L2800 Position Control (Jerky?)

mwb · Dec 11, 2008

TEG asked that I copy a post here...

Hey, read your comment about my signature in the Backyard ruts thread... Have you read any of post from this thread???

TractorByNet.com

Do you mind if I link your comment (or you can make the same comment over there???
__________________
One piece of advice for anyone thinking about buying a tractor, make darn sure the 3 point hitch is NOT jerky - like the ones suspected to be on the newer (2008) L2800/L3400 so-called "economy" tractors. Have the sales person mount something on the 3ph and make tiny adjustments up and down, just to see how you like it.

Here is my info with some added info:

My dad bought a new L3400 last November - he had the jerky hitch problem, identical to the video of the sprayer. It has been 'kind of fixed'... Took two warranty trips to two dealers, over two weeks without the tractor and it still isn't right. He (and I) wouldn't buy a Kubota again.

I researched the problem here (last Dec/Jan) and I provided the original dealer with an exact diagnostic of the problem - even the part number of the replacement valve so he could confirm that stock was available. He did not appreciate the info - "bad info on the internet". They asked for the tractor back, confirmed that the 3pt jerks, then ordered the part from Japan.
The mechanic assured us that the valve was perfect - that he had disassembled the new valve and recalibrated it

. The hitch appeared to work better but they did not put a load on it.

One month later it was back to another dealer - they spent a few days "un-re-calibrating" the valve

. The hitch works better than it did originally but it is still a POS compared to my old Ford and to my new Montana.

The big problem I see with the L3400 hitch (after the new valve) is that it is TO FAST. Possilbly if they slowed / restricted flow to the hitch it would be a lot smoother.

The L3400 is a very nice tractor, my opinion is that they are very well made (engine, loader, etc). It is unfortunate to blow an otherwise perfect experience on a poorly designed hitch. The original dealer was also a major let down. My advice (and this is a common suggestion on the forums here) is don't just buy a tractor - buy from a good dealer.

Maybe this is just more bad info

Cheers,
Mike

P.S. The L3400 now needs a new battery, 1year, two weeks old and 120hrs. I could probably talk him into dumping the 'bota and 'upgrading' to a Montana

jeconn · Dec 11, 2008

mwb said:
TEG asked that I copy a post here...

The hitch works better than it did originally but it is still a POS compared to my old Ford and to my new Montana.

The big problem I see with the L3400 hitch (after the new valve) is that it is TO FAST. Possilbly if they slowed / restricted flow to the hitch it would be a lot smoother.
My advice (and this is a common suggestion on the forums here) is don't just buy a tractor - buy from a good dealer.

MBW, thanks for the post. Tell your dad he is not alone, there are alot of people on here that are not happy with their tractor or more importantly their dealer. I am one of those people.

canoetrpr · Dec 11, 2008

You know, I have thought about the slowing down the hitch thing as well. Almost seems like it is too sudden.

The knob under the seat slows down how fast the hitch falls but does not seem to affect how fast it rises.

My purchasing dealer sucked as well. Problem is - how do you figure out what your dealer is like before you buy. Word of mouth is the only thing I can think of but I don't know *anybody* who has bought from any of the dealers in my area. Unless you are in an area with other TBNers close by that can advise, you have to go with your gut. Often the dealer that seems good on a sale does not turn out to be so on service.

jeff79m · Dec 12, 2008

I just bought a L2800 (2008 Model) and the beginning of December and seem to have the same problem. So far I have on put on a PHD but when I raise it it bounces so hard I am glad I'm wearing my seat belt. Does anybody now what the part number is on the valve that doesn't have problems. Also this is my first tractor, I haven't even used a different one, what is normal operation on the hitch? Should raising be as smooth as lowering on a tractor with position control? Also mechanically what is going on? How does the fluid travel through the valve to lift the hitch? Can a bad valve be modified?

Reg · Dec 12, 2008

I would like to see this problem in action.
Anyone within reasonable diving distance of Worcester Mass care to show me ?
Both the too fast raise and the jerky.

We might differ on what is a "reasonable diving distance", but I travel quite a bit anyway so could probably take a detour.

jeconn · Dec 12, 2008

Watch Toy Camry's videos in post 56. The JD is how the L2800 and L3400 are supposed to work. His video of the Kubota is what we are complaining about. Jeff79m I'm sure your 2800 is like the one in the video. No matter what your dealer will tell you this is NOT normal. Reg your welcome to see my 3ph in action, I'm just down the road from you. Probably only 1000 miles or so.

Reg · Dec 13, 2008

jeconn said:
Watch Toy Camry's videos in post 56. The JD is how the L2800 and L3400 are supposed to work. His video of the Kubota is what we are complaining about. Jeff79m I'm sure your 2800 is like the one in the video. No matter what your dealer will tell you this is NOT normal. Reg your welcome to see my 3ph in action, I'm just down the road from you. Probably only 1000 miles or so.

Linden, NC is a distinct possibility "before the holidays", how close is that ?
(-:

jeconn · Dec 13, 2008

It's about 200 miles. I'm in Hudson.

I finally did get a Kubota rep to admit that my 3ph is not working right. It is not the rep for my area so I don't know if he will be able to do anything about it or not. He is supposed to get back with me Monday. I hope he can help but I'm not getting my hopes up.

jeconn · Dec 15, 2008

Good thing I didn't get my hopes up. At first he admitted I had a problem, then he spoke with another rep and they got their stories straight and now my problem is not really a problem. It's just an economy tractor and that is how it is supposed to work. BS.

Harvest Moon · Dec 22, 2008

Just herd from a credible source that the newest L3400 and L2800 tractors have been "upgraded" to control valve YR90800102.

Several pervious posters that have had their hitches upgraded to reasonable level of performance and satisfaction have had control valve 31351-39604 installed.... the same valve that was integrated into production about the same time we stopped seeing complaints about new machines.

Looks like Kubota may have taken a step backwards with their new valve. Seems to explain this thread.

I'd say, new L3400 and L2800 owners having problems or concerned buyers should consider valve 31351-39604 for their tractors if they want the best performance so far reported. Definitely hesitate to have a new tractor upgraded to valve YR90800102, that's probably the problem, not the solution.