What was Kubota thinking back then?

[RobertN]

Did an annual on my older B8200HST yesterday; all fluids and filters, lube, check battery etc.

The "What was Kubota Thinking" thread left me wondering a bit. I hope things have changed a little since my tractor was made in '86...

Who came up with the oil dipstick??? It is impossible to see the hole the dipstick goes in to from above. You have to start the dipstick between the engine and exhaust manifold, the bend over and look by the oil filter to see the little hole. Pretty much need a flash light too, but it is hard to get a flash light to shine in there. Very annoying, because it is same issue every time you check the oil.

I have to loosen sheet metal to change the fuel filter. The side panel has a big hole where the filter housing is; access to the shutoff is easy. But, getting the lower housing off to pop the filter cartridge requires loosening sheet metal. Now, my tractor has a few dents and dings from the last 21 years, but is in decent shape; the sheet metal is where it was designed, but who put it THERE?

The oil pan drain invariably drips oil down the drive shaft. Not too big an issue cause oil changes are 75 hours(I do 75 hours per manual or annually, which ever comes first).

The rest of it was pretty easy; I have done it a few times in the ten or so years/600 hours I have had it.

I'm happy with everything else about it; the tractor has worked flawlessly.

I hope they made some of this stuff easier/more efficient on the newer model though...

Should changed the coolant sooner though. It has always been clear and green, so I left it. This was the 1000 hour "do everything"; that coolant was still green, but not as pretty as I though when I drained it.

 

[N80]

My L4400 is relatively easy to work on. Filters and such pretty easy to get at. Three main complaints are:

1) Hydraulic fluid site window. Hate it! My hydraulic fluid is pretty clear, which makes it hard to see. Anything but a perfectly level surface makes it look completely empty or too full. A regular dipstick would be perfectly fine.

2) Hydraulic fluid fill hole. It is right over the 3 pt hitch in a very confined space. Makes it hard to fill. I don't have a better solution, but that aint it.

3) Front axle drain plugs (4wd). Hard to get to. Hard to get all fluid out.

Pretty minor stuff really.

As for the sheet metal being in the way on your tractor. That might have a plus side. My filters, especially the hydraulic filter are very exposed and the hydraulic one is low and exposed. I do a lot of stuff in the woods and brush and I worry about catching them on something. The sheet metal might give a little protection.

 

[art]

Interesting as to the changes over the last twenty years! I imagine that progress can be made in both directions!

 

[Bob_Young]

You're right to worry, N80. I was pushing a downed sumac back into the woods with the L4300 awhile back and suddenly smelled diesel fuel. It was late, getting dark, so I headed back to the barn without further investigation.

Next day I found that the fuel filter bracket had been bent by a limb. The fuel filter was at a crazy angle and there was a hole in the low-pressure rubber return line from the injectors (at least I think that's what it was). Bent the filter bracket back into position with my hands and fixed the return line by cutting an inch off the end and reconnecting. Easy fix, but it could've been A LOT worse.

Learned from this that it ain't a dozer even if it won't stop pushin'
Bob