F3080 wheels don't turn with steering wheel....sometimes. Anyone else???

[TailDragon]

Hobbs meter showing 10 hours, fuel gauge was bouncing off the red low fuel warning, topped off with less than 10 gallons to bottom of filler neck. The deck was windrowing in the real tall thick stuff but not choking at times like the 60 inch deck on the ZD331. The cut on more normal length grass left no visible clippings.
Tail wheels turning with steering wheel just to keep this thread somewhat on track.
The turf tires do slip in situations where the bar-turf tires do not.

Do miss the necker knob I have on the 72 inch unit for those quick turns.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Hobbs meter showing 10 hours, fuel gauge was bouncing off the red low fuel warning, topped off with less than 10 gallons to bottom of filler neck. The deck was windrowing in the real tall thick stuff but not choking at times like the 60 inch deck on the ZD331. The cut on more normal length grass left no visible clippings.
Tail wheels turning with steering wheel just to keep this thread somewhat on track.
The turf tires do slip in situations where the bar-turf tires do not.

Do miss the necker knob I have on the 72 inch unit for those quick turns.

Do you run full throttle all the time on your Fs?

 

[Dan W]

good morning Gents, and congratulation on your new F3680 TailD, I bought mine after reading John's comments.... These really are Kubota's best kept secret.
This was my first summer with new F3680, what a machine
I was running it at full engine speed until this last week, the sound pressure generated by the mower deck at full travel is aggravating at times, I found 3/4 throttle works almost as well, did you folks try that? And, 3/4 speed might have made a difference on fuel consumption, but best of all, music under my head-phones was better and travel speed in low gear and at reduced throttle didn't seem to add to overall cutting time... John, how does your steering perform now, with the new valve?

Dan

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

good morning Gents, and congratulation on your new F3680 TailD, I bought mine after reading John's comments.... These really are Kubota's best kept secret.
This was my first summer with new F3680, what a machine
I was running it at full engine speed until this last week, the sound pressure generated by the mower deck at full travel is aggravating at times, I found 3/4 throttle works almost as well, did you folks try that? And, 3/4 speed might have made a difference on fuel consumption, but best of all, music under my head-phones was better and travel speed in low gear and at reduced throttle didn't seem to add to overall cutting time... John, how does your steering perform now, with the new valve?

Dan

The valve is at Barlows so hasn't helped my steering any, yet.:laughing:
They (Marvin) are going to pick my F3080 up next week when Marvin (the delivery driver) gets back to town. People all over the country keep ordering Kubotas from Barlows and keeps Marvin on the road about all of the time and it's supposed to be a part time job for him since he retired.
I usually run mine at about 3/4 also until I get in the high, thick, stringy stemmed stuff that gets really tough about this time of the year and when I see it isn't cutting great then I go full throttle and it cuts it great in one pass.
Your right, these are almost secret machines.
I've got someone interested in buying my first F3080 that has 111 hours on it and it's never been stored outside so basically just barely broken in. I've priced it so I may be ordering another one shortly. Can't imagine not having Fs to mow with after owning one.
And Congratulations on your purchase. I really don't think you'll ever be disappointed.
I love 50's and 60's music and Praise and Worship music but my wife of 20 years can't deal with music because she wants to talk and she says she can't talk and listen to music. I bought 2 Sony Walkmans and keep my music on them, stick the earbuds in and enjoy a few hours of my good music while I mow, another great discovery. Love my Walkmans with my music. Helps pass the time while mowing.

 

[TailDragon]

Glad to hear from another satisfied F owner, We must convert more owners.
I run WOT when mowing and traveling, 1/2 throttle for warm-up and cool down.

 

[TailDragon]

John, are you going to swap decks if you sell the older F ? This is one way to get a new owner in the fold.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

My main reason for doing a transaction is to get a 72" rear discharge for both Fs. My older F has 111 hours on it with rear discharge deck so plan was to put the new 15 hour side discharge deck on it and send it to NC but interested party wants a 60" deck. It just so happens that Barlows has a 60" deck and will maybe/probably trade it to the 72" deck making all parties happy.
Planning the delivery to North western NC soooo any buyers for Kubotas or implements from Barlows that are around that area, step up (call, email, drive) and make your purchase and share delivery costs.:thumbsup:

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Rear wheels now turn with the steering wheel after a new steering servo motor was installed. Took it to Barlows yesterday and picked it up this morning and mowed most of my yard. Steers like it should now. Turn wheel right and it goes right and turn wheel left and it goes left.
I took my deck off yesterday and just took the machine in and hooked the deck back up today. Believe I could do it again in less than 5 minutes. Pull 2 levers to lock open position on back of deck, pull drive shaft ring and pull drive shaft from machine, pull one paperclip size clip to release shock from arms and then pull 2 main pins holding lift arms to deck and there it is. Leave, come back, drop arms to fit in slots on deck, insert 2 pins and retaining rings in pins, hook shock arm back with retaining clip wire, push drive shaft back in until it definitely clicks into place then release two retaining pins on the back of deck into holes and drive off.

 

[TailDragon]

Glad to hear your problem was solved.
Will keep it in mind if I ever have troubles. Worked evenings last week, missing out on the first week of no rain. Could have been mowing on my newest F3680. At least they should get my trusses sandblasted and painted. Would like to get my hanger/garage finished before fall. Still trying to find the time to come up and work on my farm property up there.
What have you heard about the future of the F series after JAN 2014 when the latest emissions standards are applied to our machines?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Glad to hear your problem was solved.
Will keep it in mind if I ever have troubles. Worked evenings last week, missing out on the first week of no rain. Could have been mowing on my newest F3680. At least they should get my trusses sandblasted and painted. Would like to get my hanger/garage finished before fall. Still trying to find the time to come up and work on my farm property up there.
What have you heard about the future of the F series after JAN 2014 when the latest emissions standards are applied to our machines?

I'll ask Barlows tomorrow about 2014 changes but I haven't heard anything.