Have checked the oil after about every 5 hours of use. No diesel smell in the oil, but because the transmission dipstick shows no fluid (I've checked that about every 10 hours of use) I suspect it is a hydraulic pump or seal issue. Dealer agrees with me, but says "driver in on vacation, if you can get it to us..." Well I am not excited about driving 100 miles over snowy roads with a 2WD half ton pulling a trailer. I am going to push for them to pick it up even if it takes a few weeks extra time. I hope the needed parts aren't sitting on a ship in Japan.
Kubota Quality
- Thread starter jrmorgan
- Start date
It’s possible to overfill a crankcase with improper use of the dipstick. Here’s how:
Adding oil to an empty sump…the tech installs what he estimates to be the correct amount (didn’t actually measure it.) He then pulls the dipstick to see it about 3 qts low….so he adds 3 qts and sends it out the door without further checking.
When the oil was first installed…the dipstick tube (with the dipstick installed…was thereby plugged…preventing oil from rising up the dipstick tube)….. Checking the dipstick shows the low-level of oil in the dipstick TUBE…not the actual level of oil in the sump.
If the dipstick had been WIPED CLEAN and re-inserted and examined again…it would have displayed the actual oil-level within the sump.
But….Adding additional oil… again, if the dipstick was installed and plugging the tube….would prevent the additonal (excessive) oil-level from being detected…. UNLESS the dipstick is pulled…WIPED CLEAN and re-inserted to obtain an accurate reading.
That may be what occurred in this thread.
Another possible error can occur with an engine that has been sitting a long time. Simply pulling the dipstick and reading it…. may be an error….Unless it is Wiped-Clean, and re-inserted and re-read… BECAUSE oil can creep up a dipstick in an engine left alone for several days….
One way is by capillary action. Another way is atmospheric/barometric pressure changes that can push oil up the tube…or pull it down the tube…. especially if the dipstick has a rubber seal/gasket where it sits at the upper end of the tube.
Adding oil to an empty sump…the tech installs what he estimates to be the correct amount (didn’t actually measure it.) He then pulls the dipstick to see it about 3 qts low….so he adds 3 qts and sends it out the door without further checking.
When the oil was first installed…the dipstick tube (with the dipstick installed…was thereby plugged…preventing oil from rising up the dipstick tube)….. Checking the dipstick shows the low-level of oil in the dipstick TUBE…not the actual level of oil in the sump.
If the dipstick had been WIPED CLEAN and re-inserted and examined again…it would have displayed the actual oil-level within the sump.
But….Adding additional oil… again, if the dipstick was installed and plugging the tube….would prevent the additonal (excessive) oil-level from being detected…. UNLESS the dipstick is pulled…WIPED CLEAN and re-inserted to obtain an accurate reading.
That may be what occurred in this thread.
Another possible error can occur with an engine that has been sitting a long time. Simply pulling the dipstick and reading it…. may be an error….Unless it is Wiped-Clean, and re-inserted and re-read… BECAUSE oil can creep up a dipstick in an engine left alone for several days….
One way is by capillary action. Another way is atmospheric/barometric pressure changes that can push oil up the tube…or pull it down the tube…. especially if the dipstick has a rubber seal/gasket where it sits at the upper end of the tube.
Last edited:
Thanks for your insight. Yes, all of those things can happen, but I've been wiping my stick for over 65 years. I checked the oil at delivery and it was where is should be. Each time I've checked it since (about every 5 hours of use), it has been where it should be until this last time. I'd say there are several quarts of hydraulic fluid in the crankcase, judging by the oil level on the stick. Not sure I want to start it to load on trailer!
I have four Onan engines in regular use, they all do the same trick you described. Since the OP is having significant issues with scheduling service, I would think he did some double checking.
Good news! Crankcase on my B2401 is not overfull. Rubber seal on dipstick was slipping as I pressed it into place! Hydraulic system a bit low, probably due to some air in system at assembly time. Have put another 10 hours on it with no change in either level.
In the first year of owning my Kubota, I have had four setup issues, all related to the loader, of increasing severity. Here are the problems, in order:
My local dealer, a branch of the main store that set up my tractor, has been responsive about addressing problems. But not perfect. When I got the tractor back on the missing loader attachment bolt issue, I checked immediately to see the new bolt. It was there—and had not been tightened! Nut was barely on the bolt.
The problems all apparently started with a "bad setup kid" who left or was fired. But who if anyone supervised him? Was he supported with mentoring, tools, etc. Why was he hired in the first place? It's an art to hire, especially young people, many of whom take a while to get a feeling of responsibility.
And the person who forgot to tighten that bolt at my local store, a bolt that helped connect the the tractor and loader, was a mid- or senior-level tech. Also, I drove the tractor off the trailer and it had been shut down with the throttle wide open.
Based on my experience, you need to assume your new tractor has issues from improper setup. Inspect it carefully. What that means is do a pretend 50-hour service or 100-hour service so you check everything.
Mine was setup in winter 2020 during the pandemic. Maybe they had lost people. Maybe the kid was under too much pressure to get several tractors together. Still, my opinion of the main dealership has taken a nosedive. The local techs I won't have touch my tractor unless there's something I absolutely cannot do.
• loose hydraulic hose to left rear loader raise/lower cylinder. Spewing fluid, noticed day after delivery.
• two less convenient loader zerks not greased, noticed when I did the first greasing.
• right side loader frame attachment bolts: one misplaced and one missing, noticed at 50 hours.
• right side front loader stand not attached to spec in front, causing it to come loose. Rest of bolts in right side stand assembly loose. Noticed when it came loose and was bent while plowing snow @ 70+ hours.
My local dealer, a branch of the main store that set up my tractor, has been responsive about addressing problems. But not perfect. When I got the tractor back on the missing loader attachment bolt issue, I checked immediately to see the new bolt. It was there—and had not been tightened! Nut was barely on the bolt.
The problems all apparently started with a "bad setup kid" who left or was fired. But who if anyone supervised him? Was he supported with mentoring, tools, etc. Why was he hired in the first place? It's an art to hire, especially young people, many of whom take a while to get a feeling of responsibility.
And the person who forgot to tighten that bolt at my local store, a bolt that helped connect the the tractor and loader, was a mid- or senior-level tech. Also, I drove the tractor off the trailer and it had been shut down with the throttle wide open.
Based on my experience, you need to assume your new tractor has issues from improper setup. Inspect it carefully. What that means is do a pretend 50-hour service or 100-hour service so you check everything.
Mine was setup in winter 2020 during the pandemic. Maybe they had lost people. Maybe the kid was under too much pressure to get several tractors together. Still, my opinion of the main dealership has taken a nosedive. The local techs I won't have touch my tractor unless there's something I absolutely cannot do.
July 2022, new M5-111 with Cab and loader. Tractor has been perfect but the loader was built in Jefferson and has several defects. The front brackets that hold the support legs on the bottom, and the bucket tilt linkages were welded on crooked. This means the pins are in a really bad bind. It took a 4' cheater pipe for us to be able to remove or install the pins because of linkage twist. The stands also point out at an angle when down and causes the loader to shift towards the hood when removing the loader.
Someone didn't get everything properly aligned in the jig before it got welded. Kubota will have to replace the main frame but none to be found and they are on months backorder. They "seem" willing to fix it, so hopefully they do. They talked about cutting the welds then weld back on straight, then spray bomb the welded area. Although that works, it seems it would directly impact any resell value if I had to sell it. I mentioned safety and resell value so they are going to replace the frame.
Everyone is having issues with QC after covid, and it seems the Jefferson plant has had its share of issues as well. Hopefully, they take care of all these loader and backhoe issues folks are having.
Someone didn't get everything properly aligned in the jig before it got welded. Kubota will have to replace the main frame but none to be found and they are on months backorder. They "seem" willing to fix it, so hopefully they do. They talked about cutting the welds then weld back on straight, then spray bomb the welded area. Although that works, it seems it would directly impact any resell value if I had to sell it. I mentioned safety and resell value so they are going to replace the frame.
Everyone is having issues with QC after covid, and it seems the Jefferson plant has had its share of issues as well. Hopefully, they take care of all these loader and backhoe issues folks are having.
given the circumstances of the world, it's surprising to me that they can build anything at all, much less build it with any sort of accuracy or quality.
Tuskar
Member
Equipment
B2710 . Flail mower .finishing mower cement mixer . Transport Box Log splitter.
That's a bit disconcerting . However would be nice to see faults on a graph compared to other tractors . Lots made in the 80s are still running sweet .
fried1765
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
I wasn't gonna say nothing but I'm bored and I figure it's time
Internet and social media does more damage to reputations than anything else. Now that someone's posted that they have tractor issues, the entire world can see it and with that the entire world now automatically thinks that Kubota's is all junk. It is up to us to point out what is to be expected and what is not.
Secondly none of us "expect" to have tractor issues with new equipment...well MOST of us don't. Some of us, we know that these things are designed by people, made by people, and then assembled by people. Unfortunately there ain't a single person on Earth that is perfect and "we" know that. Tractor owners have changed. Wasn't too terribly long ago if you bought a new tractor, you kinda expected little things, and you also knew how to fix them without throwing the dealer under the bus. That's changed. Now a lot of hobby farmers, who're sometimes city folks that have absolutely no clue about mechanical stuff, buy a little 8 acre plot, buy a 40hp tractor and call it a farm. Mini-farm, hobby farm, whatever. The new tractor might have a loose bolt. Now the said owner, who ain't got a clue what to do and automatically thinks that one loose bolt means that all of the rest of them are loose and their equipment's fixing to fall apart, gets the dealer on the horn and goes into orbit because they're reluctant to send a tech out to tighten the one loose bolt. No, that's not even acceptable--dealer is demanded to send a rollback out there, pick the tractor up, haul it all the way back to the dealer, then it gets set in que for however long until a tech can get to it. I mean, that one loose bolt is the only job that the shop has, right? Oh wait they're all "probably" loose so the tech's gonna have to go over every single bolt on the tractor. Then they gotta wait for the delivery boy to get freed up so he can haul it back to the "farm"; all the while the owner's on the phone griping about not being able to cut hay on his 5 acre mini-farm. "It's costing me money!!"
You buy a tractor you outta be able to do basic repairs. Tighten hardware that normally will loosen (loader frame bolts come to mind....), adjust tire pressures, check lug nuts and bolts, check the fluids, etc. I didn't say you outta be able to split the transmission and replace a charge pump. Although, being able to do that kinda stuff is a real asset.
Been through this stuff from both sides of the counter and over the last 30 years I saw the changes happen slowly. I started in 1992 working on JD stuff and the JD owners in those days could do basic repairs without too much issue. Some couldn't but for the most part they were cool and admittedly mechanical ignorant. I still to this day serve those same folks although not with tractors anymore. As time went on I saw basic common sense go away. I guess if there was any positive side, it's that it's good for business
Internet and social media does more damage to reputations than anything else. Now that someone's posted that they have tractor issues, the entire world can see it and with that the entire world now automatically thinks that Kubota's is all junk. It is up to us to point out what is to be expected and what is not.
Secondly none of us "expect" to have tractor issues with new equipment...well MOST of us don't. Some of us, we know that these things are designed by people, made by people, and then assembled by people. Unfortunately there ain't a single person on Earth that is perfect and "we" know that. Tractor owners have changed. Wasn't too terribly long ago if you bought a new tractor, you kinda expected little things, and you also knew how to fix them without throwing the dealer under the bus. That's changed. Now a lot of hobby farmers, who're sometimes city folks that have absolutely no clue about mechanical stuff, buy a little 8 acre plot, buy a 40hp tractor and call it a farm. Mini-farm, hobby farm, whatever. The new tractor might have a loose bolt. Now the said owner, who ain't got a clue what to do and automatically thinks that one loose bolt means that all of the rest of them are loose and their equipment's fixing to fall apart, gets the dealer on the horn and goes into orbit because they're reluctant to send a tech out to tighten the one loose bolt. No, that's not even acceptable--dealer is demanded to send a rollback out there, pick the tractor up, haul it all the way back to the dealer, then it gets set in que for however long until a tech can get to it. I mean, that one loose bolt is the only job that the shop has, right? Oh wait they're all "probably" loose so the tech's gonna have to go over every single bolt on the tractor. Then they gotta wait for the delivery boy to get freed up so he can haul it back to the "farm"; all the while the owner's on the phone griping about not being able to cut hay on his 5 acre mini-farm. "It's costing me money!!"
You buy a tractor you outta be able to do basic repairs. Tighten hardware that normally will loosen (loader frame bolts come to mind....), adjust tire pressures, check lug nuts and bolts, check the fluids, etc. I didn't say you outta be able to split the transmission and replace a charge pump. Although, being able to do that kinda stuff is a real asset.
Been through this stuff from both sides of the counter and over the last 30 years I saw the changes happen slowly. I started in 1992 working on JD stuff and the JD owners in those days could do basic repairs without too much issue. Some couldn't but for the most part they were cool and admittedly mechanical ignorant. I still to this day serve those same folks although not with tractors anymore. As time went on I saw basic common sense go away. I guess if there was any positive side, it's that it's good for business
I wasn't gonna say nothing but I'm bored and I figure it's time
Internet and social media does more damage to reputations than anything else. Now that someone's posted that they have tractor issues, the entire world can see it and with that the entire world now automatically thinks that Kubota's is all junk. It is up to us to point out what is to be expected and what is not.
Secondly none of us "expect" to have tractor issues with new equipment...well MOST of us don't. Some of us, we know that these things are designed by people, made by people, and then assembled by people. Unfortunately there ain't a single person on Earth that is perfect and "we" know that. Tractor owners have changed. Wasn't too terribly long ago if you bought a new tractor, you kinda expected little things, and you also knew how to fix them without throwing the dealer under the bus. That's changed. Now a lot of hobby farmers, who're sometimes city folks that have absolutely no clue about mechanical stuff, buy a little 8 acre plot, buy a 40hp tractor and call it a farm. Mini-farm, hobby farm, whatever. The new tractor might have a loose bolt. Now the said owner, who ain't got a clue what to do and automatically thinks that one loose bolt means that all of the rest of them are loose and their equipment's fixing to fall apart, gets the dealer on the horn and goes into orbit because they're reluctant to send a tech out to tighten the one loose bolt. No, that's not even acceptable--dealer is demanded to send a rollback out there, pick the tractor up, haul it all the way back to the dealer, then it gets set in que for however long until a tech can get to it. I mean, that one loose bolt is the only job that the shop has, right? Oh wait they're all "probably" loose so the tech's gonna have to go over every single bolt on the tractor. Then they gotta wait for the delivery boy to get freed up so he can haul it back to the "farm"; all the while the owner's on the phone griping about not being able to cut hay on his 5 acre mini-farm. "It's costing me money!!"
You buy a tractor you outta be able to do basic repairs. Tighten hardware that normally will loosen (loader frame bolts come to mind....), adjust tire pressures, check lug nuts and bolts, check the fluids, etc. I didn't say you outta be able to split the transmission and replace a charge pump. Although, being able to do that kinda stuff is a real asset.
Been through this stuff from both sides of the counter and over the last 30 years I saw the changes happen slowly. I started in 1992 working on JD stuff and the JD owners in those days could do basic repairs without too much issue. Some couldn't but for the most part they were cool and admittedly mechanical ignorant. I still to this day serve those same folks although not with tractors anymore. As time went on I saw basic common sense go away. I guess if there was any positive side, it's that it's good for business
It seems like the "I can't do anything for myself and I am going to put every drama filled thing in my life on the internet" crowd is growing! Some people weren't slapped enough as children.
fried1765
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
"Some people weren't slapped enough as children"
And..... even though they APPEAR to be adults now,....they still ARE children!
BRING BACK THE DRAFT!
I happen to find Kubota quality to be excellent! The manufacturing processes of today's world have given us some amazing products. As I grew up on the farm using machinery built in the late 50's thru early 70's I was happy to have machinery to use, but by today's standards for comfort and productivity what an improvement today's products are!
We all have different experiences, so making blanket statements about quality is just one sample. My experience was finding that my new backhoe was junk and two different dealers couldn't get it right. I would have been happy if I hadn't lost a full year of use. YMMV
It looks like it is time for you to get a new dealer. Kubota quality is excellent, I didn't say perfect.
You may have missed that I said two dealers, one is likely the most popular in the USA.
mcmxi
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
***Current*** M6060HDC, MX6000HSTC & GL7000 ***Sold*** MX6000HST & BX25DLB
Like I've said on this forum many times, four Kubota tractors over seven years, one Kubota generator, numerous Kubota/Land Pride implements, two Kubota dealerships and ZERO problems. Oh, I forgot, a small panel in the M6060 was scratched last summer when a technician was installing two extra rear remotes. But without my asking, the manager of the dealership ordered me a replacement panel which I have.
Japan is having problems getting labor too...Most of the Japanese stuff is built here! Honda, Nissan, Toyoda, etc, having had plants down south for years. Sorry not Honda ~ since 70's in Ohio.
Most of Kubota accessory equipment is made by vendors here. My Kubota backhoe was made by (it said Kubota) Woods. Better here vs. China where the quality is hit or miss. Kubota problem is quality control for which there is no excuse?
Last edited:
My l2501 (made in Japan) was flawless, but the bucket (made in the US), had horrible welds with air bubbles in it and looked like garbage, with my neighbor even mentioning he worried how long it would last, especially if water got in the divots (it looked like a golf ball but deeper divots). I actually ground down the welds and my neighbor re-welded them. I for sure will not be buying any land pride implements in the future.