance from the dealer, and did not want to leave the tractor there (I use it everyday), it took a while for my schedule and the mechanic's to coincide. In the interim, I discovered a work-around: bucket curl activation would cause the 3rd circuit to center and shut off.

The mechanic came out a few days ago, and we discovered the following: The solenoids were operating properly in opening the valve, but when released they would not return to center. We performed a process of elimination on each solenoid (they are arranged in opposition "solenoid-valve body-solenoid"). There is a steel rod operating in/out of each solenoid that opens (and when working) and closes/centers the valve. There is a spring inside the valve body that assists pushing the rod out to close and center the valve. We determined that the spring is not firm enough to recenter the valve. The mechanic carefully stretched each spring to test the theory, and so far it seems to be working as it should.

The dealer said that Kubota told him that they were unaware of this as a recurrent issue. Kubota may be misinformed in the light of what others here have said. It was most symptomatic in winter. That will be another test. I think that the manufacturer needs to specify a stronger spring.

The mechanic said that he was going to notify Kubota, and my dealer stood by his product, and they performed in good faith on the issue.

GL540HSTC with 3rd function FEL hydraulics for grapple and snow blade angle control.

When pushing the buttons to activate flow in one direction or the other, the circuits do not cancel when the button is released. I have to flip back and forth (top and bottom button on joystick) until the solenoid releases. This happens in both directions.

It seems to become less prevalent after about 30-45 minutes of use (fluid getting warmer??)

Any ideas gentlemen?