New L3400 HST 3 PT Lift smooth?

[Heli_Pilot]

Just got my new L3400 HST w/FEL. Everything is great except: I noticed on this site a few complaints about the 3 pt lift not being very smooth...shuddering. The solution was to have the dealer replace the valve with the valve that is in a grand L series. So I did just that. The dealer called Phil Ingram (Kubota) and wa La they said they changed it along with the pto over running clutch recall.
My question is, how smooth is smooth? I did not use the tractor prior to the "fix". If I slowly lift the 3 pt lift, the lift will jump up in 1/2 in increments. Is that normal?
My old 8N is as smooth a glass.
Thanks

 

[wushaw]

Sounds about right, I know it is not as smooth as a Grand L series. If you had worked it before the new valve then you would be able to see the difference.

 

[Heli_Pilot]

Follow-up. I have now got about 10 hours my L3400 HST. So far it has been great. I am really spoiled now. The 3 pt lift has been fine. Thankyou TractorByNet members for the heads up.

 

[dirtmover30]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Follow-up. I have now got about 10 hours my L3400 HST. So far it has been great. I am really spoiled now. The 3 pt lift has been fine. Thankyou TractorByNet members for the heads up. )</font> I have noticed the 3pt does shudder! What does the Grand L valve replacement cost?? What about the recall on the PTO??

 

[Goog]

Just talk your dealer and they can replace it under warranty. You will like the change. Good luck. Brian

 

[MarkOnTheRiver]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Just talk your dealer and they can replace it under warranty. )</font>

Maybe/maybe not. I talked to the service department and told them about the shuddering problem on L2800/3400 tractors. He said it is normal, but would check with their Kubota rep and see if he would authorize a change. The rep had never heard about the problem. So the dealer is unable to fix it under warranty.

I then submitted a request for assistance from Kubota's "Contact Us" web page. After 3 weeks and 3 submissions, still no response (talk about customer NO SERVICE!). I found a posting on TBN with the number and name of a Kubota employee who was able to assist him in getting a valve change out to correct the shuddering.

I called him and told him about the problem I am having with the dealer not being able to fix the shudder problem. He said he would take care of it and contact the dealer. A week later and still nothing.

I believe I will prevail, sooner or later, and will have a smooth 3pt hitch. Just be prepared for a possible long and frustratiing experience in getting it corrected.

Some have great dealers who are able to get the problem corrected without having to put the customer through the ringer.

If anyone reading this has had the valve replaced by their dealer, could you please PM me the dealer's name. Maybe the dealer can outline the steps necessary for me to get my dealer to make the change out.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Widgeonus]

All the dealer has to do is go to Kubotas Service website which can only be accessed by Kubota dealers and look up service bulletins for the 2800/3400. It is right there on the site plain as day. "2800/3400 3 point hitch" Click on the link and it says that if customer complains of three point hitch jerkiness to replace valve with part number ##### (don't know the actual number) under warranty. Just had mine replaced and it made a HUGE difference.

 

[kjb]

HeliPilot,
The chattering or shuddering problem you're experiencing with your tractor is common in both the L3400 & L2800. As for Kubota changing the valve under warranty for the upgrade, well we tried and they won't do it. It's standard on your tractor, and you'd have to pay for the upgrade.
I sell Kubota's and I make sure my customers are aware of the chatter they may experience when working the 3 point with a box blade or angle blade. If they're contractor's and use the 3pt. for alot of leveling, I try and step them up to the Grand L series
The L3400 will give you many years of good service, it's typical Kubota quality, but there are reasons why they sell for about 2500.00 less than the Grand L's. Telescoping links, seat, level and padded deck, hydraulic output, 3pt. lift capacity just to name a few.
kjpilot Heli Pilot

 

[SWB]

Are you saying that the service bulletin referred to in the widgeonus post that preceded yours is incorrect?

 

[Widgeonus]

I will promise you that the service bulletin is in the computer as I seen it with my own two eyes and had the valve changed at no cost to me.