L3200/3800: here's the KEY to an annoying problem....

[familyman]

Well somebody at Kubota should be ashamed.

The itty-bitty depth preset knob for the 3-pt. lever on the L3200/3800 is, to put it gently, a JOKE. They might as well have left it off as it's not usable without a pair of pliers. No, I do NOT have weak hands; quite the opposite.

I removed the tiny plastic knob and replaced it with what we used to call a "water key", for turning exterior spigots on and off on commercial buildings.

I had to buy a new bolt and some Devcon Metal epoxy, and epoxied the new bolt to the key. At some point I'll drill it and put in a roll pin.

A day later I was much happier. Easy to turn and adjust and the key is not in the way. I'm sure other items could be adapted for this use.

COMING soon... my adapter for raising and lowering the 3-pt. hitch when I'm off the tractor (a work in progress...).

 

[1savoy]

familyman,

Great modification. Keep up the good ideas. I like the adapter for the three point hitch for adjusting when off the tractor also. Can't wait to see it.

 

[Mac in PA]

I don't use the lever stop on mine because it's such a pain.

I like your idea.......nice job.

 

[familyman]

familyman,

Great modification. Keep up the good ideas. I like the adapter for the three point hitch for adjusting when off the tractor also. Can't wait to see it.

Thanks, 1savoy. While I'm really happy with the machine as a whole, there are some niggley problems that diminish the fun.

I'm going to cut down my 3-pt. lever and modify the loader control stick so I can get on and off from the right side. I'll have to get a RH fender handle from a Grand L.

Two other issues are the top link and adjustable side link; pretty cheesy. I prefer those I've seen on the Deere 20 series tractors better.

I've already swapped the top link for one I picked up at my John Deere dealer, that's burlier and much easier to adjust.

 

[familyman]

I don't use the lever stop on mine because it's such a pain.

I like your idea.......nice job.

I was doing a bunch of grading and raking and I HAD to use it. I guess necessity is indeed the mother of invention.

 

[1savoy]

Thanks, 1savoy. While I'm really happy with the machine as a whole, there are some niggley problems that diminish the fun.

Two other issues are the top link and adjustable side link; pretty cheesy.=QUOTE]

I bought the telescopic stabilizer links when I bought the tractor, due to comments on here and from pictures they looked like a PITA. I have not had the tractor for much time yet and I have not even had time to take the backhoe off and try the 3 point hitch. Was going to last weekend and I blinked and the weekend was gone.

 

[case245]

i fix my l3800 jerky hitch the easy way swaped it in on a 7040su shuddle tranny 1153 fel 2 rear ports loaded tires center rear cast wieghts i lift my 1 ton rear 8 in off the ground with it a 3500hd srw

 

[Bluegill2]

Mine came with the telescopic stabilizer links. First tractor I've had with them and they are nice! The standard links are whats been used for years and they work just fine, just not as easy.

No issues at all with my L3800. Very good tractor!!!

 

[familyman]

Mine came with the telescopic stabilizer links. First tractor I've had with them and they are nice! The standard links are whats been used for years and they work just fine, just not as easy.

No issues at all with my L3800. Very good tractor!!!

I'm actually referring to the lifting rod that's on the right. I'd rather have something with better mechanical leverage, that can be adjusted without a wrench, like this one below. A new Deere 3320 I looked at had one just like it.

The check chains don't bother me since I've set them at a width that luckily happens to work for all of my attachments.

 

[Chilly807]

I put a short length of pipe in my toolbox, the hole slips over the pins on the right side three point link to turn it easily.

I cut about 6 inches off the FEL lever, much better now. Shortened the gear shift rod too(mine's a DT model) so now I can get boots behind it when it's in 2nd or 4th gear.

Sean