Japanese Compact Tractors and Hydraulics

Do you want to use a hydraulic Tipping trailer for your compact tractor? Operate a log splitter? Use a post knocker? You may have the tractor but no hydraulic connections. Many of the Japanese compacts, particularly the imported tractors, do not have external hydraulics. However virtually all tractors have internal hydraulics.

So how do you get the oil that’s inside to come outside?

Depending on the compact tractor, it’s often very easy to do. It needs to be done correctly to prevent any damage to the pump and done in such a way as it actually works. Basically all compact tractors have a hydraulic pump that sucks oil from the back axle to the pump which is driven off of the engine. The oil, then under pressure, is returned to the back axle and rear hydraulic system.  As the operator chooses, the rear lift arms can be raised or lowered. If no movement is needed the oil is simply released into the back axle.

As a by the way: OIL.  Most compacts share the oil in the back axle reservoir (maybe 10 or more litres) with the rear diff and axle, gearbox and pto gearbox. You should not use hydraulic oil but a Multi or General Purpose agricultural oil.

So you want to tip a trailer: Well most compact tractors have a screw in plug or cover that, if removed and replaced with a feed pipe will, once the arms are fully raised, pump the oil along this pipe. If you attach the pipe to a tipping trailer then the ram will extend and the trailer will tip. Different makes of tractor have different locations for this plug and some require new parts to make the system work.  For example Kubota B7100 and the various derivatives are easy to do. Masterco stocks the feed pipe and return for these tractors. We can supply fitting details and it’s pretty straight forward. Yanmar are usually straight forward, however Hinomoto are a bit more tricky!

Please contact Sam at Masterco if you require further details or any advice on 01278 686352 or 07590 443499.

Turf and Agricultural Tyres for Compact Tractors; swopping over isn’t as simple as you might think

Despite having a yard full of compact tractors I never seem to have the correct tractor and tyre combinations. I regularly meet a customer who really likes a certain tractor: all the right features; the right power; ideal for their needs and perfect in every way - EXCEPT “We need turf tyres” or if it already has turf tyres “We need agricultural tyres.”
This seems so easy to amend. But unfortunately - NO. Let me explain......

UK spec and Japanese grey imports have a normal tyre size but some sizes such as 22” rears and 14” fronts are not readily available in the UK. Also there is something called rolling radius that comes into play and is vital in 4WD tractors.
The outside measurement all the way around the tyre needs to be the same as the original tyres on front and back if 4WD. Turf tyres rarely match up ! If the tractor is 2WD it’s a lot easier.

Masterco is, if nothing else, very resourceful. Faced with this problem on a regular basis we now have a number of switched on suppliers who offer us great trade prices. We often have used or part worn tyres in stock. If we need to be creative we have a well equipped workshop and we regularly cut out rim centres and weld in new centres to suit customer’s tractors.

Please remember turf tyres, particularly new, are very expensive. They don’t usually go on the same rims, so it’s often easier to simply remove the agri tyres and fit some less aggressive alternatives. If you need advice on turfs for compacts please ring us on 01278 686352.