Kubota B3350 tractor regeneration problems

[NC Plotter]

BTW, I want to thank the members who responded to this thread, especially the specific information given by ljvsdk51 about the break charts. My machine was in break C, but still needed the dozer/reformer replaced. Armed with this specific information, I was able to ask the right questions to get the service department digging into the service bulletin attachments from Kubota. I believe this is what brought to their attention that there was a mandatory campaign with service updates that were supposed to be done. I don't want to reflect negatively on the dealer, but clearly they were unaware of this, because when I first called, they told me they had just spent the week "fixing" the other B3350 machine they had sold - and had NOT done the repairs indicated in the bulletin. These updates SHOULD have been completed before the machines ever left the dealer, but as of the day I called, they were still unaware of the solution. Several phone calls later, it seemed they had gotten up to speed. Thanks to you, my machine as well as the other individual's are (at least) updated according to what Kubota believes is the solution at this time.

 

[ljvsdk51]

I am glad that you were able to put the information to good use. That was one of the reasons that I wanted to get that information out there - so that other Kubota customers as well as other Kubota dealer personnel who are members, could get up to speed on this problem that was unique to just one very specific model of Kubota tractor (or to be more accurate, the problem being specifically limited to the Reformer DPF emission control system, which was originally designed for use with the small displacement diesel engines used in Kubota's small, compact, track excavators, and then adapted for use on the small displacement dei in the B3350 compact tractor and F3990 commercial mower).

In partial defense of your dealer, the Kubota Corporation followed the same procedure that most manufacturers have been using in the paperless, electronic information age, which was to post the service bulletin about the Reformer system problems and its attachment updates at the top of the service bulletin section of the dealer portal website, with links to download the PDF version of the documents. It was not released with any specific fanfare and was not broadcast in any special way or sent individually to any specific person(s) within each dealership. That being said, it puts the onus on each dealer to have a person or persons assigned to regularly check the portal for new bulletins. It also makes a difference if the dealer is located within a region that has a proactive Kubota territory service representative to help them stay on top of such developments.

Sometimes, when all else fails, it takes the "voice of the customer" asking questions to get the ball rolling.

 

[sandyc]

I would like to echo the thanks for the good info about the dpf. I bought a new/demo 3350 that has been upgraded with all the bells and whistles. Operated for about 10 hours with no regen yet. Keeping the idle up when I'm out of the cab setting choker chains I'm using for cleaning up winter damages to many trees. So far so good. My tractor requires that you push the auto button after starting the tractor. A bit different from the new units that default to auto upon starting. Still trying to get the manual pages that explain the older dpf ops.
I like the extra power that the 33 has for pulling stumps and digging top soil out for lawn work that needs to get done. Wish me luck!

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[abcuster]

So, I am deciding between the B2650HSDC and B3350HSDC (factory cab) for forestry work, occasional landscaping duties, and front mount snow blower duty on a relatively step driveway. I was considering the B3350 until stumbling upon this thread. From the last few pages, however, can I assume that this issue is likely resolved with currently ordered units? Ugh....

 

[sandyc]

I think Kubota got a handle on this. The 33 hp four cylinder motor has a bunch of torque and and in my short time owning same is worth it. I trust that Kubota will stand behind their product.

 

[NC Plotter]

Don't assume anything… Other than the DPF problem, I like my 3350. But if I was buying one again, I would ask a hundred questions about that tier IV system and make absolutely sure the dealer was aware of the service bulletins and get documented proof that the updated system was on the machine.

Now if I could get the same tractor without all of that junk - that would be even better.

 

[liteship]

Having gone through my 10 month experience with the B3350, I would tread very carefully before buying one now. I wonder how well informed the dealers are in the progress the Kubota Corporation has made in creating a permanent fix to the regeneration issues. If I were in your shoes now, I would write a letter to Kubota US Headquarters, cite the well known problems associated with the B3350, and ask them for some assurances that they have found a permanent fix. Kubota Corporation would certainly be in the best position to know. To me, a response from them saying that they guaranty their products would not be good enough if you want a useable tractor from the get go..

I wish I could tell you that the B2650 will meet your needs, but I have not personally had enough experience with mine to be able to recommend it. I use mine on my 30 acres with a front mounted snow blower with a moderately steep 500 foot driveway. It worked fine with the 2 storms (6 inches plus) I dealt with toward the end of the season. I use the loader for moving gravel and loam. Also for forestry cleanup with storm damage. So far, so good. As far as the power difference, I have not noticed anything significant yet, but I have not used it long either.

 

[sandyc]

Hopefully Kubota has got their act together. My dealer told me that the 3350 that I bought a couple of weeks ago has had all the updates..I got my fingers crossed as I really want that tractor to workout. Put over 10 hours so far and no regen yet. I'm keeping the idle up (1500 prox ) when I'm out of the tractor. Most of my hours will be moving/blowing snow so I'll give it a good cold weather work out!

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[abcuster]

Thanks for the input guys. Difference in price aside, and as liteship has mentioned, how noticeable is the power difference? I'm concerned about the load of the cab heater, and HP needed to blow snow up a steep driveway. Will there be that much difference given a heavy dense snow? Also, has anyone seen engine specs and compared fuel consumption rates? I assume the 4 cyl burns more fuel, but is the Tier IV more fuel efficient than the 3 cyl Tier III?

 

[sandyc]

Even though I bought a 3350 and have yet to use it for snow, I think the 26 hp would serve you well for snow removal. I used my 2620 that I traded for the 3350 for three years for snow removal and it worked like a champ. It would hardly bog down in the heaviest of snow. You just adjust the forward speed with the hst pedal to suit the conditions. The heater should not be much of a draw on the system as the alternator is the same as the 33 hp model. I haven't run the 3350 enough to get a feel for fuel consumption. The only difference I can see between the two models is that the 33 hp has way more torque and is a bit smoother because of the 4 cylinders. Other than that I would say that economics and willingness to play in the tier 4 realm would be the main factors to choose between the two. In my case I got a VERY good deal on a new/demo unit that had had dpf problems and was traded off by a dissatisfied customer. Don't believe it was litship's unit as I am way south of where he lives. The price was right and as well as having low hours it was considered by Kubota as being new for warranty status and financing. As I have indicated previously, my dealer has said that all the upgrades on the dpf have been done.....hopefully I am not being too naïve. Time will tell. You should do well on either unit.