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.
I've NEVER heard of a manufacturer giving an owner permission to skip ANY maintenance.
If it's not in writing by the manufacturer (not the dealer), then whatever you were told doesn't matter.
If it's not in writing by the manufacturer (not the dealer), then whatever you were told doesn't matter.
bbxlr8
Well-known member
Equipment
L2501 w/R14s, LA525, BH77, SGC0660, CL 5' BB, CL PHD, WG24 + Ford 1210 60" mmm,
Soo, you are up against time now and worried JIC because it's expensive. (not a dig at all...)
IMO it's 11 hours in and 11 months to go. I would use it hard now because that 2-year mark is firm. i.e. you want to find out IF there is anything major wrong in this window (low probability).
IMO it's 11 hours in and 11 months to go. I would use it hard now because that 2-year mark is firm. i.e. you want to find out IF there is anything major wrong in this window (low probability).
The dealer said it was alright. I kept the email from dealer, sent them the picture of hr meter with the picture of the date taken.
My friend, the dealer telling you it’s OK is worthless …in fact, may prove harmful, ….and bad advice.
Personally, the FIRST service period of a new machine is the Most Important. (I cut open the filter to make certain there’s no bad chunks in it. Guess what is commonly found? RTV (silicon gasket chunks) from the build-process.
But if you find any metal… especially magnetic or copper-colored…. you will know your new machine is not breaking in properly. A warranty claim can easily be denied if you have a subsequent issue….and your statement “The dealer told me it was OK to skip the 50 hr service”…will be further condemnation of your warranty claim.
Enough said about this. It’s your tractor. Your risk. Good luck.
Runs With Scissors
Well-known member
Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
I whole-heartedly agree that the dealer has no authority to give permission to violate the terms of Kubotas agreement with you.
I think that would be nearly equivalent to me giving you the same permission. (or financial advice
)
However, the thing I do not know is whether or not there is “time factor” in the warranty?
I.E. Does the warranty say 50 hour or 12 months?…..or something equivalent? I honestly can’t recall there being a “time limit” or not when I bought mine.
I thought it was just 50 hours?
I think that would be nearly equivalent to me giving you the same permission. (or financial advice
)However, the thing I do not know is whether or not there is “time factor” in the warranty?
I.E. Does the warranty say 50 hour or 12 months?…..or something equivalent? I honestly can’t recall there being a “time limit” or not when I bought mine.
I thought it was just 50 hours?
I don’t use / turnover much fuel so I use Hotshots EDT + Winterizer (all in one) and you can buy in small dose sizes so I don’t waste fractions of a bottle. Plus it’s from THE great state. 
get your greasin’ done before the snow flies.
get your greasin’ done before the snow flies.
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whitetiger
Moderator
Staff member
Equipment
Kubota tech..BX2370, RCK60, B7100HST, RTV900 w plow, Ford 1100 FWA
Your dealer is NOT Kubota! Their word with your picture will get you nothing from Kubota in warranty forgiveness.
If you look at the Maintenance List for your tractor, it lists items that are YEARLY service. I have yet to see any that include skipping if you put very few hours on the unit. You are expecting Kubota to honor their part of the warranty, but you think it is OK to cheat on yours.
North Idaho Wolfman
Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
@rkh Kubota your being give very straight info on the warranty end of things.
I would heed their words and advice and get it serviced ASAP.
Your dealer is doing you a complete disservice feeding you BAD information.
I would heed their words and advice and get it serviced ASAP.
Your dealer is doing you a complete disservice feeding you BAD information.
WOW, you guys need to chill a bit. He is NOT forgoing the 50 hour service, he just has NOT reached it yet. TOTALLY fine by Kubota and Dealers alike!!! He has 11 hours!!!!!
No where in my manual does it say that ANY oil needs to be changed within a year!!!! It's ALL based on the hour meter...
No where in my manual does it say that ANY oil needs to be changed within a year!!!! It's ALL based on the hour meter...
Also, since you treated with the additives last November, no need to do it again...
Although, I'm sure some will tell you to dump it out and buy fresh fuel....
(zipping up my flame suit for this next comment) Next door was getting rid of his home heating oil tank, so I emptied his home fuel oil and burned it in my tractor....
Although, I'm sure some will tell you to dump it out and buy fresh fuel....
(zipping up my flame suit for this next comment) Next door was getting rid of his home heating oil tank, so I emptied his home fuel oil and burned it in my tractor....
Its obviously not ideal, but the older mechanical diesels with lower pressure injection systems will run on damn near any hydrocarbon.