I have the L3302DT with 11hrs and it's my first diesel engine. It's 1yr old and I got permission from Kubota not to have the 50hr service after the 1st year ownership. I did go over the periodic maintenance and was wondering what to look for from the diesel fuel in the bowl. Can i tell from the bowl that its okay or not ok? Do I need to add the gel additive to the tank and I have an extra 5 gallon container. Both have the additive I put in last November. I'm located in PA. On the east coast, so it gets below freezing here.
First time owner of a diesel tractor with questions
- Thread starter rkh Kubota
- Start date
Fuel in the bowl: makes sure it looks clear and clean and without any water indicated. This is best done removing the bowl itself but remember there is a bit of a process to remove / re-install it. Its really easy once you know how.
Additives: diesel fuel contamination (especially if you are choosing to use bio-diesel) has become very very common and also serious headaches for infrequent users of diesels. Efforts to keep your fuel seasonally correct, clean, moisture free and in your case since you are an infrequent user properly treated is very important. Its my opinion that its better not to use diesel that your are uncertain about and instead channel it into another use (like being fire starter) rather than risking the undue headaches that can occur from using bad fuel. Cost of wasting a little fuel is minimal vs. the pain/aggravation/costs associated with bad fuel.
bio-diesel is hydroscopic, it attracts water. Water in conjunction with the soy added to some diesel creates ideal situation for bacterial growth. This bacterial growth can plug / damage from your injectors back through filters / pumps / hoses / tanks making it a big a costly headache for those who did not take care.
Additives: diesel fuel contamination (especially if you are choosing to use bio-diesel) has become very very common and also serious headaches for infrequent users of diesels. Efforts to keep your fuel seasonally correct, clean, moisture free and in your case since you are an infrequent user properly treated is very important. Its my opinion that its better not to use diesel that your are uncertain about and instead channel it into another use (like being fire starter) rather than risking the undue headaches that can occur from using bad fuel. Cost of wasting a little fuel is minimal vs. the pain/aggravation/costs associated with bad fuel.
bio-diesel is hydroscopic, it attracts water. Water in conjunction with the soy added to some diesel creates ideal situation for bacterial growth. This bacterial growth can plug / damage from your injectors back through filters / pumps / hoses / tanks making it a big a costly headache for those who did not take care.
Welcome aboard! I like to see oil changed once a year even if the hour count wouldn't require it. I use both antigel and biocide and would recommend the same for your tractor - especially with what sounds like very minimal usage. It wouldn't be bad to do the 50 hour service a bit early.
bbxlr8
Well-known member
Equipment
L2501 w/R14s, LA525, BH77, SGC0660, CL 5' BB, CL PHD, WG24 + Ford 1210 60" mmm,
Welcome as well- I say check it over and just start using it! These things sit around for all sorts of reasons and are very tough. Great tractor.
BTW if you are handy, doing the 50 hr service yourself is a great way to get familiar.
BTW if you are handy, doing the 50 hr service yourself is a great way to get familiar.
I can do some handy things, just wanted to keep warranty in effect if there is an issue for the 2yr warranty.
I’m surprised that Kubota gave “permission” to skip a service interval. That implies they will still honor a warranty …which was Violated. 
BTW, exactly WHO at “Kubota” …gave “permission”..??
The dealer…??….who has no incentive to honor a warranty…? Or someone at Corporate…?? … who gave “permission” only verbally…?? (I personally would not fail to perform any service which might violate my warranty. Also any advice or “permission” given by dealers and mfr’s should be in Writing if it carries any effect of liabilities.)
Do that service, and Document it, is my advice.
Use locally acquired diesel because that will already be seasonally treated.
However, if you buy fuel IN-frequently…and store it for long periods…. Use anti-gel and biocidal treatment, and keep an “eye” on your filter and filter-replacement schedules.
Hot-Shots Secret Winter anti-gel and Biobor JF are my favorites.
Enjoy the machine. It’ll be more reliable than you might think.
BTW, exactly WHO at “Kubota” …gave “permission”..??The dealer…??….who has no incentive to honor a warranty…? Or someone at Corporate…?? … who gave “permission” only verbally…?? (I personally would not fail to perform any service which might violate my warranty. Also any advice or “permission” given by dealers and mfr’s should be in Writing if it carries any effect of liabilities.)
Do that service, and Document it, is my advice.
Use locally acquired diesel because that will already be seasonally treated.
However, if you buy fuel IN-frequently…and store it for long periods…. Use anti-gel and biocidal treatment, and keep an “eye” on your filter and filter-replacement schedules.
Hot-Shots Secret Winter anti-gel and Biobor JF are my favorites.
Enjoy the machine. It’ll be more reliable than you might think.