Why have a cab?

[patrick_g]

I wonder if there is some OSHA rule or concern about the ROPS that makes Kubota so conservative.

My factory cab tractor is a Kubota L4610HSTC. There are concerns with the ROPSability of the cab. It took considerable sleuthing but I eventually found out why the manual prohibits liquid fill in the cab model's tires. The manual goes into an in depth discussion of tire filling technique, freezing points vs concentrations of CaCl and on and on and then says except for the cab model where liquid fill is not permitted.

Dealer didn't know and it took several penetrating enquiries into the Kubota organization to find out. The cab is rated good enough top meet its ROPS requirements but it must be close as the liquid fill is the straw that breaks the ROPS back.

Patrick

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

John Deere also states that "they don't have a model to fit the cabs at this time". I e-mailed Woods and asked if they had a backhoe mount for this tractor and they said they do. They also e-mailed me a copy of the manual.

That said, I have not purchased or installed it yet so I am only repeating what I have been told.

I am attaching a copy of the cover page of the manual and you can clearly see it states cab 3X20

I have seen the Woods BH on the 3000 Series cab tractors at my local dealer.

 

[IslandTractor]

There are concerns with the ROPSability of the cab.

This info plus the limited operator seating space with Kubota cabs at least starts to make some sense of the prohibition on backhoes with cabs.

 

[K7147]

My factory cab tractor is a Kubota L4610HSTC. There are concerns with the ROPSability of the cab. It took considerable sleuthing but I eventually found out why the manual prohibits liquid fill in the cab model's tires. The manual goes into an in depth discussion of tire filling technique, freezing points vs concentrations of CaCl and on and on and then says except for the cab model where liquid fill is not permitted.

Dealer didn't know and it took several penetrating enquiries into the Kubota organization to find out. The cab is rated good enough top meet its ROPS requirements but it must be close as the liquid fill is the straw that breaks the ROPS back.

Patrick

Hi Patrick!

There must be some other factor missing here concerning filling the tires, the ROPS, and attachment of a backhoe on a Kubota cab tractor. I can understand that the Cab on a Kubota may have been designed such that it’s roll-over specifications are less than a standard ROPS, however, I fail to see the correlation between this and attaching a backhoe or loading the tires? My tires are loaded with Rim Guard (sp) which certainly adds almost 1,000 lbs to the overall weight of the tractor, however, I fail to see how this could possibly “decrease” the roll-over protection of a minimally designed roll-over system. Secondly, how could adding a backhoe on a sub frame have a bearing on roll- over protection unless one rolled the tractor 180 degrees right onto the roof? Also, I had been told that Kubota did not want backhoes on their cab models as the rear end was not properly engineered to accept the added weight. I investigated and could find no confirmation from Kubota or any knowledgeable dealer that this was the case. I suggest that one or more of the following applies to this Kubota/Cab/backhoe scenario:

1. Kubota has determined that should their cab tractor end up on it’s roof the cab would not provide sufficient roll-over protection with the added weight of a backhoe, sub-frame, or/and loaded tires (that would be sticking straight up in the air and adding to the weight placed on the roof).
2. Kubota has under-engineered some other component on the tractor such that this component will fail with the Cab/Backhoe/Loaded tires configuration. Rear end?
3. Kubota marketing determined that there would be little call for a backhoe application on a cab tractor and that it was cost effective for them to not offer such an option.

The #1 scenario seems to be the most logical, however, if this is the case then one might be concerned if the roof would withstand a 180 degree roll-over with some other heavy implement attached.

With a factory cab, sub-frame, nine foot backhoe, and loaded tires I’ll simply make sure that I don’t drive the tractor with the cab roof scraping along the ground!!
Besides, I’d spill my coffee!

Ken

 

[aj3z]

On my L3430HSTC (Cab tractor) I use a Woods 7500 subframe mounted backhoe with its own pump. I solved the inadequate seat space problem by adding a frame extension to the backhoe frame (not the subframe). This extension was ordered directly from Woods by me and sent to my dealer. When I went to pick it up I was not charged for the part. This extension and different seat mount have helped solve my legroom/seatspace problem by moving the backhoe away from the cab.

 

[HillbillyFarmer]

Here's one reason why.

huh? A cab on a lawnmower with a snowblower in 1/2" of snow?

I don't understand.

 

[hwp]

huh? A cab on a lawnmower with a snowblower in 1/2" of snow?

I don't understand.

That's OK and you're probably not alone. I only have 6 acres so can't fit a 100+hp machine on my lot. The snow that day was about 6" deep and we had just come in from clearing it. Yep, it is a glorified lawnmower (essentially a B2400 turned around to run the other way) with a mower deck, snowblower, sand/salt spreader, rotary broom, dozer blade and aerator - a versatile little machine. It does a great job of clearing snow off my 450 feet of driveway and the cab (heated) keeps me dry and warm, especially when the wind is howling and it is close to 0F. The other attachments come in handy as well.

 

[Oleozz]

hwp, I think you have a neat looking setup. I imagine you get a lot of snow where you live and staying dry and warm has to be important. You have a tractor and implements that suits your needs.

 

[patrick_g]

Hi Patrick!

There must be some other factor missing here concerning filling the tires, the ROPS, and attachment of a backhoe on a Kubota cab tractor. I can understand that the Cab on a Kubota may have been designed such that it’s roll-over specifications are less than a standard ROPS, however, I fail to see the correlation between this and attaching a backhoe or loading the tires? My tires are loaded with Rim Guard (sp) which certainly adds almost 1,000 lbs to the overall weight of the tractor, however, I fail to see how this could possibly “decrease” the roll-over protection of a minimally designed roll-over system. Secondly, how could adding a backhoe on a sub frame have a bearing on roll- over protection unless one rolled the tractor 180 degrees right onto the roof? Also, I had been told that Kubota did not want backhoes on their cab models as the rear end was not properly engineered to accept the added weight. I investigated and could find no confirmation from Kubota or any knowledgeable dealer that this was the case. I suggest that one or more of the following applies to this Kubota/Cab/backhoe scenario:

1. Kubota has determined that should their cab tractor end up on it’s roof the cab would not provide sufficient roll-over protection with the added weight of a backhoe, sub-frame, or/and loaded tires (that would be sticking straight up in the air and adding to the weight placed on the roof).
2. Kubota has under-engineered some other component on the tractor such that this component will fail with the Cab/Backhoe/Loaded tires configuration. Rear end?
3. Kubota marketing determined that there would be little call for a backhoe application on a cab tractor and that it was cost effective for them to not offer such an option.

The #1 scenario seems to be the most logical, however, if this is the case then one might be concerned if the roof would withstand a 180 degree roll-over with some other heavy implement attached.

With a factory cab, sub-frame, nine foot backhoe, and loaded tires I’ll simply make sure that I don’t drive the tractor with the cab roof scraping along the ground!!
Besides, I’d spill my coffee!

Ken

Lots of good questions to ask of Kubota. All I can say is the tire loading prohibition is in the manual. Finding out why is not so easy. Dealers don't know and lots of Kubota America folks don't know.

Regular frame mount Kubota Backhoes for my tractor can't be installed normally if at all. In most cases it is impossible as there is not clearance. The cab seat can't swivel and there is no operator seat on the chassis mount hoe. Extending custom frames far enough to allow an operator seat on the hoe to clear the cab is quite a mod to the weight and balance of the tractor-hoe combination and the cantilevered weight would require a very substantial sub frame.

I was mildly upset when I had to choose between cab and hoe. I can buy a hoe sufficient for my needs separate from the tractor or build one from plans or kit. It just isn't a big deal for me. If it was I would have bought a different model. If it becomes a big deal I will buy another tractor.

The best info I could get was that the ROPS function of the cab would be compromised by liquid filled tires. They do permit cast iron wheel weights which I have added the max allowed (3 sets stacked atop each other.) I typically carry a box blade for ballast to make the FEL more stable when the brush hog isn't mounted. There may be free surface liquid considerations in the engineering calcs re the filled tires vs ROPS strength margins.

It would have been nice to be able to mount a hoe with Kubota's blessings but I got over it. For my light duty requirements I could do fine with a DIY hoe, one of the $3k imports, or a less capable 3PH model. It just isn't important to me so I don't get worked up about some minor inconvenience. If it were a big deal I would have bought a different tractor.

Pat

 

[Lynkage]

Ahhh!! The joys of a cab!!

My hoe comes off and I add my filler plate when it is off. I did not get the AC option but I did get the heater and good thing as here in Colorado we have had nothing but cold and lots of snow. I have had 6-8' piles in my yard since Dec.20th.
And more snow coming this weekend!