Test drive of B3300

[scappoose]

Yesterday I test drove a new B3300 w/FEL. Here's what I experienced;
It was very difficult to move between HST ranges, most of the time I had to press the brakes for a few seconds to get the HST to engage when changing between LO -- MED - HI. There was a jerk when the tractor started moving in all ranges. Is it normal to have to come to a complete stop to change ranges?
When operating the empty FEL there was a bounce at the top of the lift cycle when the arms were all the way up ie the bucket didn't stop moving at the top but rebounded forward and then back, before stopping.
Aside from these observations the operators area was just too small an area for me, it was very difficult to dismount, my knee got stuck under the steering wheel.

 

[KU Gator]

I have a B2920 and I am pretty sure the manual indicates you should use the clutch when shifting between ranges. I don't remember if it says you need to be stopped or not but in practice, you end up stopped once you take your foot off the HST and push in the clutch. It sometimes wants to stick, but usually shifts ok, especially between med and high. More likely to stick coming out of low. It is really not intended to be a shift on the fly as far as I know.

I don't really know on the loader. Maybe someone else would have a feel on that.

The B2630 would have a little less HP but offer position control. It also has very strong hydraulics and might be a good fit for your size property. It also has a tilt steering wheel.

 

[scappoose]

I don't have a manual , but it is my understanding that the clutch on a HST is only for engaging the the PTO

 

[magicheater]

I don't have a manual , but it is my understanding that the clutch on a HST is only for engaging the the PTO

You can shift the HST w/o the clutch but you have to be stopped completely, i.e. wheels not moving. At times it is a bit sticky when changing between L and M. The PTO absolutely requires it, sometimes you have to clutch a couple of times to get it to go. I really like the HST, especially for loader work. I generally choose my range and use the rpm's to get the speed and power I want. H range does not pull hills very well even with lots of RPM's. Does that tractor have the LA504 loader on it?

 

[TripleR]

I don't have a B, but the manual on my L5030 states to stop and clutch to change between ranges. It also states to use the clutch when engaging 4WD.

I like the B Series, but the operator's platform is a little hard to get on and off, but so are the Lxx00 models.

 

[Grandad4]

If it was a brand new unit, the range selector probably was pretty stiff. The linkage does free up somewhat with use, however it's never going to shift like a sports car, since, as with most HST's, you typically select a range based on what you will be doing and mostly stay in that range. On mine, the range selections are entirely un-synchronized and, due to the gear reduction involved, you'll have a severe grind unless fully stopped.

Sometimes it seems they figure these "compact tractors" are only going to be used by "compact humans" , however, speaking only for myself, it doesn't always work out that way. If you are over about 6'2" or have size 12 feet, you probably wonder why they couldn't have stretched things out a bit. I can only suggest you continue kicking tires... a number of manufacturers make some excellent equipment and there might be something else out there that fits your dimensions better.

 

[whistlepig]

I have a B7800 with HST. If I try to change ranges while it's moving it grinds the gears. I rarely push the clutch in to change ranges. And yes, it can sometimes take a couple of tries with double clutching to change a range. I don't know about others but I really don't change ranges that much. Low and medium for loader work, medium for mowing grass. And, for me, high is road gear.

 

[Thomas]

My "L" you need to stop before selecting another range.

"There was a jerk when the tractor started moving in all ranges."
What was RPM's when the clutch engaging?..also fel bouncing.

 

[whistlepig]

If you push the "GO" pedal too quick, too hard, or in too high a gear on a Kubota hydro there will be a jerk from the relief valve on the hydro releasing. This protects the hydro from overload. It doesn't hurt anything but the manual says if you feel this "jerk" that you are overloading the hydro and to shift down a range.

 

[KU Gator]

In the manual for the B2x20 series it says under Range Gear Shift Lever:

"The range gear shift can only be shifted when tractor is completely stopped and clutch pedal is depressed."

It goes on to say don't force it, then:

"If it is difficult to shift the range gear shift lever into neutral position:
1. Depress the brake pedals firmly for several seconds.
2. Without reducing the brake pedal force, depress the clutch pedal and then shift the range gear shift lever.

If it is difficult to shift the range gear shift lever into L, M, or H from neutral:
1. Release the clutch pedal.
2 Slightly depress the speed control pedal to rotate the gears inside of transmission.
3. Release the speed control pedal to neutral position.
4. Depress the clutch pedal and then shift the range gear shift lever."