L2800 PTO Woes

ccsial · May 30, 2008

pax_tractor said:
All is well. Got the tractor back yesterday. My dealer installed the newer PTO clutch and lever bracket as warranty work. No charge. They also did not charge me for pick-up and delivery. AND, they even washed and wax (ok maybe not wax) it.

Spent 3 hours on it yesterday with the flail mower and tiller. Works great.

That's good news. You have a good dealer to be thankful for.

canoetrpr · May 30, 2008

Thats a first class dealer!

teg · May 30, 2008

pax_tractor, Just trying to figure out what you actually had done by your dealer. You said at the start, you mentioned "awful clanking sound" and then you mention about getting a "newer PTO clutch". Is there a chance that you did not have a broken PTO but instead got the "fix" (Product Improvement Bulletin) that submerges the racheting cams in transmission fluid to make it quieter?? ...and that you still have the same cams?

pax_tractor · May 30, 2008

teg said:
pax_tractor, Just trying to figure out what you actually had done by your dealer. You said at the start, you mentioned "awful clanking sound" and then you mention about getting a "newer PTO clutch". Is there a chance that you did not have a broken PTO but instead got the "fix" (Product Improvement Bulletin) that submerges the racheting cams in transmission fluid to make it quieter?? ...and that you still have the same cams?

After having my tractor for a 1.5 weeks, my dealer replaced the PTO clutch with the non-ratchet style one and replaced the lever bracket with a newer style. They also replaced some kind of push lever that activates the clutch. They it was worn likely from the cable being over-tighten. I can't say whether the PTO was broken other than I was having repeated problems getting the PTO to stay engaged. Oh, I can also see where they split the tractor because of the new gasket. So, I'm very happy with the outcome and the dealer - (Since 1927... Hugh C. Gardiner, Inc.).

canoetrpr · May 31, 2008

This is the first I've heard about a new lever bracket. Does that replace the cable? Could you post a picture or two? The rest of us would appreciate it very much.

ccsial · Jun 1, 2008

Canoetrpr: I've heard about this bracket. What I heard is that it changes the angle on the cable so it is less likely to kink. I have not seen part numbers for it though.

8226hamer · Jun 5, 2008

I was the original poster who had the PTO problems with my L2800 PTO. After having my tractor split twice and having the two different types of cams installed with less than 100 hours on the tractor and from what I was told by Kubota, I traded the L2800 for a new B3030. i have put about 200 hours on the 3030 and have not had a bit of trouble with it. I wish you all L2800's the best of luck, but my life is much better now that I don't have to worry when I engage my PTO. Kubuta has did their part in taking care of this problem for me. It took several calls from me, but the problem was taken care of.

canoetrpr · Jun 5, 2008

Hammer - welcome back. Haven't seen you here in a bit.

Did they ever get you upgraded to the 'new style' non racheting cams? Did you still have a failure after that? It would be worth knowing because many have gotten upgraded to the new style cams based on your experience and wit would be worth knowing that it fixed your original problem.

8226hamer · Jun 6, 2008

canoetrpr said:
Hammer - welcome back. Haven't seen you here in a bit.

Did they ever get you upgraded to the 'new style' non racheting cams? Did you still have a failure after that? It would be worth knowing because many have gotten upgraded to the new style cams based on your experience and wit would be worth knowing that it fixed your original problem.

They got the new cams in to replace the old-new style, but my dealer,or Kubota made me an offer to trade my L2800 for a B3030. I felt that it was the best thing for me to do. I had to pay some money in difference, but it was a lot less than what the original offer was. I have used the 3030 with my tiller and have not had any problems.

Elliott Wave · Jun 6, 2008

8226hamer said:
They got the new cams in to replace the old-new style, but my dealer,or Kubota made me an offer to trade my L2800 for a B3030. I felt that it was the best thing for me to do. I had to pay some money in difference, but it was a lot less than what the original offer was. I have used the 3030 with my tiller and have not had any problems.

Hamer, I am glad to hear of your resolution. As a perspective buyer ($500 deposit placed) of an L-3400 HST (Serial in the 73,000 range), I read and re-read the posts on the PTO issue a number of times. I was always curious to know how your story ended... I am glad to hear that the new tractor is problem free.

I struggled with my decision to go with either a B7800 or a L-3400. I have ordered the tractor as a TLB (Woods BH-80X) so I decided to go with the heavier machine. I contemplated going with the DT version as the threads (regarding PTO) all indicated that the DT versions were not thought to be problematic. However, it seemed the HST would be better for my application. If a B-26 would have fit in the garage, I think I would have gone that route. I felt the Grand L would be too large. Anyway...

I have a few questions regarding the PTO on the L 2800 / l3400 tractors:

When you have a problem does it affect the PTO only? (i.e. if you are not using the PTO, does everything else on the tractor operate normal)

In my instance, can the PTO be checked without an implement for function and proper adjustment of the cable?

For folks that have tractors and are not using the PTO, what if anything should be done to make sure it works 2 or 3 years later when one may have a use for it?

Thanks in advance to all who comment.