Kubota 3PL is too tight.

[Thetractorfiddler]

Hi all, new member here. I recently picked up a 2nd hand kubota L245 for some yard work and firebreaks. The big problem is the darn 3PL is so tight it can't lower and STRUGGLES to raise.

It's not the hydraulic release knob by the seat, that was the first thing I checked (after a tertiary google) so I pulled the top off and had a look, the piston and 'crank?' Both move freely and easily but the shaft the arms hang on is INSANELY tight. As in, with the whole top section sitting on my bench top, I can't move it with anything less then a big hammer. I'm wondering if it could be corrosion in the tube or is it possible the control arms are just pushed together too tight?

 

[Mike1955]

Could they have put to much weight on it at one time and maybe warped or bent the part the lift arms attach to?

 

[Thetractorfiddler]

Could they have put to much weight on it at one time and maybe warped or bent the part the lift arms attach to?

That's possible, unfortunately I know nothing of this old girls history. I tried getting the arms off the shaft but to no avail. The bolts that clamp down on the shift seem to be corroded in and won't release. I didn't want to but I may have to use my oxy/acetylene torch to heat them up and break em loose.

 

[Mike1955]

That's possible, unfortunately I know nothing of this old girls history. I tried getting the arms off the shaft but to no avail. The bolts that clamp down on the shift seem to be corroded in and won't release. I didn't want to but I may have to use my oxy/acetylene torch to heat them up and break em loose.

From what you said, it’s free everywhere else. Those thing are probably on a spline shaft. Not much way to soak them or put a puller on them. I have never seen that issue before. Sorry I can’t benefit sometimes it generates ideas to just discuss it

 

[Thetractorfiddler]

Update,

I've put a rotary hoe/tiller on the back and it's heavy enough to make it raise and drop. I'm hoping if it's just corrosion it'll free up a bit with use. If it's bent who knows. Might just save some penny's and buy a new bobcat or something later

 

[CalG]

Hi all, new member here. I recently picked up a 2nd hand kubota L245 for some yard work and firebreaks. The big problem is the darn 3PL is so tight it can't lower and STRUGGLES to raise.

It's not the hydraulic release knob by the seat, that was the first thing I checked (after a tertiary google) so I pulled the top off and had a look, the piston and 'crank?' Both move freely and easily but the shaft the arms hang on is INSANELY tight. As in, with the whole top section sitting on my bench top, I can't move it with anything less then a big hammer. I'm wondering if it could be corrosion in the tube or is it possible the control arms are just pushed together too tight?

Hmm... No greasers?

Some one dropped the ball.
I would consider drilling .tapping and adding greasers.

 

[Thetractorfiddler]

Hmm... No greasers?

Some one dropped the ball.
I would consider drilling .tapping and adding greasers.

Thats a great idea thanks. The one problem being it's a splined shaft right through except the contact points are some sort of sleeve or bush. Though I suppose if the bush jams up on the shaft it can just turn on the grease in between the bush and housing.

I must agree kubota did kinda drop the ball on a few of the design choices. Ie, to drop the engine oil there are 2 sump bungs, the transmission has 3 bungs... the steering box runs in oil but you appear to have to remove the dash to fill it... just odd choices everywhere.

 

[Mike1955]

That’s the new world. Use to be simple

 

[ptsg]

The entire rockshaft housing is open to the inside of the transmission, so when the tractor is working, it splashes oil all over the splined shaft. I imagine the PTO gears may also have a big part on this.

Now, if the previous owner didn't use the 3 pt or PTO for a long time (some owners never actually use it somehow), I can see how moisture might gather up there and start rusting things out. Also, if the tractor happens to have been sitting a lot.

 

[5030]

steering box runs in oil but you appear to have to remove the dash to fill it... just odd choices everywhere.

No, it don't. The 'steering box' as you call it is an orbital valve that uses hydraulic fluid to actuate the steering. You don't even want to fiddle with it as there are no consumer rebuild kits and it's quite expensive to replace.

Far as the multiple fluid drains, they are there so you can drain the lower parts of the gearcase and my tractors have a split sump with 2 drain plugs because the FWA driveshaft runs between them. All that way for a good reason and sound engineering as well.

Far as the rockshaft is concerned (what you are referring to btw, don't be drilling the casting and adding 'greaser' fittings to it or you will most likely destroy it. The inability of the upper arms not to raise and lower properly is most likely the needle valve that controls the rise and fall rate has some crud in it. That is what the knob attaches to. Remove the needle valve, clean it and replace it and I suspect your issues will be gone. While you are at it, change the gearbox / hydrostat fluid as well and use Kubota SUDT or SUDT2 and not the cheap Tractor Supply junk either. Kubota hydrostats are very touchy when it comes to fluids. Change the filters as well and if there is a strainer on the hard line, remove and clean it as well.