The Quarter Inching Valve vs Position Control

[@bkehomestead7588]

As a long-time operator, position control is the best, in my opinion. I would rather spend a little extra money to get position control than have a quarter inching valve.

[@henrymorgan3982]

It's like with or without cruise control on a car. You don't NEED it, but it makes life better? Great video!

[@geo1903a3]

GREAT (as always!) video. My #1 use is a Land Pride RB0560, using it to clear snow from black-top driveway and (curse of residing at the end of a dead-end street) some of the city's road. I drive forward with BX2767 (w/ hydraulic cylinder) to push snow, with rear blade down. At end of path, I raise both attachments, back up to clear pile from RB0560, and again drive forward to move this small pile. Albeit the driveway and road are (duh!) flat when bare -- "hills" made by pushed snow oft create up and down -- so I generally need keep a hand on quarter-inch lever to keep the rear blade in contact with/scraping the snow. Yes, it works -- and works well; but, a bone-side control with returnable slots would be sooo much easier!

[@mttrapper]

L3560. I use the adjustable restrictor valve rarely because once I set it for the implement I don't change it. I really like the adjustable lock on the 3pt lever. I use it on my very long gravel driveway in early winter so that I move snow but not my gravel with my rear blade. Lifting it to turn my tractor around and then just pushing the lever to the stop is great.

[@saxman1969]

I have operated equipment since the 50s (yes I am old LOL) and most of my equipment has had operator controlled position control, which means the operator is responsible for what height the implement is returned to and set to. I have an old equivalent of an LX 3520 in a 30 HP B7800. It has a quarter inching valve and I have operated it for over 20 years, not thinking about any other way. I also have a B2601 with position control. I like both systems and really don't have a preference. They both work fine. Hey, they are Kubota! LOL

[@lcee6592]

Nice explanation for the BX 3 point control.

[@chdinct6792]

On my BX 25, you can pull the hitch lever towards the seat and then move it up or down where it hits preset stops under the fender. Each stop is designed to move the hitch up or down by a “quarter inch.” Take a look under the fender and see if you have stops on your BX. Bet ya do. That said, the BX should have position control like about every other sub compact on the market.

[@davew1919]

Nice sweatshirt Neil 😁 Mike is going to love to see that! Happy new year!!

[@MessicksEquip]

He wore my hat for like 2 months, I owe him.

[@ryanv3751]

We had a bx1860 that I couldn’t wait to get rid of. The biggest problem was that it did not have a float position. If you are dragging a box blade and crest a hill, the blade would be off the ground if you didn’t hold down the lever. It would lock in the lowest position achieved with the lever and be able to float up but not any further down than it was when you lowered it.

[@racoming1035]

I know that pain. I figured out a workaround using a short length of chain for the top link to provide float.

[@domm4918]

Hi Neal, I have a BX25, has ~1200 Hrs on it, been a great work horse on 4 Acres down here in Victoria, Australia, I understand all that you have said and do use that valve to slow the 3PL but when I was levelling out for my workshop it is a bit of a pain, I do understand the pricing issue, but the 1/4 inching control is one of the few things that I dislike on my BX, they are a very versatile machine would still buy another Cheers an happy new year!!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great explanation, Neil.

[@georged.sutcliffejr.4489]

I've only worked with the quarter inching valve I have on my B7800. Twenty years! I have liked having this fine control because when I am grading my almost 2 miles of dirt roads a fixed position of the rear blade does not work. I need to raise or lower the blade constantly in anticipation of the geometry of the road and the front end of the tractor. Perhaps the 1-8 scale of positioning would work, but I know that my right hand is in constant motion controlling the cutting height.

[@davidferris4563]

My old B7510 had a quarter inching valve. The only time it was a total pita was using my Woodland Mills stump grinder. I wanted to convert it to a quick tach loader. This was back in 2021. Sold the B bought a LX2610HST with both rear remotes for my 18 year old B7510 and $5,500 haven't looked back and yes position control is worth the money...

[@glenk2254]

When I first got my BX2380 and new with tractor operation, I wished I had purchased a B with position control for my rotary cutter. But with experience with the quarter inching valve, your eyes simply replace position control and tap tap tap...

[@hbracerx]

I've only had a quarter inching control on my B and it is nice for "feathering" the implement height. It' isn't great when you need to move the implement up/down in relation to grade since there is a fairly big swing of the lever from one direction to the other and sometimes you get drop/raise speed, other times you don't. I would think position control would make this a bit easier... I think it should be an option.

[@janking2762]

I’ve had Kubota subcompact tractors( currently BX 23S) for about 30 years and use the 3 point hitch for occasional blade grading, digging with an auger but mostly for lifting for anything too heavy for the front loader. I’ve gotten very used to the quarter inching valve for my limited uses.

[@martyb3783]

I would spend the money on position control. Great video!

[@Ron-0417]

I have cruise control on my BX2680, that I never use. I would trade that for the position control in a second. How much extra was the cruise control option?

[@justinwright6611]

In Australia when I bought my BX23S the equivalent B series was $10k more. Well outside my budget. I maintain that if you can afford a B series and have the physical space to run one then always go the B Series over the BX. In saying that I am still happy with my BX overall.

[@barelystablefarm7151]

You can always go around and point out cost saving features on any tractor. But, the 3 point control (the workhorse of a subcompact machine) should include the position control. I bet it only costs a few hundred dollars more in this day and age. I'd rather put a mechanical fuel gauge on the machine like JD to save money in trade for including position control as standard, but that's just my opinion.

[@michaelbruner3555]

I have a BX2380. I grew up on a farm and also worked for other farmers. I love my tractor and have a number of implements for it but truly hate the valving system on it. I guess most of us are probably wondering it the valve we are stuck with can be changed or are we permanently stuck with it? BTW, I do use the under the seat valve to help but even the eyeballs can't truly 'guess' exact distance (down or up). Thank You Neil!

[@racoming1035]

I have the quarter inching valve. It sucks but you can get used to it. My biggest complaint is it leaks down fairly fast. I added a hydraulic top link which has smoother operation and doesn't leak down. Now I usually leave the 3 point adjust closed and use the top link.

[@DCockey]

We had a BX2350 with "quarter inch" control for 10 years in Michigan, and have had a B2650 with position control for 9 years in Maine. For grading and maintaining a gravel drive I strongly prefer postion control which allows precise and repeatable postioning while also enabling rapid movement. For mowing with a brush hog I prefer positon control because I can set the stop and the desired mowing height and then only need to raise and lower the mower without checking where it is. For clearing snow with a back blade either is fine. I would not buy another tractor without position control.

[@FarmKid1715]

I’d much rather have position control but mainly just want a float where my 3 point blade will stay on the ground clearing snow. Even a detent that would hold it on the bottom would work for my needs. 1025r is the only subcompact with it’s a significant differentiating feature

[@jeffreyschlak1433]

Why isn’t the mower deck dropping when he lowers the rear implement? Is it locked somehow?

[@MessicksEquip]

spin the height knob to the 'top' position

[@Version135]

My first tractor (ls) had one. i would never go back. With loads at capacity it would drift down too

[@billirwin8679]

When I regraded my side yard with a box blade and landscape rake I wanted the position control. Lots of turning to look, I got pretty good at sitting sideways while driving. My BX2380 does lots of stuff the bigger machines do if you’re determined to make it work. Outside of big jobs with a box blade or landscape rake it’s a non issue.

[@RobertBrothersJr-dc7nr]

Neil, great explanation. Thanks

[@stephengmeiner3264]

As odd as this may sound, I don’t look at cost as much as what is the right tool (tractor) for the job. I owned a L3301 w/ backhoe that I used on my in-laws property. Then my wife and I bought our own property and while that was a great tractor, it wasn’t the right tool for the job. I’ve since bought a KX-033 excavator to clear and reconstruct the land. Looking ahead, I see owning a tractor again but I’m thinking “B series” or “LX”. I don’t need the larger frame size as much anymore. I’ve even considered a BX but think it may be too small. My point is, I’m not going to let $1500 make the decision about what tractor is right, rather scale the tractor to the land/property. Love your videos Neil.

[@kb1gni]

My (admittedly old) B7500 has neither quarter inching nor position control. Makes using a rear mount blade for grading a pretty challenging endeavor. I really wish it had position control.

[@GreyFarmTractors]

I had a BX2330 and moved up to the B2601 rather than a new BX because of the position control. I would have stayed with the BX if it had it. Love my B2601 but had no complaints with the BX other than the position control.

[@Ed.Wright]

Neil, As soneone with a BX, my 2 cents is position control puts too much cost in a entry loader reactor. I work in an adjacent space and have to make product segment decisions daily--everyone has something specific they would like in the product, but if you have all the features you end up with a product that can't retail to the average buyer.

[@MessicksEquip]

humbled you watch my videos Ed. I do enjoy the comments on this video. No one has taken my challenge to comment what they would pay for the feature. Everyone wants it, no one will put a price to it.

[@ericcrockett6396]

I can say if your used to the quarter inching valve and then try to go to a tractor with position control, if feels a little awkward to me and I figure the same is true in reverse the bx controls seem awkward to someone not familiar with it

[@tempusveritas8901]

Thank You I have struggled with this issue. I know about the dial But mine seems to be Off or To Fast a drop I will try tuning while off the tractor The 2380 and I have been together for 2 years now.

[@peterkoster5053]

I have a john deere 1023e it has the quarter inching valve where the 1025r has position control. Iv had no problem leveling with a box blade, also as far as my tiller or snowblower goes i always run it all the way down anyways on the skid shoes so with a position control it wouldn't matter to me cause I'd just have it all the way down anyways.

[@paulholmes672]

Pretty timely video, just got through with my first pass (for this season) fallow tilling my garden with my 48" tiller equipped BX23S. One of the very few things I dislike on the 3 pt functionality on my tractor is this system. As a tiller is a heavy tool (easily doing tractor wheel stands if the loader is removed), the "between the legs" valve leaves a LOT to be desired in control. Getting any kind of lift/drop flow control is oversensitive to being either nice or just plain CLOSED. On the other side, my Post Hole digger drops like a steam hammer when trying to ease it down. Maybe if this control was located closer to (the left) hand while monitoring/managing the drop, it would be easier to adjust. Of course if the valve was a bit more control-able, we'd then call it a position valve control, GRRRR!

[@peterbarbrick908]

Personally owning both. The quarter inching is better for a bx size tractor vs a b because of how much the tractor rocks in rough terrain. I would personally like the cost savings on a bx size and keep the quarter inch

[@JohnWilson-ql8ks]

what is the proper way to install a box blade, new tractor owner. SC2400 model..

[@justindavis1546]

Commenting for the algorithm.

[@Peter-t7i9p]

I bought a box blade for my BX. Never got the hang of it so sold it at a big loss after 2 weeks.

[@on4acres]

Just takes more time. The box blades work great on the BX but it takes practice and patience.

[@ohhpaul7364]

My friend has a rather old Bx23?? model, there is a shared hydraulic system on it that makes certain functions unable to be used at the same time. Is this something they have fixed or made better since then, forgive me it has been a year since I used the machine so I cant remember the exact functions that are shared in the system, but I do know over the years using it that that little feature is what has prevented me from ever wanting to purchase one of those machines of that size and model.

[@MessicksEquip]

All machines have a limit to hydraulic flow where you just can't run more functions. Balancing this is normally one of the things that Kubota is better at compared to others.

[@Golfboy-ze3le]

I wish my WM25s had it. Its really hard to use the box blade without it. I added landscape's rack wheels on box blade and still I bought a land plane instead. Now I probably won't use my box blade.

[@mccurjm]

For those who use 3-point implements that need precise, repeatable positioning time frequently, I'm guessing they'd happily pay a couple hundred extra dollars for position control. For everyone else, that's going to be a couple hundred bucks added to the price of their tractors for something that they won't get any benefit from. I don't know the percentage of those who do truly benefit of that from those who don't. I feel safe in guessing that those who would truly benefit from position control on a BX tractor are the relatively small minority. I can say for sure that I'm in the presumably larger bucket of those who don't. My BX23S is built on the current gen BX platform and the only time that I have the backhoe off is when I'm mowing or pulling a trailer or yard glider. I already have repeatable height adjustment on my mower deck, so having position control versus quarter inching would have been a wasted cost for me. My BX23S was already very expensive compared to similar size tractors from other brands, so Kubota was right in saving a bit of cost there to help ensure that I bought the Kubota instead of another brand. If I had purchased my tractor mainly to use 3-point implements, I'd probably prefer to have the position control. I would have likely purchased a larger size tractor in that case, though, so I would have gotten position control when I did so. It seems like Kubota is in touch with those who are buying each size of tractor and is designing and marketing their tractors accordingly.

[@jpoppinga8417]

I purchased my BX to replace an old (and worn out) Cub Cadet garden tractor. Position control would be nice but a quarter inching valve gets the job done

[@SkylineAcresVA]

Let me start by saying I am a Kubota guy and own an MX5800 that I love. With that said, I personally wouldn't buy a new, modern tractor without 3 pt position control OR Live PTO (L2502/L3302 gear drive). Shoot, my 1960 International has both!

[@MessicksEquip]

3302 has live PTO, your correct the 2502 does not and I totally agree.

[@SkylineAcresVA]

@MessicksEquip I thought that too, but then I saw this. Maybe the spec sheet is wrong www.kubotausa.com/docs/default-source/spec-sheets/l02_specs.pdf?sfvrsn=4336c492_1

[@jamesstuder5045]

Neil, the multi-port hydraulic panel that you have on this BX tractor looks like a Summit Hydraulics. Is that correct? Also, I have a B2601 with a backhoe and frame and a third function diverter valve on the front. Can I add a hydraulic panel similar to your with my current setup?

[@MessicksEquip]

No, that's the BX rear remote kit. A slightly different version would be available for your tractor. www.messicks.com/parts/kubota/bx2419a?srsltid=AfmBOorICEgwE6VQfNs8Z2XizwIYskfsztGJhKHdjNdyprr4ZGUSr_ct

[@jamesstuder5045]

@@MessicksEquip This link is for a BX tractor. Is there one for a B2601?

[@JCWren]

L4701HST. I find the three point position to be somewhat inconsistent. Even with the valve adjusted to a fairly low rate, with the absolutely shoddy design of the position stop clamp and the imprecision in the lever linkages, getting to the exact same position is very hit and miss. If I set up my RCR1872 to a specific position, I can see plus and minus 3/4" of an inch from where I want it. So that's 1.5 inches total inaccuracy. That's at the end of a 6 foot deck, but it's still very frustrating. Not to mention the clamp totally chews up the sticker next to the lever. It just seems like there should be a better and more repeatable way of setting the three point height.

[@MessicksEquip]

That amount of precision is probably an unrealistic goal. There's just too many linkages.

[@JCWren]

@@MessicksEquip One thing I thought of you might could do on the BX is to attach a tape measure to the front side of the ROPS bar where you can see it, run the tape (or a wire attached to the tape) over a pulley and down to the end of one of the three point arms. Once you set the desired height, read the tape, and use that to return to the same position. And an enterprising person might build an electronic version of it that would actually work on any tractor, either quarter valve or position control.

[@alanjackson4397]

I have a 2004B 7510 it has a quarter inching valve and I’ve always hated it

[@CanadaHardwareGuy]

The more you use it, the less you need the position control. It is handy for a beginner, but once you get some hours on the machine, you will find you don't use it anyway

[@TheCC89]

So a quarter inching valve is the adjustable 3 point drop flow valve? If so, I beg to differ. It depends on the implement. A box blade slamming down, no problem, but an expensive and somewhat fragile 4 wheel grooming mower is another story. I like to have mine set so I can clear an obstacle, drop the lever and go without worrying about damaging my wheels or looking backwards. A friend of mine and myself had an older Massey without the control valve with a really heavy 96" grooming mower and the lever was so touchy, you could easily drop the heavy ass mower from full height breaking wheels or bending outriggers... So, If you don't like it, open it up and control it yourself.

[@bradjenkins932]

NOT.

[@BrianMosier-n5w]

For what these small machines cost from all of the manufacturers they should all have position control.

[@georgesimpson3113]

how does this differ from draft control?

[@MessicksEquip]

draft will raise the 3pt as load increases. These small tractors don't have draft control.

[@spudgamer6049]

At this point, there is no excuse not to have a position control in the BX. It isnt like the LX isnt pretty close in cost to the L without that market position isuse because theyre different size machines for different use cases.

[@kevchard5214]

Growing up with Green tractor functions in my opinion that valve makes that tractor completely useless. This function affects almost all 3 point implements from grader blades to brush mowers to tillers. If you cant duplicate your position easily your job will suffer.

[@thankyou-zu4nz]

Price cutting gone too far

[@steveclark5016]

The extra cost would not be justified, Unless you are making a living with it,or using it commercially some how .

[@msears101]

Only position control. Quarter inching valve is a mistake. The restrictor valve makes the quarter inching valve tolerable. I would pay more to get position control. If my budget was only that of a new BX - I would go with a used tractor with position control.

[@MarkDecamps]

If it didn't leak down, it wouldn't be so bad.

[@johnezell1366]

I have 2 B7800"s, it's the only thing I hate about these tractors.

[@halsnyder296]

The valve on the BX is TERRIBLE. If the position stayed put, that would be useable, but it doesn't. It continually slowly drops down, it has caused significant damage to my rotary cutter. Piece of unmitigated bleep. Getting rid of the BX2680.

[@bradjenkins932]

I don't like quarter inching valves.

[@gesm6969]

With 60 years experience driving dozens of tractors, the 3-point control on the BX sucks. If this is cutting corners to make it cheaper, even though it was very expensive for me, I wonder just how great the profit margin is? It's all about profit, not quality or usability. I wonder, when I was shopping, I wanted a B-Series, but the dealer talked me into the BX. Which I've regretted ever since as the BX is just too small and limited. Would Messick's have done the same? Rhetorical question as you're several hundred miles too far away.😉

[@danyoder3534]

I’d much rather have a position control. That’s the only thing I hate about my bx