Brand NEW L4400 with Backhoe stalling out...

[BGBill]

New tractor gets some getting used to. I just acquired a BX25 And tore into the dirt pile just to play. This dirt pile had been around for at least 10 years. I thought my FEL was lacking power. Maybe so, I need to have the hydraulic pressure checked, but more so I think it was operator technique. A 10 year old pile of dirt is pretty established.
I realize it is not going to dig like a big Case or Cat.

Maybe get someone who is familiar with tractors and hydraulics and have them try it out.

Always use low to dig with FEL.

I think you said you checked fluid level, make sure everything is full. I just put in a quart in the front axle with 32 hours on the meter.

Good Luck, BGBill

 

[dex3361]

Also does anyone know if the pressure test kit that was advertised on here is any good? Just would like to have it to test if something else goes wrong. Thanks again

I just picked up a gauge and a quick connect and I disconnect a FEL hose and check the FEL pressure relief by operating the FEL valve. When dong this just do it long enough to check the pressure. I posted a thread on adjusting the pressure on a L4400HST that my friend has I had already checked my pressure and he asked me to check his. L4400HST Pressure check

 

[General Lee]

Also does anyone know if the pressure test kit that was advertised on here is any good? Just would like to have it to test if something else goes wrong. Thanks again

I am a new owner of a L4400 as well. Got a whole 9 hours on it. I thought my loader was weak when I first got it but I think its ergonomics is slightly different than my previous kubota. For what I have done with it so far, at times it seems good to go and sometimes it seems it lacks in power. I'm still testing it out though. I didn't respond initially to your post because I really didn't have any suggestions but I've been reading hoping to find out your fix. I'm glad everything appears ok at this time. What I have figured out is this rig has to be at least 2000 rpms to operate decently IMO.

 

[dex3361]

I am a new owner of a L4400 as well. Got a whole 9 hours on it. I thought my loader was weak when I first got it but I think its ergonomics is slightly different than my previous kubota. For what I have done with it so far, at times it seems good to go and sometimes it seems it lacks in power. I'm still testing it out though. I didn't respond initially to your post because I really didn't have any suggestions but I've been reading hoping to find out your fix. I'm glad everything appears ok at this time. What I have figured out is this rig has to be at least 2000 rpms to operate decently IMO.

I noticed a difference in power (increase) when I got about 100 hours on the L4400HST. These tractor run best at around 2000+ RPM don't be afraid to run it at PTO speed that is the way it is designed.

 

[jmanatee2]

It does not sound right but something to consider is the unit is quite heavy for the hp. You are up around the 150#/hp which is a low power to weight ratio.

Where did you get this rule? 150#/HP?

My Case 680 (18,000 lbs is 73HP) thats 246.5 lbs/HP

My Kubota L39 is (7,000 lbs is 39HP) thats 179.4 lbs/HP

 

[kuboman]

Where did you get this rule? 150#/HP?

My Case 680 (18,000 lbs is 73HP) thats 246.5 lbs/HP

My Kubota L39 is (7,000 lbs is 39HP) thats 179.4 lbs/HP

No rule. The L4400 with BH and loader plus loaded tires is close to 7000# and the L4400 has about 45 gross hp which puts it in the 150#/hp which tends to be a little on the sluggish side. Does not mean it can't do a lot of work but if you are use to a machine in the 100#/hp range 150 seems kinda slow.

 

[Johnbro]

I would guess two possibilities: either the brakes were stuck and finally got freed or one of the hydraulic circuits was stuck in relief, drawing down power for everything else.

That tractor should be a monster, but you have to use lots of RPMs. When you're working, keep it over 2000. When you're working hard, don't be afraid to run it right up there. The Kubota diesel mowers are supposed to run full throttle; no reason the tractors can't as well.

 

[KubotaNewb]

Well I just wanted to let everyone know that so far the tractor is still holding up and running like new. I really wish I know what the deal was with it. It would help if anyone or I had a issue like this again. I did notice when driving it high it still did bog down just a little, but when I let off the forward a little and then reapplied it picked up speed. Mostly I have been able to do everything in mid, about 2000 rpms. Does anyone know if the backhoe/fel or other attachments are stronger when in low? And if so why? Like maybe more flow from the pump or something. Just trying to learn. Thanks

 

[jbrody44]

Well I just wanted to let everyone know that so far the tractor is still holding up and running like new. I really wish I know what the deal was with it. It would help if anyone or I had a issue like this again. I did notice when driving it high it still did bog down just a little, but when I let off the forward a little and then reapplied it picked up speed. Mostly I have been able to do everything in mid, about 2000 rpms. Does anyone know if the backhoe/fel or other attachments are stronger when in low? And if so why? Like maybe more flow from the pump or something. Just trying to learn. Thanks

With the HST Transmission the machine should be expected to bog a bit when the pedal is pushed all the way down too quickly or on a grade. You will get less torque and more speed as you press the pedal down, unlike a truck or car where pressing the gas pedal gives more power. I find that it is best to slowly build speed in high gear. Sounds like it is working perfectly now. Great news!!:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[General Lee]

Well I just wanted to let everyone know that so far the tractor is still holding up and running like new. I really wish I know what the deal was with it. It would help if anyone or I had a issue like this again. I did notice when driving it high it still did bog down just a little, but when I let off the forward a little and then reapplied it picked up speed. Mostly I have been able to do everything in mid, about 2000 rpms. Does anyone know if the backhoe/fel or other attachments are stronger when in low? And if so why? Like maybe more flow from the pump or something. Just trying to learn. Thanks

I think the brake was on. I also have a new L4400 and on this machine the brake can be set at multiple positions, so at times it can be deceiving whether its actually set or not. Best way to confirm its off is to give it a tap with your foot before moving to make sure it isn't locked. The other day mine was *lightly set* and I forgot to check it but visually it appeared NOT to be set. I drove up a fairly steep hill and it started bogging out and almost shut off. I had previously drove up a much steeper and longer hill with no issues so when the tractor nearly choked out I was surprised. Come to find out the brake was set which added additional strain. I would pretty much only use medium range for mowing or getting from point A to B. This tractor performs best in Low range with rpm's at or above 2,000. Always use Low for ground engaging work.