I want to thank all of you for your help and advice over the last few months. This really is one of the best run forums on the web. I have formally completed the research phase and have received my new Kubota 3830 this weekend. I have put 10.5 hours on the tractor over the last 2 days and I have to say it is everything I expected and more. It really is an impressive machine. The only thing I would improve is the front end loaders lifting strength.
I configured the tractor as follows….
Kubota 3830 HST, 4wd
Folding ROPS
R1 tires with tubes and loaded
LA723 Loader
72" HD bucket
3 3/8 hooks bolted to bucket.
6' Rankin box blade
5' Woods medium duty rotary cutter (600)
I was originally dubious about the value of HST having used a gear tractor for many years. After using the hydrostatic transmission for a few hours I am convinced! In tight spaces it can’t be beat. Well worth the extra money.
The Woods cutter has also handled everything thrown at it. I have cleared about 2 acres of heavy brush with 6 more to go. It is going to need a blade change when I’m done but the cutter looks like it is going to hold up well.
So far I have only had a few problems. The transmission fluid filter return line “banjo” fitting was loose on delivery and was leaking substantially after about 20 minutes of use. Fortunately, I caught the leak and was able to tighten the fitting (Boy I thought my Ford truck was hard to access. The fitting is really tightly packed next to the frame.)
The front right tire was delivered with a major cut trough the tread block into the ply.
Several of the hydraulic fittings for the loader were leaking after a few hours. I tightened the connections and all seems to be well.
Most seriously – The tractor over heated once during the day on Saturday. I had been brush hogging in 90 degree heat for several hours when the temperature gauge went from four bars to overheating in a matter of a few minutes. I was watching it and was able to shut it down as it hit high. I was surprised how quickly it went from just “hot” to overheated. I let the tractor cool for about 30 minutes, checked the fluids, cleaned the radiator screen and it was fine for the rest of the day. I suspect (but don’t know) that this condition was caused by too much gunk on the radiator screen. The tractor seems to be very sensitive to this condition.
I called my dealer to report these problems and he was ready to pick up the tractor on the weekend just to verify that setup was completed correctly and that everything was functional. I have declined at this point since all the leaks are fixed and it seems to be running correctly. He has agreed to bring out and change the front tire.
So with two days worth of work on the tractor I can confidently say it was the correct purchase and that I am happy with my dealer’s support. If you are looking for a Kubota in Oregon I recommend checking with Mark Crawford at Crawford Olson in Hillsboro.
Thanks again for your support and assistance in this process. Now I have a bunch more work to do which will undoubtedly generate many questions!
Pictures in a few days...
7sam15
I configured the tractor as follows….
Kubota 3830 HST, 4wd
Folding ROPS
R1 tires with tubes and loaded
LA723 Loader
72" HD bucket
3 3/8 hooks bolted to bucket.
6' Rankin box blade
5' Woods medium duty rotary cutter (600)
I was originally dubious about the value of HST having used a gear tractor for many years. After using the hydrostatic transmission for a few hours I am convinced! In tight spaces it can’t be beat. Well worth the extra money.
The Woods cutter has also handled everything thrown at it. I have cleared about 2 acres of heavy brush with 6 more to go. It is going to need a blade change when I’m done but the cutter looks like it is going to hold up well.
So far I have only had a few problems. The transmission fluid filter return line “banjo” fitting was loose on delivery and was leaking substantially after about 20 minutes of use. Fortunately, I caught the leak and was able to tighten the fitting (Boy I thought my Ford truck was hard to access. The fitting is really tightly packed next to the frame.)
The front right tire was delivered with a major cut trough the tread block into the ply.
Several of the hydraulic fittings for the loader were leaking after a few hours. I tightened the connections and all seems to be well.
Most seriously – The tractor over heated once during the day on Saturday. I had been brush hogging in 90 degree heat for several hours when the temperature gauge went from four bars to overheating in a matter of a few minutes. I was watching it and was able to shut it down as it hit high. I was surprised how quickly it went from just “hot” to overheated. I let the tractor cool for about 30 minutes, checked the fluids, cleaned the radiator screen and it was fine for the rest of the day. I suspect (but don’t know) that this condition was caused by too much gunk on the radiator screen. The tractor seems to be very sensitive to this condition.
I called my dealer to report these problems and he was ready to pick up the tractor on the weekend just to verify that setup was completed correctly and that everything was functional. I have declined at this point since all the leaks are fixed and it seems to be running correctly. He has agreed to bring out and change the front tire.
So with two days worth of work on the tractor I can confidently say it was the correct purchase and that I am happy with my dealer’s support. If you are looking for a Kubota in Oregon I recommend checking with Mark Crawford at Crawford Olson in Hillsboro.
Thanks again for your support and assistance in this process. Now I have a bunch more work to do which will undoubtedly generate many questions!
Pictures in a few days...
7sam15
