bi-speed turn option

fishman · Jan 26, 2001

Perhaps I am being a little presumptuous posting in the Kubota owning section, as I don't yet have one. But I thought this question belonged here. What do ya'll think about the bi-speed turn option? I see that it is available up to the b2410, which is the size I am considering for my 10 hilly acres covered with brush, trees, and rocks. What is the extra cost for this feature, and was it worth it, for those of you who bought it? Do you think it might affect durability of the drivetrain?

elmerinva · Jan 26, 2001

I don't have bi-speed on my B2100 because my dealer recommended against it. I thought I would need it for the very hilly and steep terrain on my land (30-60% grades in some places). My dealer said if the bi-speed is engaged and the 4WD is not, the bi-speed synchronizer clutches get torn up and an expensive repair job ($1500) is necessary. I'm sure I'd forget and be faced with an expensive repair. With R4 tires and ballast in the tires, the B2100 negotiates the terrain just fine without tearing up the paths(gravel/mulched) and wooded areas.

TomG · Jan 27, 2001

I'm not sure what the bi-speed thing does. I heard about it in the context of 'part-time' vs. 'full-time' 4wd. The general idea is that some of the effect of 4wd is lost when making turns. The distances traveled by the front and rear tires are different, so one set of wheels is fairly passive in a turn, and the entire effect of 4wd traction isn't available. It's the same idea as differentials.

I believe that some heavier equipment uses a differential between the front and rear drives to improve 4wd traction in turns, but these units are expensive and failure prone. I don't know if the bi-speed equipment addresses this same issue.

tsha · Jan 27, 2001

I don't have bi-speed either. The dealer that sold my tractor when it was new told me that if you had a FEL on on the tractor with a load in the bucket and bi-speed engaged it just pops out when you make a turn, and you might not know that it poped out - thats when you can mess something up. So not very benificial with a FEL. But if you just used the tractor for mowing it might be some help, it turns a 8 ft. turning radius into a 4 ft. turning radius.

cowboydoc · Jan 28, 2001

I'd stay away from them. My neighbor has one and he has it in the shop more than he uses it. He's pretty upset with the dealer because he wanted to trade out of it and the dealer won't give him hardly anything for it and it only has 50 hours on it and has been in the shop numerous times.

70boss · Jan 29, 2001

Okay, I need more information on this. I am just about to send a deposit on a used B2400, with bi-speed turn and FEL. Can you disconnect the bi-speed turn?? Should I reconsider the decision? I would like to hear from someone who actually owns one.

Anonymous Poster · Jan 30, 2001

I have a 2410 with this option and have not had any problems with it. (have only owned it 5 months).. My dealers parents have an older tractor with this option still working fine. I love the option as I have numerous trees to maneuver around and for cleaning out small horse corrals on my 3+ acres. It really works well in those tight places. I wonder if the large (internet?) dealers would have a history on potential problems with this option?

Pks · Jan 30, 2001

70boss,

Try talking with Carver Eq in North Carolina at http://www.carverequipment.com/kubota.htm

Also talk with Alderman's Eq. in Lennon Michigan at
http://www.aldermans.com

I have had good dealings with both businesses.

Peter S.

Anonymous Poster · Jan 30, 2001

Get a demonstration, try it, see how it feels.

We have had a B1750 and FEL with Bi-speed turn for over 8 years 3500 hours plus. We keep Bi-speed and fwd engaged full time though Bi-speed can be disengaged if you wish. In fact there is a warning sticker advising against Bi-speed when working on banks. No problems with Bi- speed turn. in fact it's kinder on the grass with it engaged. Use Turf tyres and Agri tyres OK. Tranmission doesn't wind up.
Now our new B2150 is a different matter. With turf tyres the transmission winds up on hard surfaces and Bi-speed is hard on grass. It seems happier with the Agri tyres which are noticably smaller than the turf tyres. They didn't hit the sweet spot with the gearing/tyre sizes like they did with the B1750.

Ed2410 · Jan 31, 2001

I have the Bi-Speed on My 2410 and would say that I like the feature. Only about 50 hrs on so far but no trouble yet. Cost was aprox. $350 ($500 list minus discount). Really helps in tight spots. Essential, No. Nice to have if the money isn't to tight,Yes. Only bad thing was that had to wait 5 months for delivery mainly because it had to be ordered out and the dealer could not seem to get one in. (Feb. to June 2000)