governor issue

[SinNH]

Hi new here just joined. Bought a 3430 last week and haven't worked it yet, this is my first HST in a real tractor, have a couple of lawn tractors that are hydro. I've had three "shuttle shift" compact tractors. It seems like the Kubota engine governor spring is weak, climbing my sort of steep dirt driveway, the engine actually drops from the 1700 rpm I have set with the throttle to about 1000 in mid range and about 3/4 use of the forward rocker. The green machine (870) at 1700 in 5th gear out of nine, the rpm's do not drop at all. The 870 has 28hp vs the 34 of the 3430. While climbing up the steep spot as the revs start to drop, using the hand throttle the engine has more than ample power to accelerate up the hill. Seems to me the governor does not even try to keep the revs constant. Or, is this the norm for a hydro? Hope not. Thanks Steve

 

[Roadworthy]

You say the tractor is HST. Does it have gear ranges? Mine has three ranges. For climbing a hill try a lower gear range. Be sure the parking brake is not engaged. I've found that easy to overlook on my tractor. It will go anyhow but seems lacking in power.

 

[i7win7]

TractorData.com Kubota L3430 tractor engine information

www.tractordata.com

engine rated rpm = 2700, why are you running it so low? Is 1700 the highest it will go? Could fuel filters be clogged?

 

[Tughill Tom]

When going up a steep grade with the RPM's set high 1900- 2000. Just lift off of the HST pedal just a bit and it will all most feel like a downshift in a automatic trans.
Try it you'll like!

 

[SinNH]

Thanks for the replies. I am playing with it at about 1700 because it seems over the years that is a good engine speed for moving snow. It sounds like from the post responses that everyone runs at a higher rpm, I use the throttle to climb up my steep spot in "medium" of my three ranges. It just feels like the engine lacks grunt at anything below 2000 rpm. I did not get an owners manual with the purchase and am looking for one, at max throttle the engine is running at 2900, is that right? (max on my JD 870 is 2600). Thanks for the help!

 

[armylifer]

Thanks for the replies. I am playing with it at about 1700 because it seems over the years that is a good engine speed for moving snow. It sounds like from the post responses that everyone runs at a higher rpm, I use the throttle to climb up my steep spot in "medium" of my three ranges. It just feels like the engine lacks grunt at anything below 2000 rpm. I did not get an owners manual with the purchase and am looking for one, at max throttle the engine is running at 2900, is that right? (max on my JD 870 is 2600). Thanks for the help!

The model previous to your L3430 is the L3410. There is a WSM for the L3410 on the link below. The WSM for the L3410 is in two parts. There is probably a lot in common between the L3410 and your L3430. You can download both parts of the manual for the L3410 here:

Index of Kubotabooks/Tractor Owners Manuals/

 

[BigG]

Bump up your engine speed a little bit. Diesels like a higher rpm then a gasser. Most people equate the tractor to a car as far as engine speed goes. Do not do that. Instead try running the rpm's over 2000 in the middle range and see if it doesn't run better. Once you try it you will like it.