Should Kobota be looking at exhaust design?

[AB4D]

[Project: Thanks for all the comments. The fumes are while in the operator seat or while putting an object in the loader by hand (I was loading some bricks)and it is a health concern. Is there any such thing as a flex extention? I could try to route it down or back if Kubota left enough clearance. For all that reads this post, pay more attention to it and see if we are all breathing in more than we should.]

I haven't had any issues with exhaust fumes on my last two Kubota tractors (BX-23, L3430), when working around the FEL, and usually don't see any visual smoke except on start up. If your seeing smoke or smelling excessive fumes all the time, you may have a problem. If you feel that you need an exhaust extension, most auto parts stores usually carry flex exhaust pipe, but I don't know if they have it small enough to fit. Nevertheless, I wouldn't run any extension too far or it may impact the performance of the engine.

 

[john_bud]

Are you getting the fumes in the operators seat or is it an environmental / health issue you're concerned with?

Harris

Thanks for all the comments. The fumes are while in the operator seat or while putting an object in the loader by hand (I was loading some bricks)and it is a health concern. Is there any such thing as a flex extention? I could try to route it down or back if Kubota left enough clearance. For all that reads this post, pay more attention to it and see if we are all breathing in more than we should.[/QUOTE]


Try turning the engine off when you load the FEL by hand. Saves fuel, the environment and may keep the tractor from rolling over you.

You seem to be more sensitive to the exhaust than most. Even if the exhaust was routed elsewhere, the wind could shift and still give you the same condition. Just for the record, Kubota's engines are among the cleanest in the world. Given that you are affected and I don't see a solution with an open tractor, you may want to sell your tractor and buy one that has a filtered and air conditioned cab. Don't mean to sound like a SA, but with your sensitivities, that may indeed be your only option.


jb

 

[BXRICK]

Only drive downwind?

Seriously, it can be an issue (I have a BX), especially when working around the loader. But I'm not sure where else the exhaust could come from. As stated earlier, you don't want to run the exhaust underneath, both so it doesn't get crushed, and it would likely be a fire hazard. And, when hooking up a 3pt implement, or operating a stationary 3pt implement (log splitter, wood chipper), having the exhaust in the front is nice.
On the smaller tractors, having the exhaust out the top wouldn't work since the muffler would be too close, completely block your view, and have to be almost taller than the ROPS to clear your face.

I'm not sure a different angle would help much, though it might solve the "soot on the loader" problem. With tractor movement and wind, I don't think you'll be able to control exactly where it goes all the time.

But if you come up with a better solution, please let us know.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Thanks for all the comments. The fumes are while in the operator seat or while putting an object in the loader by hand (I was loading some bricks)and it is a health concern. Is there any such thing as a flex extention? I could try to route it down or back if Kubota left enough clearance. For all that reads this post, pay more attention to it and see if we are all breathing in more than we should.

Why not hook up a flexible exhaust extension. Cheap and easy. See if it works.
Bob