Just bought an L4200 - Have a few ??'s

[offroad]

Just purchased my first Kubota, a L4200 4WD with the GST trans, 825 hrs and a LA680 Loader.
So far I could not be happier with it, the engine runs great, its comfortable and very easy to use.

Is it ok to leave 4WD locked in all the time if I'm on grass, dirt or gravel?
Even on ground where the extra traction is not really needed, it just steers better.
The previous owner said he left it in 4WD all the time.

The seat belt was removed and couldn't be found, I would like to re-install it but the dealer is quoting $157.00.
Is there somewhere to get this cheaper either new or used?

The R4 rear tires have Calcium Chloride in them, should I consider having this drained and replaced with washer fluid or antifreeze?
What kind of shape are the rims likely in?

A bale spike was used on the bucket to move round bales, and this has put a slight bend in the bottom of the bucket.
Is there a easy/safe way to straighten it?

Should UDT or Super UDT fluid be used in this tractor? Are there acceptable Non Kubota alternatives?
15W-40 ok for engine oil? (already use it in the Truck)

Any other tips for maintenance or operation are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Stumpy]

Should be fine to leave it in 4WD on loose surfaces. It's just like a truck's 4WD just beefier. However I'd flip it off on pavement concrete and hard dirt. I'd flip it on and off once every use anyway just to keep it from getting stuck in position.

No idea on the seat belt but personally I'd rather have the peace of mind knowing it was the right piece and installed securely (and correctly).

It takes years for CC to eat through rims but yeah I'd put getting that stuff out of there on the list. The tires will probably have to come off the rims though so the rims can be rinsed clean of that stuff.

Easy? Yes. Safe? Not so much. I watched my old man straighten the upper lip of the front bucket on a 6 ton Ford 4500 TBL. He lifted the rear end as high as it would go with the outriggers and then stuck a piece of 4ft chunk of 8 inch steel gas pipe under the bend in the front bucket and lifted the whole machine til the front tires were just floating. With as much weight on the bend as he could get for a half an hour he heated it with a propane weed torch til it was soft enough it began bend straight again. He wouldn't let me near the front in case that pipe shot out like a squeezed banana and had me ride the bucket controls to inch it up as the bucket bent back into shape. I can't recommend the practice but I know for a fact that it works! You could probably do it much safer by heating it and whacking it with a sledge. Or wait for someone who knows the right way to do it

I'm not sure on the GSTs what fluid you need but it's probably super on account of those clutch packs.

A modern 15W-40 should be fine in these motors. Though a synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-30 would be better during freezing weather. You can also pretty much ignore Kubota's warning about CJ-4 oils as well, they'll work fine on US diesel fuel.

 

[bruceatlam]

Seat Belt ---- www.surpluscenter.com


I'll save you a bit of time ---- http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=1-3267&catname=wheels

 

[Kytim]

While I wont tell you that a specific seatbelt would or wouldn't be appropriate for your application, I'll leave that for you to determine. I will tell you to research the mounting position/location carefully. This is no place for "that ought to be good enough." Shear forces are multiplied many times over during an accident compared to a typical static (resting) period. Your life is nothing to be gambled with.

 

[bosshogg]

Just purchased my first Kubota, a L4200 4WD with the GST trans, 825 hrs and a LA680 Loader.
So far I could not be happier with it, the engine runs great, its comfortable and very easy to use.

Is it ok to leave 4WD locked in all the time if I'm on grass, dirt or gravel?
Even on ground where the extra traction is not really needed, it just steers better.
The previous owner said he left it in 4WD all the time.

The seat belt was removed and couldn't be found, I would like to re-install it but the dealer is quoting $157.00.
Is there somewhere to get this cheaper either new or used?

The R4 rear tires have Calcium Chloride in them, should I consider having this drained and replaced with washer fluid or antifreeze?
What kind of shape are the rims likely in?

A bale spike was used on the bucket to move round bales, and this has put a slight bend in the bottom of the bucket.
Is there a easy/safe way to straighten it?

Should UDT or Super UDT fluid be used in this tractor? Are there acceptable Non Kubota alternatives?
15W-40 ok for engine oil? (already use it in the Truck)

Any other tips for maintenance or operation are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

To straighten the bucket, I would try flame heating it on the side, with an oxy/acetelene torch, you want it to bend towards. You want considerable heat fast so the one side is hotter thean the other then let it cool. Rinse and repeat until it is straight.

 

[Bluegill]

2wd steers better for me and I've had to rebuilt the front end on our old L3750, so they both stay in 2wd when possible.

I use SUDT and 15-40 diesel specific oil in mine.

 

[Bluegill]

Any other tips for maintenance or operation are greatly appreciated.

Oh and make sure you grease ALL the grease fittings! Especially the two front axle supports. Very important those two!