Poor Quality Control IMO

Tractor Dr. · Jun 2, 2007

I just purchased a brand new L3130 and after a few hours of operation I found that my bucket level indicator had been rubbing against a hydraulic hose. I loosened the connection and turned the hose away and it seems ok now but the rod wore through to the metal braid on the hose. Another observation is that when I get under load I hear a sharp "Snap" noise right under the fenders. When I get under load in reverse I hear the same noise. I believe this is either wheel to axle loose and/or wheel to rim loose. I'm going to tighten both areas today to see if it goes away. If not, the dealer will be making a trip out to get the machine. While these aren't huge issues, these little problems leaves me disappointed in my dealer. I have a hunch the mechanics who assemble the machines are flat rate vs hourly so they rush through the process and try to get it done as quick as possible to "beat the clock". The wheel tightness wouldn't be as obvious to the assembler's manager but the bucket level indicator was and I can't believe they let the tractor out like that.

bigdad · Jun 2, 2007

That's a drag! I put some of the responsibility on the dealer as those tractors are shipped in crates and "Some assembly required". After the final assembly, you would think that the assembler/mechanic would take the tractor for a spin and do a general operational check.

That's a lot of doe to spend to find out little things like you described have been obviously overlooked.

They're still a pretty cool machine. Right?

john_bud · Jun 2, 2007

Tractor Dr. said:
I just purchased a brand new L3130 and after a few hours of operation I found that my bucket level indicator had been rubbing against a hydraulic hose. I loosened the connection and turned the hose away and it seems ok now but the rod wore through to the metal braid on the hose. Another observation is that when I get under load I hear a sharp "Snap" noise right under the fenders. When I get under load in reverse I hear the same noise. I believe this is either wheel to axle loose and/or wheel to rim loose. I'm going to tighten both areas today to see if it goes away. If not, the dealer will be making a trip out to get the machine. While these aren't huge issues, these little problems leaves me disappointed in my dealer. I have a hunch the mechanics who assemble the machines are flat rate vs hourly so they rush through the process and try to get it done as quick as possible to "beat the clock". The wheel tightness wouldn't be as obvious to the assembler's manager but the bucket level indicator was and I can't believe they let the tractor out like that.

I agree with you completely! Hoses shouldn't be assembled to rub.

Also, the diagnosis on the wheel bolts is probably dead on. That's a tough one to figure out usually.

The dealer is responsible for this as they do final assembly and prep. Talk to the owner and express your calm, factual but honest opinion. They can't fix it if they don't know about it. The service manager may sweep it under the rug as it makes him look bad, but the owner can't.

jb

Tractor Dr. · Jun 2, 2007

UPDATE: Found the problem to be at the hub to wheel. Found bolts and nuts to be only "snug" on both sides. Not "Tight" by any stretch of the imagination. I haven't driven the tractor yet to see if it fixed the problem but I'm 99.9% sure that is what it was. Thinking about taking your advice and calling the dealer. I don't want to raise a huge stink but I just want to vent my frustration out a little bit. Who knows it might be worth some free tranny fluid for my first service (I'm not gonna let them do it).

Tractor Dr. · Jun 2, 2007

Bigdad: Forgot to add...Yes, very cool machine!

Volfandt · Jun 2, 2007

UPDATE: Found the problem to be at the hub to wheel. Found bolts and nuts to be only "snug" on both sides.

Sounds like you've found the problem. GTG!

If it's any consolation, theres been more reports than I care to count on poor dealer prep on all models and brands here.
It's not isolated to just your dealer.
On the BX's the common problems reported were no grease in the MMM's spindles and very low oil in the front axles.

On the B's the common report was the hub's being loose on the axles causing a knocking sound such as you just experienced.

Incorrectly positioned hydraulic hoses seem to be the latest problems cropping up in all models.

I don't want to minimize the lack of a dealers responsibility to ensure the machine he sells us are properly setup and ready to operate without these kinds of issues, but it is common, even among dealers w/good rep's.
If the dealer makes it good and is genuinely concerned that his shop fialed then I wouldn't sweat teh tractor nor the dealer in future dealings.

Congrats on your machine.

MessickFarmEqu · Jun 2, 2007

It very clearly says in the owners manual that you should be checking your wheel bolt torque after an hour or two of use. Its just like having the tires changed on your car, once they are worked around a bit the lugs can loosen very quickly. It does not sound like a dealer prep problem.

Taiser · Jun 2, 2007

I just had a hose blow, my left loader arm cylinder hose was rubbing on the bottom of the loader arm. It started to drip and when I investigated she blew up, almost nailing me in the face. The other side has that same hose out at about 30 degrees so it don't happen, this one was perpendicular with the arm. I got a new hose on waranty, no questions asked (but the dealer wanted the old hose back, Kubota apparently investigates all premature wear items), so I wonder what he's going to say happened? It's pretty obvious how it wore out. It was obviously a mistake in assembly at the dealer but no big deal, they can't be perfect and he made it right. Now if my wheel fell off.......

Tractor Dr. · Jun 2, 2007

Messicks Farm Equipment. I respect the fact that the customer should periodically perform checks on a new piece of equipment to find nuts/bolts that may have worked loose. However, they have to be tight first before they can work loose. In other words these were never tight. This symptom was noticed in the first hour of operation. You can imagine my surprise when I heard this sharp snapping noise on my new tractor that had .4 Hours on the hour meter. When I tightened them I got 3/4 turn from each bolt and 1/2 turn from each nut. Maybe my expectations are too high but I think that is something that should not be overlooked on a predelivery inspection.

TD
Lancaster, PA

swampvol · Jun 2, 2007

Tractor Dr. said:
Messicks Farm Equipment. I respect the fact that the customer should periodically perform checks on a new piece of equipment to find nuts/bolts that may have worked loose. However, they have to be tight first before they can work loose. In other words these were never tight. This symptom was noticed in the first hour of operation. You can imagine my surprise when I heard this sharp snapping noise on my new tractor that had .4 Hours on the hour meter. When I tightened them I got 3/4 turn from each bolt and 1/2 turn from each nut. Maybe my expectations are too high but I think that is something that should not be overlooked on a predelivery inspection.

TD
Lancaster, PA

I agree.