Early L305DT Tractor - hydraulic question

[FindingRhino]

I recently purchased a L305DT w/FEL. Last two times I've used it the FEL response was slow until fully warmed up. Now I'm barely able to move the FEL when up to temp. The FEL is plumbed from the Oil Block Plate (left side under seat) which also feeds the Power steering assembly so I am running the FEL off of the tractor hydraulics (not a remote pump). I can feel slight hits or bumps when operating the FEL which (I Think) tells me I'm low on fluid. So here's my question. How do I tell the if its low on fluid and where the heck do I add more if needed. I have the Kubota owners manual (and pdf parts list). Manual has nothing (sight glass, dip stick, level check, fill plug, capacities etc) on the hydraulics of this tractor. Any Help much appreciated, Thank you.

 

[meanjean]

Skunked so far for help, guess its not a popular tractor.
Is there a fill cap between your boots when in the seat?
Maybe try a pm to Vic, he can probably shed some light on this.

 

[FindingRhino]

Thanks meanjean
Yes there is a plug. I suspected this is the fill plug as pic shows (#11).
My Tractor is on land 120 miles away. I need to work it soon. I'll let all know what I find. Now let me see if I can post the pics/links for all to see and analyze.

 

[Perry Duncan]

My L245 has a plug about half way up on the left side of the transmission case. I fill the case until oil just starts to come out the plug hole. My file plug is on the top of the case, toward the back.
Hope this helps.

Perry

 

[FindingRhino]

I needed to get this working and looked at it Sunday. Yup just like everyone thought... low on fluid. Dummy me didn't bring a large enough wrench/socket to remove the plug (#11).
Looking at the diagram there is another "plug" (#32) on the OP cylinder by the "grip" (grip controls down rate and locks hyd). This #32 appears to be a fill point which is what I used to put 1 1/2 quarts of fluid in through a itty bitty bent messy funnel. I could hear fluid running into the lower case when feeding and I notice a small stud/bolt next to the big #11 plug. A-HA! someone had drilled a small hole and plugged. (done rather poorly, stripped) No way a funnel would fit this small hole but it did give me access for a (dip) stick. Clean fresh fluid just like the stuff put through the itty bitty funnel 1.5 inches down. That's good for now. We ain't doing the funnel thingy again.
All is well for this thirty year old tractor.

Vic - I'll be sure to service the filter soon. thanks for the input!

 

[TERRY P]

I"M another proud L305 owner, that hole with a bolt stuck in it,is for a dipstick. it has a rubber top that wedges in the hole. kinda in a bad place, with gettin on and off the tractor or the neighbors kids nose'n around.

 

[FindingRhino]

Thanks Terry
How long is your dipstick? I need to say that differently!!! How far down on the dipstick is full for the L305?

 

[kubotabee]

The filler plug is located just between your legs when you are sitting on the machine and just behind that is the dipstick with a rubber knob about 2" long.

Best to replace the all UDT fluid and the screen filter too...

The filter screen removal will result in all the UDT fluid draining out of the machine.
On your diagram is piece #33 and there are 3 bolts to remove and it will drain ALL the UDT so have couple of 5 gal buckets under it once the 3 bolts are removed.
Once the old fluid is out, pull the steel mesh filter out of the housing and either replace or carefully clean and flush out all the old steel filings that will be there inside of the screen mesh.
Take a look into the housing...the ruber O ring (2" in diameter) may still be up in there so look for it and remove if necessary with needle nose pliers.
Replace the screen with a new one ($50) and replace the fliud with Kubota approved (6.7 gallons...around $60 bucks) and you will see the difference.

Hope that this helps.

Kubotabee.

 

[nelsonga]

Re: Early L305DT Tractor - hydraulic question (Part Needed??)

In the parts diagram here part #20 is the hydraulic case assembly. My local dealer tells me this part #35320-38120 has been discontinued. Does anyone know a good source to get one? Mine is working but got bent while in a hurry knocking down brush to stop a brush fire recently. Replacement cost isn't bad IF I can manage to find it.

Thanks in advance to anyone that can point me in the right direction. I've found some spots online to call, but no confirmation that anyone has one or that there's anything of an aftermarket part yet.

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