L39 Seat Kill Switch Opinions

[BXRICK]

On my BX, there are two seat kill switches if I'm not mistaken - one engages when you're sitting, and the other when the seat is flipped up (so the tractor doesn't die when running the PTO when not on the tractor). I don't know the details of the L39.

Since I have not run into any issues with the switches during my use, I haven't messed around with them, but if they are ground switches, they are wired in series, and if they are on the hot side, they are wired in parallel.

Either way, a possible solution to the problem might be to add a third momentary switch, wired to work just like the other two. It could be some sort of a foot treadle switch. That way, when you stand up, you could put a toe on the switch, which would prevent the tractor from stopping, yet if you fell off the tractor, the tractor would still stop "correctly".
Possibly get one of those switches used under carpets for burgler alarms, and put it under the floor mat, so you can't miss it if you stand up.

Anyway, just some thoughts.

 

[tnuke]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Rat, my seat kill switch has saved my life twice now, so I do NOT consider it absurd.

)</font>

Hey sorry to not be contributing here as I have been working all day but thanks for all the opinions. SkyPup can you be a little more specific on how the kill switch saved your life.

I grew up driving my grandfathers MF with no ROPS or kill switch etc. and I never remember getting into any hairy situations because of it. I like the zip tie idea as it is easily reversible.

Thanks Again

 

[Moon]

I'm sure glad my L3010 did not come with a seat kill switch. Now I don't have to feel guilty for undoing it. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I recently added forks and like you said, there are times when raising a bit out of the seat to see exactly where the tips of the forks are before going under something can prevent damage to whatever your lifting.

I recently used the FEL to tote 10 pine trees and supplys for planting them. At each stop I'd set the brake and leave the tractor running. Sure glad I didn't have to shut off each time. Would you folks with a kill switch have that option, ie: does setting the brake allow you to leave the seat? That would be a nice option.

 

[SkyPup]

Sure tnuke, I was bush hogging our property and had my head turned to keep an eye on the hog in some heavy brush when a three inch diameter vine grabbed me by the neck and started pulling me up against the ROP. I tried to disengage clutch as my head was being torn off, but was being pulled back and foot could not reach clutch. As I was lifted off the seat up against the top of the ROP, the engine stalled on account of the seat kill switch being engaged as my body was lifted up aginst the ROPS and crushed. I am certain I would have been seriously injured if it weren't for the seat kill switch.

Another time I was hogging same property and went over an underground yellow jacket nest and they swarmed all over me, bit dozens of times, but leaped off the tractor and ran like mad. Seat kill switch immediately killed the driverless tractor.

Another time I was grading our roadway when the front end of the tractor jumped up, I looked down to see a snarling 8-foot alligator under the front tire and baled off the other side as he slashed and chomped my right front tire. Engine immediately shut off due to the seat kill switch.

It's good to know that in an emergency, when the tractor is in gear, all you have to do is take your butt off the seat to stop the engine. I tell that to all novice Kubota owners.

 

[jrabb5]

I have a L3400 and have learned to put one hand on the back of the seat when I need to stand. Works if you don't need both hands!

What I don't like is when I lean to the right to look at the side of the FEL it will start to shut down even when still on the seat.

 

[mike69440]

I guess as a concession to safety I will not permanently disengage/disable the seat switch. I will put in a bypass switch, so I can move the L39 with the seat reversed when back hoeing. That way I will have the trenching feature of the JD 110 but normally have the added safety of a functioning seat switch.

The tractor in first gear moves slow enough so it is easy to control when the operator seat is revesed.

 

[tnuke]

Thanks for the stories SkyPup! Sounds like you have lots of predatorial plants and animals. You need a shark cage or something on your ROPS.

Good info for the old brain.

Been on the road 18 hours today so I'll comment more later.

 

[JimMorrissey]

Sky,

Important stories.....I'm not going to disable mine, but I still hate it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Finally got my TBN working again....I had some strange problems that Bird helped me fix.

 

[wushaw]

The seat switch has an actuator arm and a zip-tie works and is relatively inexpensive and quick to do.

 

[JimMorrissey]

Mike,

How do you intend to do that.....I guess you'd put the shuttle in forward, keep it in neutral at the gear selector, then just pop it into first to creep when necessary? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif