M5400DT HYDRAULIC PROBLEMS following fluid and filter change

DeepEastTexas

New member

Equipment
1999 Kubota M5400DT
Aug 31, 2020
1
1
3
Nacogdoches, Texas
My son and I performed normal maintenance on thr hydraulic system which was immediately followed with little to no rear lift, or bucket action, backhoe would not function and no pto. After isolating the loader, no change. We further isolated the backhoe attachment, no change. A quick pressure test revealed no pressure at the rear remote connection. So by this time we are considering pump issues which for this tractor is at least $1500 plus installation.
i called a former Kubota dealership service manager, retired to full time tractor repair, whose experience is widely known thru out East Texas, Jasper area. I described the issue. He quickly said your pump has 2000 hrs on it but probably will work many more years, just not as strong as a new pump.
He said there are groves in the pump housing(case) cut by fluid under high pressure so it will not not PRIME itself. He instructed we remove the bolts holding the lines on the top of the pump. PUMP SOME 90weight LUBE in the ports, let it settle down around the gears, then pump more oil into the pump. Crank the engine but be ready to shut it down as soon as it primes. It is gonna spray oil and make a mess.
In less than 10 minutes, the tractor was running with ALL hydraulic systems working!

Folks I hope this helps some of you and never forget that there is so much value in EXPERIENCE. THANKS MR. P!
 
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SidecarFlip

Banned

Equipment
M9000HDCC3, M9000HD, Kubota GS850 Sidekick
Oct 28, 2018
7,197
555
83
USA
Never heard of that but I guess if it works, it's all good. My one M9 has over 6000 hours on the meter and the hydraulics are as strong and responsive as new and so is my other M9 cab model with just under 3000 hours.

Always premium fluid (Chevron THC Synthetic) with Kubota filters in the gearcase.

Never a prime issue after a fluid and filter change either.
 

JohnDB

Active member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
M4500DT
Jun 9, 2018
393
69
28
NZ
...
Folks I hope this helps some of you and never forget that there is so much value in EXPERIENCE. THANKS MR. P!
Thanks DeepEastTexas, that's great practical info. My M4500DT hasn't shown that problem so far but it's good to know about.