Kubota L35 TLB 3 point hitch wont move after long period of not being used

landonL35 · Nov 27, 2016

I have a Kubota L35 35hp TLB that I recently removed the backhoe to use the 3 point hitch for the first time in many years. There is a Backhoe/3pt diverter (it runs on hydraulics on this model, not PTO) valve that I have moved to the correct position and I have turned the 3pt lowering speed valve to the extreme in both directions and several points in between. I also reconnected the hose from the backhoe back to the tractor correctly. The hitch wont budge! I was hoping someone here could give me some pointers to try before I take it to the mechanic. I'm thinking I am missing something simple

Only other relevant information I can think of... The backhoe has several leaks and and I had to add quite a bit of fluid back to the tractor when I removed the backhoe. It has a recent new hyrdraulic pump, fresh fluid (UDT) and filter. The rest of the hydraulics including the FEL and Backhoe work fine, other than the aforementioned leaks.

THanks in advance!

rmk700 · Nov 27, 2016

Just to be clear, your saying the 3 point arms are not going up or down when moving the 3pt lever?

Does the lever move super freely? Wondering if the linkage has come apart or broken.

Edit; The direction valve should be pulled out for 3pt. Maybe try pushing it in and back out a couple times. Also try reving the rpm' s up while moving lever and see if it moves.

landonL35 · Nov 27, 2016

You are correct, the arms are not going up or down. THe direction valve is pulled out and I even reached inside and moved it in and out directly (bypassing the lever) to make sure it was moving to the limits. I have tried varying the RPMs to no avail. The height lever moves pretty freely. I will check the linkage there, as that is something I have not looked at.

Good to see another L35 user here on the forum! This one was inherited from my dad, and sat for a while, but always starts and runs like a top! It is very tough, handy machine. Mine is just starting to show some age with hydraulic leaks, and especially in the backhoe.

rmk700 · Nov 27, 2016

Yeah, they are tough. Mines a 1995 and runs like its new.

I hope its not internal. Can't think of much else, but be sure to post the reason after you find out.

Good luck.

landonL35 · Nov 27, 2016

Yeah I hope its something simple. Would be great if its something simple like a pin or something in the linkage as suggested.

I believe mine is a 95 also. 2000 hours. Have you looked into installing a skid steer quick attach for the front bucket? It would be great to have an easy way to get forks or root rake/grapple on there!

rmk700 · Nov 27, 2016

I did but it started getting into more money than I wanted to spend and ended up just getting some bolt on forks.
Amazon.com: 1 Forged Clamp on Pallet Fork 6 lb Capacity Skidsteer Tractor Loader Bucket: Home Improvement

Quick attach would be nice though.

robstaples · Nov 27, 2016

Are the arms up? My l39 has a slow lower adjustment under the seat that had my arms up and won't go down. Mine seems to use gravity to lower and without weight , they stayed up. I had it adjusted to slow lower a chipper and with nothing on 3pt, I couldn't lower.

landonL35 · Nov 28, 2016

They are in the up position and I have the same adjuster. I have put all my 200 lbs on mine as my son worked the lever... lol. I would think that would be enough to at least make it budge. Im not sure how I can actually put the rotary cutter on with them in the up position??