Kubota B series Weakness?

BubbaJr · Jun 11, 2003

I have a B2910, and the only real complaint I have with it is the @#%^&@ way you have to pin up the Mid Mount Mower. I have the 72" deck, and it is a REAL hemorrhoid to attach it to the brackets so you can use the 3PH and leave the mower deck attached. I even made a single bar to go through both brackets and the mower deck mounts, and it's still a bear to get pinned up or to release it. There has to be a better way !!!

I'm not real fond of the hydro pedals either, but that's because of my big feet, and I just make the best of it. Other than that, it's the smartest money I ever spent, and I love it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

gkk2001 · Jun 11, 2003

Bubba, On your mower deck issue, I tried a MMM with my JD4100 and felt the same....just too much of a hassel with the MMM so I immediately returned it to the dealer and exchanged for rear finish mower. It cost me some to do this but the dealer treated me well in the deal.

Chief · Jun 13, 2003

qkk2001, The electronics are the wave of the future. If well cared for they are not but occasionally an issue. Kubota with their 30 Series tractors is introducing more electronics. If you want a simple tractor, you go with a 790 or 990 John Deere or perhaps if you want to buy a cheaper brand a Jinma. Personally I love the Motion Match, Load Match, Cruise Control, and other electronic features of my 4410. Makes my use of the tractor a joy. The electronics are not as complicated as they seem. Mostly either a sensor or the ehydro computer. I would suggest you thoroughly check out a 4310 or 4410 before you dismiss them. The Kubota 30 series seem like a nice tractor as well but they have the electronics too.

gusg · Jun 15, 2003

I have a B7500HST. There are several things that I would like to see.

1. A different color for the hydro dipstick. It is very hard to see the fluid on that yellow one.

2. A better location for the oil dipstick. I can take it out and put it in with the side panel on but it should be easier.

3. A better operators manual.

4. An idiot light for idiots (like me sometimes) that forget to take the parking brake off and proceed to do some loader work with it on. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

5. Stronger headlights. I like the round look but they are not very bright.

6. Same 3PT linkages as the 2710/2910.

7. Same seat as the 2710/2910. I would be willing to pay the extra $150 for the seat.

8. Position control. I hope when they get around to redesigning the 7500 that they add it.

Yes that is a lot but I am very happy with my 7500. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

gkk2001 · Jun 16, 2003

Thanks again, alot of good comments. I had no idea this would turn into such a long thread that may not be over.
It is good to hear these honest reviews of the tractors.

And I would love to hear Kubota's answer for why the brakes are on the same side as the throttle pedal. That one definately makes no sense.
On the electronics, I have to grudingly admit, their here to stay and we will probably see more, not less. So maybe I will stay green and look at the 4210/4310 a little more seriously.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

robertm · Jun 17, 2003

gusg,

Gotta agree. Luv my B7500, but share the dipstic issues...

The hydro stick is a pain. Ever noticed that when you check the hydro fluid before you use it (cold) the level is "low", but if you put the stick right back in and check it again it is "full?" I think that the when the fluid is hot, it expands, but overnight when it cools, it creates a vacuum in the case that causes the fluid to be "supressed", so the dipstick has no fluid on it. Then, taking out the dipstick releases the vacuum (I can hear the air rush in the dipstick tube) an the fluid level rises. Hey, I just answered my own question... Could the vent tube be plugged? Well, maybe someone else can benefit from this!

Also, sure wish I had the position control. I've been playing with trading up to the 2710, but with only 50 hours on my B7500, I'm feeling a little stupid. Then the dealer tells me not to waste the money, but to go to the 3130. Then I feel a little "stupider" as that tractor might look a little large on 2 acres.

Yes, would pay 150 for the nicer seat, too. Looks like the bolt patterns are the same. Thinking about making the mod... soon. Anyone done it?

Waiting to wear out the clips that hold on the side panels. A pain to remove every time you check the oil!

Overall, spent some time with the FEL this weekend (the LA272 - wish I'd got the 302, but the dealer !@#$% me!) to remove some sod, then the Land Pride 1572 rear blade to level for a play system for Junior... Man! I love my B7500! I will always wish I had a few more bells and whistles, but with all my research at the time I bought the unit last summer, I feel Kubota couldn't really have done much better for the size and the price of the unit.

5030 · Jun 17, 2003

I have a much bigger tractor than you, but I do have a couple of peeves. After all, big or small, they all come from the same company.
1. On my last Kubota, a 3710, the UDT level was easily checked with a sight glass on the rear housing. The 5030 has a dipstick. The dipstick is chromated (yellow) and the UDT is essentially clear so it's hard to tell the level. A sight galss would be much better.
2. On the 5030 Cab model, it is extremely hard to add UDT as the filler is up under the rear of the cab. It needs a filler neck of sorts.
3. On the 5030, there is no light on the dash indicating 4wd mode. The lever is down on the left and it's hard to see what position it's in.

gusg · Jun 17, 2003

I saw some pictures a while back where I believe it was TRESCOWS that put an aftermarket seat on his B7500 from TSC. Looked nice but I don't believe it was a suspension type. I will try and find the post and reply to this message.

BTW, I am able to check my oil without removing the side panel. I can reach down and grab it and then get it to the hole and push it in. I've only taken the side panel off twice, once to check the oil the first time until I realized I could do it without pulling it and when I recently did my 50 hour maintenance to change the oil filter.

gusg · Jun 17, 2003

Sorry it was cchoate not TRESCOWS. Here is the link to the photo. If the link doesn't work then do a search for "customization" in all forums for all posts and it is on the second page. I believe the seat is about $125 if it is the one from TSC I am thinking of. He also did some other things if you are interested. I believe he also devised a way to add a crude form of position control.

B7500 seat photo

B6200 · Jun 18, 2003

Hi, I own a B6200 with 750 hrs on it . I have owned it since new bought in 1986. This has been the best machine I have ever owned. It has paid for itself twice. And is like my right arm. I would never part with it. All machines do have falts and I think the charging system is barely able to do the job of maintaining the battery. In cold weather the system is further taxed by longer preheat times and running work lights that the charging system cannot keep up with. Also the FEL has a weakness no replaceable bushings. Dirt accumulates in the bottom bucket arm cavity between the bucket and pivot point. I made oversized pins and reamed all cylinders and holes in the bucket .070over. Routine maintenance is key and the better it is done the longer the machine lasts. I have never had trouble with my parking brake! If I were to buy a new Kubota the only thing I would get different would be a hydrostat instead of gear drive.