Clutch fan on cabbed Canadian lx series tractors

Mitjam

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M-108, M6-111, Lx3520, Rtv-520 and LandPride implements
Jan 14, 2013
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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
So I know this is a no issue post just found it strange that Canadian lx series 3310,3520, 4020 cabbed tractors have fan clutches. The open stations do not , I guess they do this to keep engine temps up in cold weather running heater? Should I still cover up the rad or would it defeat the purpose?
 

DaveFromMi

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L3901 RCR1260
Apr 14, 2021
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The fan clutch purpose is likely to minimize the amount of cold air blowing over the engine. The clutch would also help with fuel consumption, power output (less parasitic loss through fan). I don't think you should block the rad, but some of the grille air inlets could be blocked in cold weather.
 

Mitjam

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M-108, M6-111, Lx3520, Rtv-520 and LandPride implements
Jan 14, 2013
233
245
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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
The fan clutch purpose is likely to minimize the amount of cold air blowing over the engine. The clutch would also help with fuel consumption, power output (less parasitic loss through fan). I don't think you should block the rad, but some of the grille air inlets could be blocked in cold weather.
Thank you for the reply
 

DanDavis

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Kubota L Series Tractors
Sep 3, 2024
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Montana
You can consider using the radiator coverage if you like. The heat sink can help reduce the loss of heat and make more calories be guided to the interior of the cab. but if the heat sink covers the necessary air flow, I think it may affect the effect of cooling system... especially when working in summers.

and a warm reminder, If you decide to cover the radiator, choose the coverage of those with appropriate reflective backplanes, that can more effectively distribute the heat into the living space
 

MapleLeafFarmer

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Dec 2, 2019
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So I know this is a no issue post just found it strange that Canadian lx series 3310,3520, 4020 cabbed tractors have fan clutches. The open stations do not , I guess they do this to keep engine temps up in cold weather running heater? Should I still cover up the rad or would it defeat the purpose?
I often operate at -30 temps.

I like to pull my radiator net when it gets sub 15 or so (the screen in front of the rad that catches field chaff etc... and keeps it out of the rad) and I slide in a piece of smooth galv. tin the exact same size in its place that has a hole cut in the centre about 1/3 the size rad. net. It sure helps engine come up to temp and keep its temps up and I feel it helps keep regen cycles down.
 

Mitjam

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Equipment
M-108, M6-111, Lx3520, Rtv-520 and LandPride implements
Jan 14, 2013
233
245
43
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
You can consider using the radiator coverage if you like. The heat sink can help reduce the loss of heat and make more calories be guided to the interior of the cab. but if the heat sink covers the necessary air flow, I think it may affect the effect of cooling system... especially when working in summers.

and a warm reminder, If you decide to cover the radiator, choose the coverage of those with appropriate reflective backplanes, that can more effectively distribute the heat into the living space
Thank you for the reply
 

Mitjam

Active member

Equipment
M-108, M6-111, Lx3520, Rtv-520 and LandPride implements
Jan 14, 2013
233
245
43
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
I often operate at -30 temps.

I like to pull my radiator net when it gets sub 15 or so (the screen in front of the rad that catches field chaff etc... and keeps it out of the rad) and I slide in a piece of smooth galv. tin the exact same size in its place that has a hole cut in the centre about 1/3 the size rad. net. It sure helps engine come up to temp and keep its temps up and I feel it helps keep regen cycles down.
Ya. When I had my lx3310 I found anything colder than -20c and wind I couldn’t keep my 3 bars on my temp gauge
 

GreensvilleJay

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I'm curious. I'd like to know Kubota's reason for the fan clutch on cabbed only tractors.
It implies an open cabbed tractor of that series runs hotter in winter ?
hmm, wonder if the tstat is different rating ?? Rads the same ??
 

Mitjam

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Equipment
M-108, M6-111, Lx3520, Rtv-520 and LandPride implements
Jan 14, 2013
233
245
43
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
I'm curious. I'd like to know Kubota's reason for the fan clutch on cabbed only tractors.
It implies an open cabbed tractor of that series runs hotter in winter ?
hmm, wonder if the tstat is different rating ?? Rads the same ??
Yes that’s why I posted this only the cabbed Canadian tractors in the lx line up with the dpf and common rail engine. I understand the purpose of the clutch just found it interesting is all. To keep up engine temps for regen purposes and optimal combustion I dunno. It’s way beyond my pay grade haha
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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Jun 9, 2013
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I'm curious. I'd like to know Kubota's reason for the fan clutch on cabbed only tractors.
It implies an open cabbed tractor of that series runs hotter in winter ?
hmm, wonder if the tstat is different rating ?? Rads the same ??
How many non cabbed tractors have A/C??? :unsure:
That's the most likely reason for the difference. ;)
 

Mitjam

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Equipment
M-108, M6-111, Lx3520, Rtv-520 and LandPride implements
Jan 14, 2013
233
245
43
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
How many non cabbed tractors have A/C??? :unsure:
That's the most likely reason for the difference. ;)
I thought that too. I actually talked to my dealer today on a different note but asked him this question. “ Kubota equipped fan clutches on their ECU engine units that are delivered in Canada. Because obviously cabbed unit have a heater core which draws heat away from engine. In extreme temperatures they were finding the engines weren’t staying at normal operating temperature”. It’s funny the only reason I ever looked in the fan shroud is to check for mouse nests. When I was looking with the light and the fan moved by touching it I though what the hell this isn’t good haha then realized there is a clutch in it.
 

DaveFromMi

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L3901 RCR1260
Apr 14, 2021
612
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93
Indiana
So the clutch has a wire harness. That means it may be getting signals from the A/C pressure, coolant temp, and air charge temp if the tractor is turbocharged.
 

Mitjam

Active member

Equipment
M-108, M6-111, Lx3520, Rtv-520 and LandPride implements
Jan 14, 2013
233
245
43
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
So the clutch has a wire harness. That means it may be getting signals from the A/C pressure, coolant temp, and air charge temp if the tractor is turbocharged.
Agreed. I’m just quoting what the dealer said for what it’s worth. It is just the first ever tractor I have had or seen that had a clutch fan but maybe with newer engines and technology it will become more common