New Kubota Owner

[jtscha]

Hello everyone, I just brought home my first Kubota tractor on Sat. It is a B2150 with a BT 350-A loader. I want to apologize for all the questions I will be asking, I have never owned a diesel motor so I am clueless.

The previous owner has not used the tractor much in the last few years so I am sure the fluids have not been changed in a while so that will be my project for this coming weekend. I see that you can purchase a filter kit with Air, Oil, Hyd and fuel filters, is there anything else i should replace?

As far as oil, I know rottela is the oil everyone I know uses in their diesels but my owners manual has 10W-30 as the recommended oil. What is the advantage of the rottela over conventional oil and should I use it in my Kubota. I want to do what is best to get many years of trouble free service out of my new to me tractor.

Thanks
Jack

 

[hodge]

You won't wear your welcome out asking questions- just don't be shy about using the search feature- lots of questions have been answered to death.
As far as filters go, it sounds like you have it covered. You will want to check the pickup screens and make sure they are clear- do you have a service manual?
Rotella T is a good oil, and I have never heard a bad report on it. Because it is common, and everyone seems to use it, it is popular. Any diesel rated oil will work- just make sure that you use an oil for diesel engines, not gas. Also, oil has come a long way, since your owners manual was written. I run 15w-40 Rotella in mine, and have no problems. 10w-30 is a blanket recommendation, although your climate and usage would better determine which vicosity to use.
You may also ask whether to use synthetic or conventional- and you will get tons of opinions. My opinion? Again, climate and usage play a large part in deciding that, but more important is a regimented service plan. If you take good care and service regularily, either one will serve you well.
And welcome to OTT- this is a great forum, because it has great people contributing.

 

[Eric McCarthy]

I agree with Hodge, check the anitfreeze in the radiator and see what that looks like. I'm willing to bet it looks like peanut butter in there!

 

[Kytim]

First off, Glad your here!!
You wont ask too many questions, sometimes it may take a day or so for someone to get back to you but, hang in there.

+1 on the Rotella 15W-40. You've been given a lot of good advice so far. I'll add; you got a good set of line wrenches? you'll need them. Also wash out the outside of the Rad from both sides too. wouldn't hurt to clean the fuel tank out too, that way you'll know the condition of the complete fuel system. Just an idea.

 

[jtscha]

Thanks everyone, it looks like I will go with the 15W-40 Rotella.

I definitely need the service manual, I don't know where the pick up screens are. I also need a diagram of the throttle linkage. The previous owner disconnected it and put what looks like a choke cable on it for a throttle. Other than that everything looks correct on it.

Surprisingly the antifreeze looks great, I believe he kept that changed because he did not want it to freeze up sitting all winter. I did wash out the radiator and screens last night.

Thanks again everyone