So I bought a new L 3901 HST last summer and just turned 50 hours. Love the tractor, however there has been one small issue that was driving me nuts. I sometimes had trouble getting into low range. I never forced it because I didn't want to bend the handle but you just had to fool with it and eventually it would engage just fine. Well yesterday I decided to take a closer look at the linkage. I had it in garage with nothing on 3 point and lower arms all the way down and couldn't get it into low. For some reason I lifted the lower arms a little and it then tried low range and it went right in??? Tried it both ways and every time same result. So in other words if my lower arms are all the way down I have trouble getting it in low range, lift them just a little and no problem.
L 3901 Head scratcher solved! Sort of
- Thread starter MMfrompa
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Well, the 3 point lift mechanism and the gear selector linkage theoretically have nothing to do with each other, but they do live in the same general vicinity, so there might be some external issue with the linkages or something kinky going on inside the rear end. With only 50 hours, you've hardly begun to use the tractor, and everything will be pretty tight regardless. A little spray lube on the linkages seems to help. Totally apart from the 3 point thing you noticed, the gear range selector is generally stiff, particularly going into low range, but it does get a little better with use. It will never be like an automotive transmission though, so when low range won't engage, you'll find that rocking the tractor forward or back an inch or two nearly always gets the gears to engage readily. Also, if you're in 4wd, it helps to make sure the steering is straight forward when doing this.
s219
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I think that is imagined, or coincidental, but not directly related in a mechanical sense. I suppose it could have something to do with hydraulic pressure, but there is definitely no mechanical relation.
On all the Kubotas I have owned, it sometimes takes jiggling to change gear ranges. One thing that always works is, with the selector in neutral, jiggle the HST treadle forward and back with your foot and recenter it. Then try to shift into gear and it should work just fine. By doing this, you are relieving any pressure from the HST swashplate/pump that might be putting a load on the gear train.
On all the Kubotas I have owned, it sometimes takes jiggling to change gear ranges. One thing that always works is, with the selector in neutral, jiggle the HST treadle forward and back with your foot and recenter it. Then try to shift into gear and it should work just fine. By doing this, you are relieving any pressure from the HST swashplate/pump that might be putting a load on the gear train.
dstig1
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Creeping forward (barely) with light hand pressure on the shifter can let it safely drop into place too. These are unsynchronized gears, so they have to be lined up to drop in. Sometimes turning the steering wheel can do the same for trying to get it into 4wd. Or creeping forward barely works there too.
But I have to say with the 2-speed pump on the L5240, I haven't taken it out of Med range other than to verify that high and low worked. I don't drive on the roads so never use high, and haven't needed low for anything. Even scooping gravel I lose traction before I run out of gearing (in Med gear/lo pump range). Maybe if I was plowing or tilling, I might use Low. Dunno.
But I have to say with the 2-speed pump on the L5240, I haven't taken it out of Med range other than to verify that high and low worked. I don't drive on the roads so never use high, and haven't needed low for anything. Even scooping gravel I lose traction before I run out of gearing (in Med gear/lo pump range). Maybe if I was plowing or tilling, I might use Low. Dunno.
wcampbell47
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So I bought mine last summer and experienced some difficulty shifting between the ranges. Bumping the treadle seemed to help in most cases. Now with ~350 hours it shifts just fine.
Stonehaller
Platinum Member
Dstig1 said it all
Easiest way is to use the HST controls lightly to create a little relative motion between the gears.
Easiest way is to use the HST controls lightly to create a little relative motion between the gears.
dchemphill1
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Like s219 said. I found that I can get the lever to move out of L, M or H but have trouble getting it from N to new selection. What works is rocking the HST while in N. When doing that move lever to your choice. Slides right in. I only have 13.5 hours on my L3901.
I know all about creeping forward, wiggle the steering wheel, clutch in and out but Im telling you thats not it. But as Grandad4 said the 3 point mechanism and linkage are in same vicinity. Its just hard to see whats happening under there when your in the seat lol. But all is well, I just make sure i lift lower arms a bit and right into low, easy peasy