A day in heaven

[mudisme]

I could not enjoy enjoy my first real day on the tractor until today. It was a clear warm day and I had time to play. I am re-grading my back yard ....the L3010 worked like a dream (a dream work horse).

I am essentially a newbie but with the HST I felt comfortable from the outset and even I accomplished much today. Several of the neighbors stopped by to see my machine and its handiwork.

Observation: Even with 750 lbs of ballast and a box scrape the FEL still "wags the dog" when it is fully loaded with dirt. Glad I didn't get rid of the ballast. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Question: The only problem I have with the tractor is the throttle, it is very difficult to move in the high range. When I apply enough pressure to move it...it moves too much. Any hints on how to loosen this? WD40? Grease?

Many many thanks to all those that have posted information...for I have made a wise investment thanks to you fine folks.

Steve

 

[Harv]

Steve -

You're still giving me tractor envy! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Your tires hold 750 lbs? Wow! My 2500 is spec'ed at about 500 lbs for liquid ballast. That ought to hold you on the ground pretty well, especially with the box scraper on there.

That, combined with a longer wheelbase than mine, I can't imagine a loaded bucket "wagging" your tractor unless you're carrying the bucket too high, going too fast or both. I'm a newbie at this myself, but I quickly found out that when you've got a load, it's time to slow down and take 'er easy. This is doubly true if you're negotiating uneven turf and/or slopes.

Can't help you with the throttle problem -- I have a gear grinder, so I imagine your throttle setup is entirely different than mine. Fortunately, there's a lot of smart folks out there who will have more to offer.

I'll let those same veterans comment on your ballast issue, too. I'm gonna sit back and learn right along with you. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

And remember -- keep that grin off your face when you're tractorin'! You're working, not playing. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[mudisme]

Hey Left Coaster. I missed typed, per my dealer, he put 350 per tire for a total of 700. (I hope we don't have a math checker in addition to a "proof reader"!)/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Just kidding Peter!!!

I tried to keep my message short...I left out ALOT of details...you are right, I held the load too high (trying to manuever around trees etc). That was one of MANY lessons learned today. Ditto on going slow. Not to mention making slow adjustments to the bucket height with the joy stick when the bucket is loaded!

By the end of the day I had learned much with much more to learn. I need to buy the book on FEL operation...I dug when trying to scoop and I plowed when trying to dig.

If only I could see the position of the leading edge...I need a plexiglass bucket!

Take care Harv and happy tractoring.

(grin is permanently afixed while on tractor...sorry)



Steve

 

[Harv]

Steve -

Just about everything you said was like deja vous all over again for me. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Apparently there is a "normal" learning curve that we all go through with these hydraulic superman suits we call tractors. I'm only a few hours ahead of you and I only get to add a few hours a month, so I'll be asking you questions pretty soon.

I seriously recommend that you pay real close attention to the misadventures of other TBN members and learn from them. If you happen to have seen the "Stupid Tractor Tricks" thread, for example, you realize that these big-boy toys are big-time dangerous. In my brief experience I've already come close to tipping it over and dropping a log on my head, not to mention all the tree branches I've eaten and the damage I nearly caused to surrounding buildings, fence posts, etc. And I have yet to play with the PTO and my rotary cutter. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

(This would be a good time for others to chime in, so I don't feel quite so naked out here. /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif)

Once you pass the survival test, you get to move on to the "skills". I'm slooooowly achieving better results with the FEL, and to some extent the box scraper, but I have a long, long way to go.

Now that I think of it, I'm glad to have your company in all this. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Thomas]

Steve,
That was only one day of enjoyment and you have many ahead. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

I guess you figure that pretty close on the ballast plus the box scaper.

Tractor safe and send pictures.


Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Boondox]

Hey, no problem, Steve. I was thrilled to see the correct spelling of "its" in your original post to this thread!!!

Pete

 

[Bird]

<font color=blue>only problem I have with the tractor is the throttle, it is very difficult to move</font color=blue>

That seems to be a common problem on Kubotas. Mine was very stiff on the B2710 and I've just gotten used to it, and think it's loosened up just a bit with time, but I think (not sure now) it was PaulB who posted the instructions some time back on getting into it and adjusting it. I just never got around to doing that.

Bird

 

[bpence]

Congratulations on your new work partner. The 3010 ranks high on my "desired" tractor wish list.

As far as the sticky/hard to move throttle, try putting a few drops of oil on each of the linkage points. Real oil, not WD40. I've also experience the stiff throttle on my little B7100 and a few squirts from the oil can seems to loosen things up. Then, a squirt or two when you are doing regular maintenance (grease, etc). I don't know why it works better than WD40, but it does.

Bob Pence

 

[mudisme]

Harv: It's kinda like deja vu, it's kinda like deja vu. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I now have 9 hrs on "her"...I am catching up!

T & T: After 1 1/2 days doing heavy box work, I can tell my next $ will be spent on a T & T project. Has anyone with a L3010 or a similar hydraulic system performed this task? All the posts from "the gang" will prove invaluable...THANKS!

Throttle: Apparently a good night sleep was all it needed. It worked fine this morning, a little stiff but it probably should be. The only difference from yesterday...it was about 15 degrees cooler. Thanks for the reponses.

Thomas: I don't have a digital camera. /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif After this purchase, until I earn some $$$ I can't buy time. Gotta plant the seed so my wife thinks it's her idea.../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif



Steve

 

[Thomas]

Bob,
I found out when useing WD40 it disappers quicly on metal surfaces and than the lube is gone.
I to give my B7100 drop or two of oil on each throttle joint.

Do you have the same problem reading your hydraulic dip stick w/ clean fluid?

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif