Kubota Excavator
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nobull1
Gold Member
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- Feb 7, 2004
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- 430
- Location
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Tractor
- '02 Kubota L4300/'04 Kubota KX91-3 '54 International Cub
Thanks for the complement.I have to agree on the mechanical thumb but I already had this one so I thought I might as well use it.One of my next projects will be to add a hydraulic cylinder to the thumb as the lines are already in place.The 121 is a nice machine but just a little too big for my purposes and trailer.
OP
nobull1
Gold Member
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2004
- Messages
- 430
- Location
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Tractor
- '02 Kubota L4300/'04 Kubota KX91-3 '54 International Cub
Blake,
I just purchased it 10 days ago it's a 2004 model c/w new car smell /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I just purchased it 10 days ago it's a 2004 model c/w new car smell /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
That's the BEST! I love the "new car small..." The rental company I work for, just bought a new JD 120 and 160 and 200 and they smell so nice, well now they don't but they did....I hate to get them dirty. I don't know why the contractors have to open all the dang windows cuz the machines have AC and all it does is gets the inside so dusty and not new looking....lol /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Blake
WA
Blake
WA
OP
nobull1
Gold Member
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2004
- Messages
- 430
- Location
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Tractor
- '02 Kubota L4300/'04 Kubota KX91-3 '54 International Cub
Just a little update on the KX91-3.As of the other day I have the steel tracks installed on the excavator /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifThe delivery time for the tracks was from the purchase date till the other day /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif.Now I can say that I have had experience with both types of tracks,even though the rubber was not by choice.My first observation with the rubber was they are very quiet and smooth /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif.The rest of the story is downhill from there.The tracks have very little traction, pushing power and the long term reliability is suspect[had issues from day one].If I was to purchase another machine I would not buy with rubber tracks and would have the steel in my hand before I left the dealer.Now I believe that my tracks were defective right from day one and maybe even had defects before I took delivery. At the dealer level they couldn't have been better and went far and beyond what they had to do.They called and got delivery dates[which came and went a few times /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif].They also talked about the problem with the rubber tracks to the powers that be and voiced their opinion.I still am waiting for a answer 2 months gone by.The person who has authority in this issue won't be back until after the new year to this area[he was here a couple weeks ago and didn't have time to see my problem /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif].I myself have talked to HQ and had a couple of very good conversations with some people of authority.The problem is they haven't dealt with the issues in a timely manner.As I have said the dealer went far and beyond and was dealing with issues out of their control.Dealing with HQ is something that few would have to do,and would think would be a easy endevour.You would think after reading this that I am quite unhappy.The truth is I couldn't be happier with my machine,now that it is equipped with what I needed in the first place.I believe the machine to be second to none in quality, excluding rubber tracks.The dealer couldn't be better in sales and service.The problem is 3.5 months to get tracks in my book unacceptable.You now have to wonder about parts supply?Dealing with issues with HQ has taken way too long and just get the feeling they hope you go away.I am in the process of writing another letter as requested to the powers that be and wait to see the result.I will keep this thread updated with the results good or bad.Now a few of my observations of the machine.The power of the drive motors is quite strong and plenty of power for this size machine.The bucket breakout force is powerful,and the hydraulics are smooth and respond with good feel on the joysticks.The suspension seat is great and should be standard on all machines.The grease fittings are well placed and recessed to prevent breaking for the most part and takes minimal amount of time to grease.A couple of small things that could have been included IMO are a stopper for the window to keep it open and a fan to behind your head to keep the dust and flies out of your face as well as a breeze.
LandscapeMan
Member
What type of problems did you have with the rubber tracks?
You mentioned that they were defective and had long term reliability problems. My experience with rubber tracks has been they have been pretty bullet proof on my machines.
I have never had a track failure. But I imagine they would be very pricey to replace.
Charlie
You mentioned that they were defective and had long term reliability problems. My experience with rubber tracks has been they have been pretty bullet proof on my machines.
I have never had a track failure. But I imagine they would be very pricey to replace.
Charlie
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nobull1
Gold Member
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2004
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- 430
- Location
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Tractor
- '02 Kubota L4300/'04 Kubota KX91-3 '54 International Cub
Charlie,
After the first couple of hours I saw a couple of lateral cuts between the lugs,on the area furthest from the ground.Theses didn't appear to be cut from the anything I was driving over and the two I first noticed as I already said were lateral.Other than driving on razor blades I have no idea how I could have damaged them.I am the only driver and was trying to be careful as to not damage them so I could have a spare set of tracks to sell or use when my steel tracks came in.Upon closer inspection I found quite a few cracks in the tracks mostly laterals below the lugs.This is all with about 15 hours on the machine.I mentioned this to the dealer and when they seen them at the 50 hour service they agreed it did not look right.By the time I hit 75 hours I wouldn't do jobs because the tracks were so bad I thought they were going to fail and leave me stranded.Can you imagine possibly having to purchase new rubber tracks to replace the ones on the machine with less than 100 hours.And the problem was I didn't even want rubber tracks but they took 3.5 months to get the steel ones.I truly believe these tracks were defective from day one and a short amount of use really made it show.If I hadn't been the one using the machine myself I probably would have blamed the driver /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.But when you try to be careful and they go like these have there is a problem.I myself think there was a bad batch of tracks from bridgestone with possibly too soft a rubber compound.It will be curious in the end to see what Kubota says.If they are defective fine these things happen.Taking forever to deal with it is not good,kind of disappointing /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif.Now if they say it is driver error "well"I don't believe that and wonder how they hold up for rental shops with people who never ran one before /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif and don't care /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.The cost of these tracks is approx $2000.00 cdn each list.I am thankfull I have my steel tracks now and can do jobs without worry of premature failure and a possible bill of between $2-4000.00.I might mention that if a person was to purchase one with rubber tracks you better go over them with a fine tooth comb and refuse delivery if anything looks not right.It's a lot easier to deal with it before you buy than later.In the end it will be interesting to see what happens and I will keep all informed.Too bad as this is the only thing that spoils a great machine.Anybody can sell you a machine but when you have issues how they are dealt with tells a lot about the company you are dealing with.
After the first couple of hours I saw a couple of lateral cuts between the lugs,on the area furthest from the ground.Theses didn't appear to be cut from the anything I was driving over and the two I first noticed as I already said were lateral.Other than driving on razor blades I have no idea how I could have damaged them.I am the only driver and was trying to be careful as to not damage them so I could have a spare set of tracks to sell or use when my steel tracks came in.Upon closer inspection I found quite a few cracks in the tracks mostly laterals below the lugs.This is all with about 15 hours on the machine.I mentioned this to the dealer and when they seen them at the 50 hour service they agreed it did not look right.By the time I hit 75 hours I wouldn't do jobs because the tracks were so bad I thought they were going to fail and leave me stranded.Can you imagine possibly having to purchase new rubber tracks to replace the ones on the machine with less than 100 hours.And the problem was I didn't even want rubber tracks but they took 3.5 months to get the steel ones.I truly believe these tracks were defective from day one and a short amount of use really made it show.If I hadn't been the one using the machine myself I probably would have blamed the driver /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.But when you try to be careful and they go like these have there is a problem.I myself think there was a bad batch of tracks from bridgestone with possibly too soft a rubber compound.It will be curious in the end to see what Kubota says.If they are defective fine these things happen.Taking forever to deal with it is not good,kind of disappointing /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif.Now if they say it is driver error "well"I don't believe that and wonder how they hold up for rental shops with people who never ran one before /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif and don't care /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.The cost of these tracks is approx $2000.00 cdn each list.I am thankfull I have my steel tracks now and can do jobs without worry of premature failure and a possible bill of between $2-4000.00.I might mention that if a person was to purchase one with rubber tracks you better go over them with a fine tooth comb and refuse delivery if anything looks not right.It's a lot easier to deal with it before you buy than later.In the end it will be interesting to see what happens and I will keep all informed.Too bad as this is the only thing that spoils a great machine.Anybody can sell you a machine but when you have issues how they are dealt with tells a lot about the company you are dealing with.
LandscapeMan
Member
Cuts showing up after a couple of hours of use, sounds like a problem. I have Bridgestone tracks also. 3 years and 600 hrs.
There are a few cuts towards the very outer edge. But the track rubber tread is not noticably worn down. I have seen machines with 3K>5K hours still on the original rubber tracks.
Hopefully Kubota will take care of you.
Keep us posted.
Charlie
There are a few cuts towards the very outer edge. But the track rubber tread is not noticably worn down. I have seen machines with 3K>5K hours still on the original rubber tracks.
Hopefully Kubota will take care of you.
Keep us posted.
Charlie
