New to the forum - couple questions

[DansB21]

Hi All,

New to the forum but familiar to forums for my cars. I bought a used Kubota B21 last summer after I moved to PA and the machine is awesome. I have two issues with it that I need advice on:

First question: Block heater - way too cold this week and the tractor did not start needless to say. need to get a block heater and in reading some of the threads it seems there are a couple styles. Is there anyone out there who has installed on their B21 that can recommend the correct brand / type / extra needed hardware or are they all basically the same?

Second question: Leaking pistons - both the lower pistons that make the backhoe swing left / right are leaking and I need to pull them and have them rebuilt. I see the quick disconnect on the hydraulic line to kill pressure. Guessing I will need to ratchet strap the bachoe in the up position to continue using the machine (currently it has a plow on the front) and then cap the lines that I disconnect. Are there specific line-caps to be used on the disconnected lines or do I just use rubber carbeurator caps over any open lines?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Dan

 

[koja]

Block heater - easiest are the dip stick type . Best - are the ones that install in the radiator hose . For the backhoe , just remove it from the machine , then repair it . That way you can still use the tractor without the hoe . Unless you need the weight on the back . Filled tires help a lot with that .

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

The block heater is plug and play P/N 7000-73274 $47.77
http://www.colemanequip.com/Parts_Detail.asp?partID=16523
Drain the antifrezze( drain should be either on bottom of radiator or on right side just under injection pump)Remove the plug (17mm Allen) install the heater and go play.

You don't need to disconnect the hydraulic feed, just don't use the controls.
You also don't need to strap the backhoe, that is if it's got a pin to lock it from swinging, if not then yes strap it from swinging, but why would it go down?
Yes simple caps will work fine or a piece of hose to loop the lines together will work too.

 

[mickeyd]

Welcome to the forum Dans. Cold weather can really affect starting and you are very cold compared to us down here. All I need is to warm up the glow plugs.

 

[DansB21]

Awesome guys - thanks.

There is a pin for the up and down of the back hoe portion, but I did not see one for left / right. Was thinking that once the coupler was disconnected, the hydraulic pressure would be released and the back hoe and stabilizers would just fall to gravity. I am very familiar with car / gas engine mechanics, but diesel and hydraulics are uncharted territory . . .

I will keep you posted.

Dan