Newbie tractor owner maintenance question

[racerboy]

My B2601 has about 60 hrs on it now and I believe that it is due for some maintenance. I was going to purchase the WSM from Coleman’s and have a go at doing the maintenance myself (figure I could always ask for help here if I get stuck).

I have a very specific question that’s may not be maintenance-related, but when I was using the tractor yesterday to move some mulch, it seemed that the FEL and backhoe were a bit ‘sluggish’. Not sure if that makes sense, but they seemed to both open and close a bit slower than last time I used tractor. I checked the hydraulic fluid dipstick , and that seemed ok. Could there be a pressure leak? Just didn’t seem as strong.

Am I supposed to change the hydraulic fluid at regular intervals? Do I have to run Kubota hydraulic fluid? Are there detergents or something in it that make it superior to something I could get at tractor supply? Or auto parts store (like auto trans fluid?). My Kubota dealer is a bit of a drive from me, that’s why I ask.
Thanks

 

[wsurff]

My B2601 has about 60 hrs on it now and I believe that it is due for some maintenance. I was going to purchase the WSM from Coleman’s and have a go at doing the maintenance myself (figure I could always ask for help here if I get stuck).

I have a very specific question that’s may not be maintenance-related, but when I was using the tractor yesterday to move some mulch, it seemed that the FEL and backhoe were a bit ‘sluggish’. Not sure if that makes sense, but they seemed to both open and close a bit slower than last time I used tractor. I checked the hydraulic fluid dipstick , and that seemed ok. Could there be a pressure leak? Just didn’t seem as strong.

Am I supposed to change the hydraulic fluid at regular intervals? Do I have to run Kubota hydraulic fluid? Are there detergents or something in it that make it superior to something I could get at tractor supply? Or auto parts store (like auto trans fluid?). My Kubota dealer is a bit of a drive from me, that’s why I ask.
Thanks

In the back of your operators manual there will be a section on routine maintenance including a schedule as well as instructions regarding how to change your oil and hydraulic fluids, again, including the proper intervals. You don't need the workshop manual to see this information, although it's always nice to have one around if you like working on your tractor. lots of discussions on these forms regarding which brand fluids to utilize. I for one think sticking with Kubota fluids is likely best, especially during the warranty period for your tractor.

 

[pokey1416]

When you say sluggish do you mean the speed? If so, that’s a product of engine RPM. Higher RPM will be more responsive (faster) to operator inputs. If you have a little air in the circuit it may affect operation. I would think after 60 hours though it should have purged. Lots of others on this forum way more knowledgeable than me on hydraulics.

If your machine is financed through Kubota, or in general IMO, I would use Kubota products. The SUDT2 is especially important. Engine oil not so. You can mail order Kubota fluids and filters.

 

[fried1765]

My B2601 has about 60 hrs on it now and I believe that it is due for some maintenance. I was going to purchase the WSM from Coleman’s and have a go at doing the maintenance myself (figure I could always ask for help here if I get stuck).

I have a very specific question that’s may not be maintenance-related, but when I was using the tractor yesterday to move some mulch, it seemed that the FEL and backhoe were a bit ‘sluggish’. Not sure if that makes sense, but they seemed to both open and close a bit slower than last time I used tractor. I checked the hydraulic fluid dipstick , and that seemed ok. Could there be a pressure leak? Just didn’t seem as strong.

Am I supposed to change the hydraulic fluid at regular intervals? Do I have to run Kubota hydraulic fluid? Are there detergents or something in it that make it superior to something I could get at tractor supply? Or auto parts store (like auto trans fluid?). My Kubota dealer is a bit of a drive from me, that’s why I ask.
Thanks

At 60 hours, yours is an under warranty machine!
The smart money would heavily favor Kubota branded filters, and absolutely their SUDT-2 hydraulic fluid.
Engine oil can be any of the major oil brands, but in the Kubota recommended weight.
Synthetic motor oil is what most seem to use these days.

You can either make the Kubota dealer drive, .....or have the nice man in the big brown truck bring you whatever supplies you may need.

 

[Pawnee]

I hope you have been greasing all this time.

 

[imnukensc]

RTFM