Seized seat rail on MX4800

[trackman23]

I am looking for suggestions on how to free up the seat rail on my new-to-me MX4800. The level that is used to adjust the seat works just fine but the rail that it is attached to seems to be seized to the frame. I have sprayed Kroil on the rail several times and it has had a week to penetrate but it is still stuck, even when I take a hammer to it.

Any tips for this one? Thanks!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Pics will help us guys that don't have an MX to make some suggestions.

But that aside, double check that there is not "a spare bolt" hidden somewhere that is keeping it on.

I can't tell you how many times something like that has "got me"

A "flame wrench" (aka torch) might help if its possible to use it and not burn something else up.

 

[DustyRusty]

I had a similar problem with my handicapped mobility cart. The only way to fix it is to remove the seat and then remove the rail. Then you can work on getting it loose. Tight tolerances and rust are the problem.

 

[mikester]

Remove the seat base and soak it in penetrating oil. Keep tapping and re-soaking. Persistence and patience wins the day

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yes, but... tap a bit forward, then add 'oil', then tap a bit back, repeat as required....
the back and forth tapping is what will break up the 'rust weld'.
tapping just one way never seems to work very well...

 

[Trimley]

I had a seat rail stop functioning once. After removing the seat, I looked through each rail. One I could see through, the other I could not. I used a crowbar to pry between the adjoining two pieces, while hitting the end of the rail with a hammer. As it moved, a "nut" fell out. After that the seat operated as it should.

 

[DustyRusty]

yes, but... tap a bit forward, then add 'oil', then tap a bit back, repeat as required....
the back and forth tapping is what will break up the 'rust weld'.
tapping just one way never seems to work very well...

If you don't remove it from the seat, you run the risk that you will tear out the captive nuts that hold the seat tracts to the metal seat pan.

 

[trackman23]

Thx folks. The back and forth method has started to work…the seat now moves about 1/2” and hopefully will loosen up now that I have broken it free and flooded it with Kroil

 

[GreensvilleJay]

good news....
yes you need to learn PATIENCE.. a little at a time, gently and you'll win.
Took me two weeks to unstick an engine that'd been stuck for 25 years...she always starts and runs every day for the past 20 years.

 

[fried1765]

Thx folks. The back and forth method has started to work…the seat now moves about 1/2” and hopefully will loosen up now that I have broken it free and flooded it with Kroil

KROIL..... is MAGIC stuff!

 

[D2Cat]

Someone mentioned finding a nut in their seat rails. Might be something as simple as a stone getting lodged in there, or perhaps the release lever isn't moving the notched piece high enough to release that side causing a bind.

 

[pigdoc]

I am looking for suggestions on how to free up the seat rail on my new-to-me MX4800.
Any tips for this one? Thanks!

I just looked at the Parts Diagram at messicks.com for your tractor, here:
Kubota MX4800DT (4WD TRACTOR W/FOLDABLE ROPS) Parts Diagrams (messicks.com)
Look under the Hood/Bonnet Category for the Seat Diagram.

The configuration of part number 020 in the Seat Diagram (Assy Adjuster, Seat, $222.67) looks to be identical in its construction to the same part on my L2500.

I had the same problem as you. Which was, an extreme amount of corrosion in the tracks for the rollers. In mine, there are 4 rollers, made of short pieces of coiled spring, laid sideways.

If you remove the Assembly from the tractor (four nuts), and then flip it upside down, you can easily tap each of the side rails out of the main frame. There are a couple of pressed-in bumps (to restrain the springs) that you have to work around. Suffice to say that the assembly goes back together (after it is cleaned up) MUCH more easily than it comes apart!

I got in there with a heavy wire wheel and cleaned everything out, and then put a thin coating of grease on the lower surface that the spring-rollers roll on. And, then dunked everything in gear oil, just so I don't have to think about corrosion in there anymore. Mine works great now!

-Paul

 

[trackman23]

KROIL..... is MAGIC stuff!

That and Fluid Film are my favorites!

 

[DustyRusty]

good news....
yes you need to learn PATIENCE.. a little at a time, gently and you'll win.
Took me two weeks to unstick an engine that'd been stuck for 25 years...she always starts and runs every day for the past 20 years.

How did you determine exactly;y when the engine became stuck? If you knew it was stuck 25 years ago, why didn't you unstick it then? You were 25 years young when it happened and 45 years younger than today. Am I to believe that it took you all this time to develop your wisdom?

 

[fried1765]

That and Fluid Film are my favorites!

Not quite the same for me....
Kroil,....... and LPS-3.

 

[fried1765]

How did you determine exactly;y when the engine became stuck? If you knew it was stuck 25 years ago, why didn't you unstick it then? You were 25 years young when it happened and 45 years younger than today. Am I to believe that it took you all this time to develop your wisdom?

Some of us are slower than others!

 

[DustyRusty]

Rumor has it that some are not slow and are not fast, they are just half fast!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

the back story
friend's brother owned the tractor (had 100ac farm),wasn't using it any more, so he stored it in an open leanto style 'shed' off a barn. it had sat there for 24-25 years. I bought it in 2000, as I needed a tractor. So I bought it, Allis-Chalmers D-14 along with SC 3 btm plow, SC Oxnard blade, loader for $500. It needed 2 rear tires( 26" combine ones fit ! ) as well as 'unsticking' of the engine. Also had to remove the mouse CONDO in the bell housing( jammed full), new clutch was required of course( back them $100 for pressure plate assy /disk combo).

as for the 'wisdom'.... I retired 35 years ago, I'm 70 now, everything I have is paid in full(house, truck, tractors, toys,etc.) and enjoy helping my neighbours.

 

[DustyRusty]

You are a very lucky man!

 

[trackman23]

Not quite the same for me....
Kroil,....... and LPS-3.

I have a gallon of that too!