How to remove dash L3200

[Mike from MI]

I want to remove dash to add switches for LED's. I can not figure out how to remove dash. I've removed two bolts that I can see one top center and one bottom center, can't find any other bolts to remove. I don't know if there are clips or what else is holding dash from coming free, don't want to start yanking on it and brake something. My WSM is no help.
I'm also open to any ideas for mounting switches else where.

Thanks Mike

 

[s219]

I put switches for my LED lights at the back of the tractor in a small watertight box. I started a thread about it here:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/299822-l3200-work-lights.html?highlight=

The wiring for the work light circuit is in the rear left fender anyhow, so that's the easiest place to pick up the circuit, add switches, and then run wiring to lights mounted on the ROPS. I understand the appeal of having dash switches, but that would involve going way "around" the existing setup for work lights on the tractor, especially if they are mounted on the ROPS.

 

[s219]

By the way, I think you will need to pull the steering wheel to get the dash cover off. I added another wire to the accessory lug on the key switch when I wired in bucket/backup cameras on my L3200, and spent a lot of time working under/around the dash. I did not see a convenient way to pull the dash off without making a major project out of it. You can pull the rubber boot from around the steering column for easy reach/visual access to the space. Between that and looking up from underneath, I don't see a real big benefit from pulling the dash.

 

[Mike from MI]

s219
That's a outstanding set up thinking that's the way I'm going to go. Where did you find the box?
Thanks for the outstanding info and quick response.

 

[s219]

s219
That's a outstanding set up thinking that's the way I'm going to go. Where did you find the box?
Thanks for the outstanding info and quick response.

That's a standard electrical watertight box you can get at Lowes/Home Depot/etc. Lots of sizes, I used a 4x4x2. They usually have mounting "ears", which are easily cut off.

I believe I got that box from Home Depot because their version did not have a logo molded on the front -- was nice and flat. The one at Lowes had a logo, and would have been a pain to deal with when mounting the switches.

If I recall, the switches were SeaChoice brand for about $7 from my local Ace hardware, which has a small selection of boat stuff. I had seen identical switches at West Marine under another brand name for $19, so be careful not to overpay when buying marine switches.

 

[Mike from MI]

Thanks PM sent

 

[varmint]

If your L3200 is similar to my L3400, there's enough room to cut from the top, (after carefully looking up from below with a flashlite!) to install switches without pulling the dash off. It's plenty open to below to install wires, etc. By the way, the steering wheel will come off by removing a nut and pulling it carefully- not that hard to do- no airbags to worry about. By all means, use the factory installed wires for rear work lites- just know they aren't switched, just wired off a special fuse circuit which you can interrupt with a switch or switch/relay if you aren't using low wattage LED lights.

 

[Fallon]

L3400 looks different than my L3200. I just about made this post this weekend...

You need to remove the 2 grey panels below the hood. They cover a bolt on each side. The bolts point across the tractor at each other. Just on the engine side of the dash just under the grey panels. There are 2 bug nubs on the dash cowl that slide through the "firewall". The 2 aforementioned bolts secure these nubs. There is a bolt over the tach & under the steering wheel.

Remove the steering wheel cap & unbolt. I had to use a gear puller to pop it free. I pulled the cowl off without removing the handle on the throttle, but removed it at a later point for further fitting & reinstall. Think I had to put the throttle at max too.

There are 3 plugs if I remember. 2 bigger ones with wire on both sides so you have room to maneuver. The plug on the hazards is a pain & I could never get it. I just squeezed the top & bottom of the switch to pop it out of dash then disconnected it.

 

[Mike from MI]

Great info.

Thanks Mike

 

[varmint]

I found some photos of L3200's, and Fallon was right on! Totally different. I was just guessing, and it didn't help. Sounds like a bit of a project.