Parts, Service and Owners Manuals

[CptTrog]

Been a while since I've posted anything. I've been using the forums to search for quick fixes and such for my Kubota L4400H.
It struck me this morning as I searched the interwebs for a "free" downloadable parts and service manual for my machine that it's one helluva mess out there for owners trying to work on their own money pits as far as document-type resources go. The prices for these manuals range the gamut from questionably reasonable to WHAT THE HOLY ****!? Understand that while I'm not cheap, (I want to find the best resources to keep my machine running tip-top) I'm also not made out of money! Additionally, I've yet to find that proverbial money tree to plant here on the farm!

So I'm compiling my own illustrated parts manual using the Kubota site. It's a tedious process but will aid me in getting the exact needed OEM part number for use in searching for either an OEM part or an after-market equivalent. Granted, OEM part numbers occasionally change as the manufacturer 'improves' the design of an item but I've found so far that that is rare. Rare as in they may actually improve something but they'll not let current owners know about it because of 'recall claims' or litigation. In other words, SURPRISE!!

I cannot be the only person having run into this issue. Right???

By the way, this is a snippet of the legalese I found on Kubota's website:

"You are authorized to view, download and reproduce the materials at this Website only for your personal use. No further reproduction or publication and no commercial use may be made of the materials on this Website without the prior written permission of KTC.
You may not make any part of this Website available as part of another web site whether by hyperlink framing on the internet or otherwise. This Website and its content may not be used to construct a database of any kind nor may the Website and its content be stored (in whole or part) in databases for access by you or any third party or for distribution."
​

Nice, eh??

 

[dannoGT]

Hi Cpttrog

I have run into exactly the same problem, and its frustrating! Some manufactures have awesome websites were you can view all of the manuals for their products and no problems with viewing or downloading manuals! My current tractor is an orphan although it wears MF colours and badges it was built by Hinomoto and finding manuals has been a challenge ! I was on a different site and mistakenly asked if someone had a copy of a manual and it just got ugly! I didn't realize until later that the owners of the site had a nice little business printing and selling manuals. It would be nice if owners of particular model could set up a little info sharing site! BTW if you find that money tree can I get a branch and try splicing it into one of my apple trees?

Dan

 

[CptTrog]

:licking:Golden apples! I can dig it! Sure will, my friend.
Sadly enough, the legalese sited above pretty much stipulates we couldn't start a sharing site without fear of the Corps' cops shutting us down. I've got the web skills to do such a thing but I certainly don't have the bucks to fight someone like Kubota.
Then again, nothing says you can't share via email, right!

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

Since oems are charging dealers for this info don't expect it to be free to the general public anytime soon.

 

[jimmysisson]

Not sure why you'd expect something that cost money to produce should be free? Some mfgs do so, others don't. As you realize while you're compiling your Kub manuals and parts list, it does seem to be work.
Jim

 

[Leejohn]

Been a while since I've posted anything. I've been using the forums to search for quick fixes and such for my Kubota L4400H.
It struck me this morning as I searched the interwebs for a "free" downloadable parts and service manual for my machine that it's one helluva mess out there for owners trying to work on their own money pits as far as document-type resources go. The prices for these manuals range the gamut from questionably reasonable to WHAT THE HOLY ****!? Understand that while I'm not cheap, (I want to find the best resources to keep my machine running tip-top) I'm also not made out of money! Additionally, I've yet to find that proverbial money tree to plant here on the farm!

So I'm compiling my own illustrated parts manual using the Kubota site. It's a tedious process but will aid me in getting the exact needed OEM part number for use in searching for either an OEM part or an after-market equivalent. Granted, OEM part numbers occasionally change as the manufacturer 'improves' the design of an item but I've found so far that that is rare. Rare as in they may actually improve something but they'll not let current owners know about it because of 'recall claims' or litigation. In other words, SURPRISE!!

I cannot be the only person having run into this issue. Right???

By the way, this is a snippet of the legalese I found on Kubota's website:

"You are authorized to view, download and reproduce the materials at this Website only for your personal use. No further reproduction or publication and no commercial use may be made of the materials on this Website without the prior written permission of KTC.
You may not make any part of this Website available as part of another web site whether by hyperlink framing on the internet or otherwise. This Website and its content may not be used to construct a database of any kind nor may the Website and its content be stored (in whole or part) in databases for access by you or any third party or for distribution."
​

Nice, eh??

Take a look here. Index of Kubotabooks/Tractor Parts Manuals/

 

[CptTrog]

Not sure why you'd expect something that cost money to produce should be free? Some mfgs do so, others don't. As you realize while you're compiling your Kub manuals and parts list, it does seem to be work.
Jim

Of course you're right, Jim. Free is out of the question and I honestly didn't expect to find such. On the other hand, I really didn't expect to find it sold for such high prices. Then again, no such thing as a free lunch.

 

[CptTrog]

Take a look here. Index of Kubotabooks/Tractor Parts Manuals/

Good find, LeeJohn. Thanks!

 

[CptTrog]

Since oems are charging dealers for this info don't expect it to be free to the general public anytime soon.

Agreed.

 

[CptTrog]

Finished my own PDFs for the exploded parts for the tractor and backhoe using Kubota's site for the latest numbers, notes and replacements for old items. Took a bit of effort but well worth it.
Thanks to all for your input.