L3800 jerky 3pt

[rmroper]

Thanks to folks on this forum I have been directed to Kubota jerky 3 pt problems that have frustrated some owners. Does anyone have any experience with an L3800 jerky 3 pt. The dealer says they are not aware of any issues on this tractor.

 

[k0ua]

Well how much reading do you want to do? Just use the search function and put in Jerky and set for titles only. Keep in mind the L2800, L3200, L3400, L3700,L3800, L4400, L4600, Mx4700 and Mx5100 are all related. More reports of the older L2800, L3400 than the newer models, but plenty of L3800's have reported this. It seems that not all of these tractors have this problem, but some sure do. I traded mine off in 2012. L3400hst.. had it bad.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/268927-mx5100-jerky-3pt-hitch.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/266103-jerky-pto-thing-fixed-yet.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/221524-l-series-jerky-3ph-jeffs.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/247089-kubota-l3700-jerky-hitch.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ng/233308-l3400-3-point-hitch-adjustment.html

And dozens more.

James K0UA

 

[case245]

i had an L3800

THAT HAD THE JERKY 3pt hitch i traded it up to a 70hp kubota

 

[Rockyridge]

I have read most of the posts for jerking 3 pt. and have not see this solution yet. Possibly this has been addressed already but I have not found it

Has anyone tried using an air cushion to reduce the jerky 3 pt?
I am thinking about something like the air chamber that is used to eliminate the banging when shutting off a water faucet. Obviously it would need to be much stronger though.

As a starting point I would see installing something like pipe 1.5 by 8 or 10 inches with a tee in the hydraulic line just before the 3 pt.

I would try it myself except that I don’t have a warm place to work and it is February in Minnesota. Also to do this safely it needs someone with knowledge about hydraulics and especially working with high pressure air, which I don’t have. For example, could you use standard threaded water pipe for this or would you need something stronger?

Any thoughts on this appreciated

 

[case245]

most all L series kubota have the jerky 3pt a guy on here put a valve from a grand L into his L series tractor search that that might help you out a bit i had an l3800 myself it had the jerky hirtch traded for a 7040

 

[kiotiken]

type "jerky 3pt site:tractorbynet.com" into google.com and grab a coffee! One member fixed it by making some adjustments only to find it caused other side effects and the one other previously mentioned case were they used a grand L valve.

 

[k0ua]

type "jerky 3pt site:tractorbynet.com" into google.com and grab a coffee! One member fixed it by making some adjustments only to find it caused other side effects and the one other previously mentioned case were they used a grand L valve.

Ken it is one of those things, that is so hard to put your finger on. There have been some reports of "fixed or adjusted valves" by the dealer that have fixed the problem, yet did the fix cause the settling problem and the jerk when the FEL is loaded problem that Chilley807 found when he set the valve to workshop manual specs? Or did the dealer replace the valve with one off of a Grand L to keep a happy customer ? We just don't know for sure. And we have a fairly large number of fellas say theirs is perfect. Does that mean they tried to raise it slowly like to feather out a box blade load of dirt? I am not sure. I can only speak to the things I am sure of, which is my own experience. This problem is elusive as to its frequency or percentage of tractors affected, its cures if any, and/or any side effects of said cures. I would like to be able to advise people about this problem, but it is almost impossible to do so if you are to remain objective. It boils down to: some do, some don't, some say it can be fixed, some say it can't.. Some say it does not exist (I can vouch for that being a lie). and on and on.

James K0UA

 

[TheGoose]

I have an L3400...hitch jerks. Not really a problem unless you're using a boom-pole type attachment like a post hole digger. When using a PHD you really have to know what you're doing to keep it from going out of control.

It actually comes in handy when you're trying to knock the dirt off something. Overall I'd say it's more of an annoyance. It wouldn't keep me from buying another kubota.

 

[wild bill]

I came across this post on the other Kubota forum, Smoothing Out 3pt Hitch--???? - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota.

02-13-2013, 01:20 PM #8
MEA
New Member


Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Wesley Chapel , FL
Equipment: L3800
Posts: 1 Re: Smoothing Out 3pt Hitch--?? UPDATE!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been watching these posts and responses for months. I also have a "New" 2012 l3800 that had the jerky hitch problem. The tracter was 1 week old when I reported the issue to the dealer. First three responses were" Normal operation for an entry L series." BUT my dealer was very willing to continue to work with me on a solution. Kubota Rep and mechanic came from Corp. to install a newly designed valve used to correct this issue. The rep said he was in CA for the corp meeting a few weeks ago and this was the first topic that was presented regarding these tractors. They installed the valve last night and called me down to see it in operation before they return the tractor to me. Both the rep and mechanic from Corp. were wonderful and explained they( Corp Kubota ) KNOWS about this issue and have been waiting for KUBOTA to approve fixing these in the field.

The operation is NOT perfectly smooth but almost perfect. Nothing like it was before, and I have had 3 other B series tractors prior that were perfectly smooth. This is almost perfect.

Just wanted to let everyone know this is a fixable problem through KUBOTA. Well alomost 100% fixable at this point. ( My opinon only. )

 

[k0ua]

I came across this post on the other Kubota forum, Smoothing Out 3pt Hitch--???? - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota.

02-13-2013, 01:20 PM #8
MEA
New Member


Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Wesley Chapel , FL
Equipment: L3800
Posts: 1 Re: Smoothing Out 3pt Hitch--?? UPDATE!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been watching these posts and responses for months. I also have a "New" 2012 l3800 that had the jerky hitch problem. The tracter was 1 week old when I reported the issue to the dealer. First three responses were" Normal operation for an entry L series." BUT my dealer was very willing to continue to work with me on a solution. Kubota Rep and mechanic came from Corp. to install a newly designed valve used to correct this issue. The rep said he was in CA for the corp meeting a few weeks ago and this was the first topic that was presented regarding these tractors. They installed the valve last night and called me down to see it in operation before they return the tractor to me. Both the rep and mechanic from Corp. were wonderful and explained they( Corp Kubota ) KNOWS about this issue and have been waiting for KUBOTA to approve fixing these in the field.

The operation is NOT perfectly smooth but almost perfect. Nothing like it was before, and I have had 3 other B series tractors prior that were perfectly smooth. This is almost perfect.

Just wanted to let everyone know this is a fixable problem through KUBOTA. Well alomost 100% fixable at this point. ( My opinon only. )

Thanks for the post Wild Bill

 

[rmroper]

Than you so much for the information, I'm on the verge of buying a L3800 so this will help me work with the dealer. One dealer I talked to was aware of slight 3pt jerkiness and concurred that it was due to the value. I guess I will just need them to put a heavy weight on the 3pt and try it before I sign the papers.

 

[Notforhire]

I guess I will just need them to put a heavy weight on the 3pt and try it before I sign the papers.

I think that is your best option.
If its jerky and you really want a L3800, try another one. From what I have read, it's luck of the draw whether you get a smooth one or a jerkey one. All the standard L's I looked at were jerkey, but some people on this forum report that theirs work fine, which is encouraging.

Best of luck, Bill

 

[Coyote machine]

Thanks to folks on this forum I have been directed to Kubota jerky 3 pt problems that have frustrated some owners. Does anyone have any experience with an L3800 jerky 3 pt. The dealer says they are not aware of any issues on this tractor.

See what they say after bringing them some of the statements about Kubota addressing a KNOWN issue with these tractors. If they continue to deny it's existence, I'd be inclined to find another dealer or another brand tractor. JMHO.

 

[ccsial]

I came across this post on the other Kubota forum, Smoothing Out 3pt Hitch--???? - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota.

02-13-2013, 01:20 PM #8
MEA
New Member


Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Wesley Chapel , FL
Equipment: L3800
Posts: 1 Re: Smoothing Out 3pt Hitch--?? UPDATE!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been watching these posts and responses for months. I also have a "New" 2012 l3800 that had the jerky hitch problem. The tracter was 1 week old when I reported the issue to the dealer. First three responses were" Normal operation for an entry L series." BUT my dealer was very willing to continue to work with me on a solution. Kubota Rep and mechanic came from Corp. to install a newly designed valve used to correct this issue. The rep said he was in CA for the corp meeting a few weeks ago and this was the first topic that was presented regarding these tractors. They installed the valve last night and called me down to see it in operation before they return the tractor to me. Both the rep and mechanic from Corp. were wonderful and explained they( Corp Kubota ) KNOWS about this issue and have been waiting for KUBOTA to approve fixing these in the field.

The operation is NOT perfectly smooth but almost perfect. Nothing like it was before, and I have had 3 other B series tractors prior that were perfectly smooth. This is almost perfect.

Just wanted to let everyone know this is a fixable problem through KUBOTA. Well alomost 100% fixable at this point. ( My opinon only. )

It is interesting to me to see all the different responses people have with their dealers. In 2005 I called the dealer a half hour after they delivered my L3400. They sent a mechanic out about an hour later. The next day I got a call from the service manager and he said they found a fix for it. They picked it up and put a new valve in it that solved the problem.

To me this means that the fix has existed for at least seven years. It really makes me wonder why they still keep putting jerky valves in. I also wonder why some dealers will fix the problem, like this story and mine, and other just keep up the normal argument.

 

[Chilly807]

Frankly, I think you're rolling the dice buying an L3800 hoping the hitch is smooth and stays that way. It's like buying a 70's Ford Pinto and hoping your's doesn't explode if it gets hit from behind.

Seriously, if you think the jerky hitch issue would really bother you, buy something else and save yourself the potential headache.

Sean

 

[kiotiken]

Frankly, I think you're rolling the dice buying an L3800 hoping the hitch is smooth and stays that way. It's like buying a 70's Ford Pinto and hoping your's doesn't explode if it gets hit from behind.

Seriously, if you think the jerky hitch issue would really bother you, buy something else and save yourself the potential headache.

Sean

To the OP, Sean is the one who almost solved this issue only to find some side effects. Search his threads for more info, but I'd consider him the authority on the subject.

 

[Notforhire]

It's like buying a 70's Ford Pinto.
Sean

Pinto? I remember my Grandfather telling me about those cars.
Just kidding, Sean. I remember them well. Not one of the better ideas.
Bill

 

[3boys865]

Than you so much for the information, I'm on the verge of buying a L3800 so this will help me work with the dealer. One dealer I talked to was aware of slight 3pt jerkiness and concurred that it was due to the value. I guess I will just need them to put a heavy weight on the 3pt and try it before I sign the papers.

I just went through this with my MX5100 that I recently purchased. While shopping, I had come across several reports of the Standard L tractors having a jerky 3pt hitch, but I did not see anything about the MX5100 having the same problem until I specifically searched for it after I discovered my problem. It didn't occur to me that the MX5100 basically had the same 3pt hitch design. I found the problem the first day I had the new tractor when I tried to smooth out a gravel driveway. Impossible to feather up the box blade.

I immediately contacted my dealer who was willing to rip it apart and try to fix it. I told my dealer that based on information I learned here at TBN, it is not something that can be fixed. Can be adjusted with a lot of trial and error and possibly made some better although with other hydraulic side affects. I suggested they bring in the Regional Kubota technical support for some guidance before they starting ripping apart a brand new tractor.

Long story short.... Kubota said that the Standard L and the MX 3pt hitch design were not engineered to be smooth like the Grand L and M Series are. They don't have the same design or the same flow regulators on them. Bottom line is if you need a smooth 3pt hitch for fine control over an implement like a box blade, boom pole, or Auger you will need to purchase a Grand L or M series tractor. Basically, Kubota's take on it is you get what you pay for...

The sad thing is I really liked the MX5100 otherwise. A great value tractor with a lot of power for the size. However, I couldn't live with it. In my mind it was unacceptable that at $25K tractor did not have a smooth 3pt hitch. My dealer offered for me to return it and I purchased a Grand L4240 instead.

One thing to note, the hitch is smooth when lowering and when raising if you raise it in large increments or all at once. It will only jerk if you try to raise it slowly when trying to feather up. Many people I am sure have the jerky hitch and don't realize it or it just doesn't show up for them because they never have a need to use the 3pt hitch in that manner.

I chose to return my MX5100 while I had the chance rather than fight it. I would have never bought it to begin with if I had known the 3pt hitch was not designed to be smooth. To me that is a basic function of any tractor that you assumed works correctly....

 

[Squeak n Itch]

Just to see what could be accomplished I called the local Kubota dealer. Mentioned that my Grand L3130 had a problem with a jerky or "non-smooth" raise function on the three point implements. His reply, "Huh! What, I have never heard of that before. Is this something you found on the INTERNET?"

No, this is something I found on the tractor.

Bruce