Kubota PTO engagement design

[JC-jetro]

Howdy all,

I wished Kubota would have on-line access for parts breakdown on their website same as what you find with Deere and NH/Ford. that's a great way to look at the innards of the tractor to make decision. I don't know why they keep that type of information close to their chest. Okay, enough of ranting, I'm looking for a relatively up to date design but not a lot of fuss, Live PTO and Hydraulics and FWA. I don't like fancy electronics like grand L's but do like FST transmission. I prefer gear but like to have shuttle transmission (powered) for loader work, I'd like to be have a quick attach bucket of some sort so I can rig up different things on the loader, I'd like for sure to have under chassis front loader mount as well to keep the twisting at bay, and I certainly do not like the cheesy pto coupler used on L-3400's rather than simple and robust sliding gear coupling system. I certainly like wet clutch for the PTO but it is not offered in L-3400.

What are my options with Kubota L-3400? Can you get Grand L's with less electronics ?

Thanks for your input.

JC,

This PTO coupler on L-3400 does not appeal to me one bit.

 

[Harvest Moon]

I agree the PTO coupler used on the earlier L3400 PTO's isn't impressive but I'm pretty sure most of them are holding up just fine and the few failures have been linked to (or at least suspect) the cable engagement system more than the cam design.

If the cable is not properly adjusted or sticks than the cams may fail to fully engage and cause the damage seen in your photo, although I think most just simply won't shut off.

That said, Kubota has upgraded their cam design from the one you've shown and they've upgraded the malfunctioning engagement cable. Although it's still probably not a first class PTO, I expect many years of reliable service from mine.

Not saying it's not important but if I had to do it again the PTO wouldn't be a deal breaker for me and I have the clackity one in your picture.

Might watch out for the old 3 pt hitch issues returning from the dead though.

 

[canoetrpr]

I agree with Harvest Moon. I too have the old PTO design. Does not seem to be the greatest in the world but it sure didn't seem like they were failing all over the place either. We knew of one - maybe two failures.

More than the PTO cams, I think the cable design is crappy.

All of that said, mine is holding up just fine and I am not losing any sleep over it.

I don't think I would hesitate to get a Grand L however. There really aren't that many electronics in it - JMHO. I'd get it for the better hydraulics and lift capacities, smoother valve etc.

The upgraded valve on my old L3400 is perfectly fine. That said, if they are moving back to the old one..... then I'd stay away from the L3400.

If I were to do it again, I'd definitely go with the Grand L. Not much more money for quite a bit in value if you ask me.

That said, my L3400 has done everything I have asked of it and more.

 

[JC-jetro]

Thanks for the input guys. The new cam design is a bit better and I agree it may not be a show stopper specially if you know what you got to work with. Hopefully I get a few bites about the rest of my questions. The new cam design is pretty close to rubber coupling you find on smaller closed coupled motor/pump combination.

JC,

 

[Yankee Clipper]

Jetro,

The new style cams are either engaged or disengaged ( in or out ). Cable adjustment is critical as the top of the dovetail has to clear the other cam's dovetail top when disengaged. If you try to engage the PTO under load like an independent PTO, you will round the corners on the dovetails. If done repeatedly, they will then bypass and not hold the load.

If you don't like the electronics on the Grand L40 hydro, find a clean Grand L30 hydro - it is a servo design and very smooth for a mechanically operated system. The electronics on the GL40 make it a much easier to operate tractor but you have to understand what mode to use. Some folks just don't like electronics and I understand that as well.

Food for thought - I hope it helps in your decision.

 

[JC-jetro]

Jetro,



Food for thought - I hope it helps in your decision.

Thanks for the reply clipper. I wonder if anyone has parts diagram in rear where the coupler, if it it submerged in oil or any input configuration difference from HST or gear transmission. I wished Kubota had tractor parts and diagram readily available on their website like NH/Ford and Deere.

Thanks,
JC

 

[canoetrpr]

As an FYI, I was over at a friends place. He has a old trusty B7200. I noticed that the mid PTO engagement design on that tractor was the same as on our L3400s - i.e. cable operated.

I was sure that Kubota must have resurrected this from an old design as the rest of the tractor is basically a pretty old design. I don't think his PTO has an overrunning clutch built into it or anything but the basic engage/disengage seems to work the same way.

 

[canoetrpr]

I should point out that about the only thing he runs with his mid PTO is a MMM and his tractor's hour meter stopped working many years ago at 2000 or so hours. Never had a problem with the PTO.

 

[N80]

The L4400 has a hydraulic PTO clutch system which I have found to be very robust and easy to operate. The L4400 comes in straight unsyched gear drive or in HST. No fancy electronics.

To get a simple machine with shuttle shift I think you'd be moving into the M5040. Don't know if any of the Grand Ls come with shuttle shift.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Lots of models to look at without the L40 do-dads. L4400 (basicly an L30 tractor). L40 in DT or GST transmissions has no electronics but the dash LCD. B3200 if you need the engine Hp but not the size of the L3400. This has a clutched PTO.