If it follows me home, Can I keep it ?

Inspector507 · Nov 25, 2003

Mark,
What I was told on my Yanmar, the compression release kept the exhaust valves (or maybe some other type of valve) open while you cranked it. The whole purpose is to get the oil pressure up to "operating range". Then when you release it, normal compression takes over and it starts.

Jerry

sandyc · Nov 25, 2003

The post following mine explains the compression release. I think the companies wanted a mechanical "assist" for starting that would not involve ether spray which can detonate and cause things like holes in pistons. Although I can recall using an awful lot of that spray ether to start engines in cold weather.
The glow plugs and compression release should start it in the coldest weather. I would suggest that you see if you can get a manual to make sure that the nuances of that tractor are understood. I had a Kubota that started by turning the key and holding it until the glow plug light went off. On my 2200 you are supposed to count to four or five (on a cold day) and then start it. Just little differences that can jump up and bite you.

Once you get to the point of offering the beast for sale you might want to try E-Bay or sell thru consignment at a Kubota dealer.

In any event, good luck with the project. The next time I am going to Moultonboro I'll drop you a note. Have a great Thanksgiving!

sandyc · Nov 25, 2003

Mark;
Just had another thought (that's dangerous) you might want to drain the old fuel out and put in some fresh with a good fuel conditioner. Might preclude gelling and fungus.
See ya

RobertN · Nov 26, 2003

"Decompression Knob"
To assist in cold weather starting, or starting with a weak battery, the following prrocedure should be used:
= Set throttle to proper starting position
=Preheat engine
=Pull out the decompression knob
=Engage starter and allow engine rpm to build
=While cranking engine, push decompression knob back in to allow engine to start

That's what the manual says /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I got a new seat yesterday. The dealer had a B8200 sitting on the lot, with a Kubota backhoe on it. Cool...

Mark_in_NH · Nov 26, 2003

Thanks guys,
I have a fairly good understanding of what it is and what it does now. And RobertN "per manual" discription of how to use it seems pretty straight forward. I will try it out of curiosity next time. I do know that when the engine is running, pulling the compression release knob will kill the engine. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Anyway. Next ?
I have received a ballpark figure for a ROPS of $600 /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif It seems like a lot of $$. I would have thought that if the Manufacture was trying to get people to buy them and install them for the safety and liability factor, they would be selling them at a much more reasonable price. Or do you think this ballpark $ figure is bogus ?

BillG_in_TX · Nov 26, 2003

Mark,

Search for posts about Kubota ROPS. I bought one from a Kubota dealer for $148 aand installed it myself. Several others have been down the same road, with varying degrees of help/roadblocks from their local dealers.

Kubota has a ROPS program where they encourage retrofitting of older tractors. They actually pay the dealer to do the installation, and the owner should only pay the listed price. For the B8200, that would be $148. You may have to print out the information pages and coupon and take it with you to the dealer.

edit: I looked up a previous discussion for you. Particulary note what "equipman" has to say. He's with the largest Kubota dealer in North Texas. By the way, when researching this subject, I stopped in at one of this dealer's locations, and they were clueless (or worse) and I had to go to another dealer to get my ROPS. Good luck.

Mark_in_NH · Nov 27, 2003

Happy Thanksgiving everybody. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

All of this information and input has been very benificial. Thank you one and all.
I got a confirmed cost of a ROPS of $320 prepaid and I still install it.
I have also been to the Kubota website and printed out the ROPS program information and certificate. You can bet that I will be calling my local dealer (s) tomarrow and politely enlighten them.
I have taken the finish mower off and have driven the tractor (played with) around the yard.
I keep trying to find a practical reason to keep it. But there isn't one. If I wind up keeping it, and I may, it will truly be because it's a cool little tractor and I like it. I don't know what the he!! i'll do with it, but I like it. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

sandyc · Nov 27, 2003

Keeping an old tractor (substitute other equipment) is why we have to have barns and or large garages. Keeps the garage builders in business and keeps us off the streets and out of the bars!

Mark_in_NH · Nov 28, 2003

Does anyone have a phone number for Kubota. I have called my one of my local dealers and one of the salesman is telling me that the Kubota information is somewhat incorrect and that by the time that shipping etc. is added the cost of the ROPS is around $320. I can't imagine for the life of me that that ROPS is going to cost $172 for S+H. I would like to call Kubota and make some inquiry's on my own.
I am somewhat peeved /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif that Kubota doesn't seem to list an addess or any phone numbers on their website. Maybe I just missed them.