Sad story of Kubota TnT

[Oldoak]

Well, any trade shows that I ever attended (as a guest) were intended for dealers, not end users.
The representatives at their respective displays weren't necessarily the most knowledgeable in all aspects of their company's products.

 

[Fallon]

Plus I would like to add, the Grand Ls do not have the side link clevis at an angle, the top ball swivel is, but not the clevis. The STD Ls have the clevis at an angle and not the ball swivel.

Just so that when you are looking at the replacements you don't think that something is wrong if it is not.

Noted. They fit, so wasn't upset about that, unlike the leaking & not being the right size issues.

Will have to see how their promised dates hold up. The service guy said they were expecting more in from Illinois I think it was within a week. Given how long I've waited already & everything I hear about getting TnT gear from anywhere I'm not holding my breath.

I should have gone with FitRite, but I just wanted to have it all wrapped into 1 transaction & let the dealer do all the work this go around. Live & learn I guess.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Well, any trade shows that I ever attended (as a guest) were intended for dealers, not end users.
The representatives at their respective displays weren't necessarily the most knowledgeable in all aspects of their company's products.

This particular AG show is intended for everyone. Dealers are typically half if not more of the people staffing the booths-areas of display. This entire show is intended to be seen by the end user (retail), not dealers.

Non the less, you would think that corporate would have an idea of an on going problem-concern. But I suppose in the larger picture, the top & tilt sets are a miniscule part of the business.

 

[Fallon]

Well they brought out some Cat 2 cylinders a week or 2 ago... They didn't leak, but the top cylinder was the exact same length as the Cat 1. The rod was 4-6" longer than the cylinder & ended up being 4" or so to short compared to the max extended length of the stock unit. The tilt cylinder rod was also about 4" longer than the cylinder. Because of that if I extended the manual link all the way down I could get it level, but it would only tilt right to level, not right to left. The clevis on that cylinder was also about a foot long & ended up hanging 8" or so lower than everything else on the tractor.

Talked to the sales guy today & they are going to be refunding the TnT price. I'll be calling Brian at Fit Rite shortly.

Current setup showing top extended all the way out & barely level along with the tilt all the way "left" & barely level.

 

[Fallon]

Oh, and the tilt cylinder didn't move appreciatively overnight when I left my ballast tank/box hanging the other night. Swapped hoses & need to head out there to make sure the other remote gives similar results. Looks like my previous sagging & creep was because of the cylinders themselves (not surprising as I could see it leaking, but the amount of fluid I saw didn't correlate to that much movement).

 

[Gator6x4]

Well they brought out some Cat 2 cylinders a week or 2 ago... They didn't leak, but the top cylinder was the exact same length as the Cat 1. The rod was 4-6" longer than the cylinder & ended up being 4" or so to short compared to the max extended length of the stock unit. The tilt cylinder rod was also about 4" longer than the cylinder. Because of that if I extended the manual link all the way down I could get it level, but it would only tilt right to level, not right to left. The clevis on that cylinder was also about a foot long & ended up hanging 8" or so lower than everything else on the tractor.

Talked to the sales guy today & they are going to be refunding the TnT price. I'll be calling Brian at Fit Rite shortly.

Current setup showing top extended all the way out & barely level along with the tilt all the way "left" & barely level.
View attachment 500427

Looks like the side link cylinder is a "Universal" built unit for more than one tractor. Put the bolt through the bottom hole instead of the top one and see how far down you can then push the right side. Another trick to use is to place the manual adjustable side link adjuster on the left side of the tractor instead of the fixed unit. Adjust the right side side link with the hydraulic cylinder on it to a level position when fully retracted position by placing a level lengthwise on the side link and using placement of the attaching bolt trough the hole on the bottom of the cylinder to connect to the tractor side link to accomplish this.

Then place the level across the side link and use the manual adjustable side link retainer on the left side link to achieve a level "Zero" position for when you are in a middle range position on the position control. Most top link brackets on the tractor also have three holes for attaching the end of the top link to the tractor. Try moving the end of the top link up and down through the hoes to see if this will correct your lack of sufficient length.

 

[hawkeye08]

Following with interest as I am thinking of adding remotes and TnT in the future. Too many projects, but always looking for great ideas.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I had Fit Rite make up a TnT kit for my L3430 2 seasons ago. I added 2 OEM rear remotes using a prince FEL valve mounted to the ROPS over the right fender. No tractor modifications were required. The setup worked so well, it spoiled me.

I had the dealer install an "OEM" TnT on my MX5800 and I've had nothing but trouble with it. Leaks, bleed down, clearance issues etc. I took the TnT kit off the L3430 when I traded it hoping to be able to modify the kit to fit the MX. I soon discovered it wasn't practical. I'll likely list the L3430 TnT kit and remotes in the classifieds or eBay and use the $$ toward a Fit Rite kit for the MX. Live and learn.