Buying Advice New L3560 Limited and Standard Versions

[Fallon]

Not familiar with the tractor so this might not apply.

In the Winter leave the AC on. Then adjust the heat to the temp you want. The AC will dry the air and help dramatically with fog on the inside of the windows.

In your car/truck the AC compressor is running anytime you are blowing heat onto the windows.

You are quite correct. A/C comes on with front defrost on all cars with A/C. I turn it on on my L4060HSTC when plowing (along with the rear defrost I have on mine). It really dries things out more than you'd expect. Once you start working it a bit it will still easily cook you out if the cab.

Just drink a lot of water. You dont realize how dehydrated you get after a few hours of really dry air.

 

[troverman]

You are quite correct. A/C comes on with front defrost on all cars with A/C. I turn it on on my L4060HSTC when plowing (along with the rear defrost I have on mine). It really dries things out more than you'd expect. Once you start working it a bit it will still easily cook you out if the cab.

Just drink a lot of water. You dont realize how dehydrated you get after a few hours of really dry air.

Actually this is not correct. Below a certain temperature, the compressor will not engage. The exact temp at which the compressor won't start will vary by manufacturer, but it is usually around 40 degrees or so. Which means most of the time when you're plowing, despite the A/C light being lit, no humidity is actually being removed and its the heat alone drying things out. Here's a link to what I'm talking about from a GM forum, but it's the same for every automotive style A/C system. I can link pages from the workshop manual of a Range Rover as well, if that helps:

Why Doesn't The A/c Work In The Winter? - Ask the GM Technician - GM-Trucks.com

 

[ovrszd]

You are quite correct. A/C comes on with front defrost on all cars with A/C. I turn it on on my L4060HSTC when plowing (along with the rear defrost I have on mine). It really dries things out more than you'd expect. Once you start working it a bit it will still easily cook you out if the cab.

Just drink a lot of water. You dont realize how dehydrated you get after a few hours of really dry air.

It's common for me to run 12hrs pushing snow. Even though I try to drink water I still have dry eyes when done. Partly due to eye strain, but more because of the dryness in the cab. But my windows stay clear!!!

 

[ovrszd]

Actually this is not correct. Below a certain temperature, the compressor will not engage. The exact temp at which the compressor won't start will vary by manufacturer, but it is usually around 40 degrees or so. Which means most of the time when you're plowing, despite the A/C light being lit, no humidity is actually being removed and its the heat alone drying things out. Here's a link to what I'm talking about from a GM forum, but it's the same for every automotive style A/C system. I can link pages from the workshop manual of a Range Rover as well, if that helps:

Why Doesn't The A/c Work In The Winter? - Ask the GM Technician - GM-Trucks.com

At what temp the compressor runs or does not run is irrelevant to me. The fact that my cab windows stay clear is of relevance.

I know an operator that asked me if I had trouble with my doors freezing shut? I said no. He then asked if I had trouble with frost inside the cab after running all day? I said no. He said when he goes to use his machine after pushing snow for a long period, parked in an unheated garage, he has trouble getting the doors open and everything inside the cab is covered with frost. It's so bad that the push button start system won't work. He has to put a space heater in the cab for 30 minutes to thaw it out so the machine will start...… I asked him if he leaves the AC on? He looked at me like I was an idiot and said no. I explained to him that I never have any of those problems and that he should try it. The next year I was visiting with him one day and he brought it up again. Said since leaving the AC activated he's had none of those problems and his windows stay clear.

So, technically, we don't care at what temp it kicks off/on.

 

[troverman]

That's great, but if you're plowing snow below whatever the threshold temp is that the Kubota compressor doesn't kick on, your doors aren't staying easy to open because of the air conditioning system...

Do an experiment. With the temperature at 32F or less, raise the hood on the tractor, and have an assistant sit in the cab. Start up the engine, let it smooth out and idle nice. Have the assistant press the A/C button on and off. Listen to hear the telltale "click" of the compressor clutch engage. I bet it doesn't...

 

[ovrszd]

That's great, but if you're plowing snow below whatever the threshold temp is that the Kubota compressor doesn't kick on, your doors aren't staying easy to open because of the air conditioning system...

Do an experiment. With the temperature at 32F or less, raise the hood on the tractor, and have an assistant sit in the cab. Start up the engine, let it smooth out and idle nice. Have the assistant press the A/C button on and off. Listen to hear the telltale "click" of the compressor clutch engage. I bet it doesn't...

If I push that AC button and my cab stays dry inside I don't care whether the AC compressor ever runs.

 

[troverman]

Hey, if it works for you then keep doing what you're doing. No need to fix something that isn't broke...

 

[Paystar]

I got an old beater F150 that my son uses Ovrszd. It has an issue that the AC only works for about 20 minutes then kicks off. I immediately know when it goes off because the windows all fog immediately.

 

[RoadmasterD]

Hi all, I picked up my L3560HSTC LE a few months ago and was vary curious about adding back a few items, mainly the cruise control. I couldn't find any reference online to support that the addition of the $80 switch would add back the feature and the dealer couldn't say for sure. Well I received some parts from Messick's yesterday and I can now confirm, for anyone who cares, that adding the switch restores the cruise control functionality. It was super easy to install and will be a real nice feature for mowing our large pasture.

I'm adding back the right step, factory work light switches for LEDs, PTO seat safety override switch, 12v plug, and of course cruise control. I forgot to order the right side grab bar so I'll have to think about that one too. Then again, the threaded holes might be good for attaching some future accessory.

RoadmasterD

 

[BRMyers]

Thanks for sharing the info.