I need some advice, please. I have a Kubota L4240 I bought two years ago. It has 123 hours on it. The last few times I have used it, the hydraulics seem to be slower that normal. When I first crank it in the morning, the loader raises in little "spurts", I guess you'd call it. Somewhat erratically. The 3-point hitch also raises with some jerking. And at low throttle, the power steering doesn't work real smooth. Has anyone heard of Kubota having an issue with their hydraulic pumps? Could it be the filter needs changing? I was planning on doing that at 125 hours. Is there a speed adjustment on the hydraulics? The hydraulic oil level is fine. I thought that might be it, but it's not. HELP!!!
Slow hydraulics
- Thread starter treesmith
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sweettractors
Advertiser
I don't know about the speed adjustment, however, low fluid lever, clogged filter or water in the fluid could cause those symptoms, Does it get better, once the oil warms up? Ken Sweet
Yes, it does seem to get better as it warms up. What does this indicate? And how would water get in the hydraulic oil? Condensation? If so, wouldn't it evaporate after being run a little while?
Craig Clayton
Platinum Member
Sir
You might check that you have Kubota hydraulic fluid (UDT ) . Also check the block on the side of the engine / transmission mine has a small turn screw for power beyond output ,is shows a small picture to read the manual. Change the filter when you change the oil to be covered.These are the inexpensive checks.
Craig Clayton
You might check that you have Kubota hydraulic fluid (UDT ) . Also check the block on the side of the engine / transmission mine has a small turn screw for power beyond output ,is shows a small picture to read the manual. Change the filter when you change the oil to be covered.These are the inexpensive checks.
Craig Clayton
beppington
Elite Member
I was gonna say, right now my FEL raises & lowers really slow when my 3ph is lifted all the way up ... but that's because right now my 3ph's stop is out of adjustment, & it's not shutting off the control valve as it should, making my pump keep running, trying to keep lifting & lifting. If I let the 3ph down just a skosh, all is perfect again.
Of course if your 3ph is also slow/ jerky, that can't be it, but maybe something else is similarly jammed up.
Of course if your 3ph is also slow/ jerky, that can't be it, but maybe something else is similarly jammed up.
Okay, I think I found the problem...one of them at least. The return line at the back of the pump has a small leak. This is the line (approx. 1" diameter) on the right side. It has only the spring clamps holding it on. I changed my filter, then cranked the tractor to try the loader for speed. When I cranked it, I could hear a hissing sound. I had noticed a small puddle of fluid on the ground and had determined that it was indeed hydraulic fluid, I just couldn't tell where it was coming from. Anyway, when I heard the hissing, I ran my finger along the line behind the pump, and could hear a difference when I got to the hole. I assume it's been sucking air into the system. Sound logical?
Two question: 1.Do I have to use Kubota brand hydro oil? I added some premium hydro oil that I have for my mini skidsteer. I figured since it was premium it would be okay. I notice one of the above posts mentions Kubota oil.
2. Can I use regular hose (of appropriate size, of course) to replace this line, or is it something I should get from Kubota? I would think hose from an auto parts store would be just as good, and much cheaper.
Two question: 1.Do I have to use Kubota brand hydro oil? I added some premium hydro oil that I have for my mini skidsteer. I figured since it was premium it would be okay. I notice one of the above posts mentions Kubota oil.
2. Can I use regular hose (of appropriate size, of course) to replace this line, or is it something I should get from Kubota? I would think hose from an auto parts store would be just as good, and much cheaper.
beppington
Elite Member
Keep those fingers away!!!
That high pressure hydraulic fluid can shoot right into your skin. My dad's uncle had it happen. They had to remove his finger from where the fluid went in.
That high pressure hydraulic fluid can shoot right into your skin. My dad's uncle had it happen. They had to remove his finger from where the fluid went in.
sweettractors
Advertiser
Glad you found the problem, Shouldn't that be covered under warranty with such low hrs on the tractor. I would use Kubota oil and Kubota Hose. Ken Sweet
I wish....my warranty ran out last month. Two years, or 250 hours I think it was. Not sure about the hour limit, but I know it was two years. I put a good wrapping of electrical tape on the hose around the leaking area. Since it's the return hose, there's suction rather than pressure on it. The loader operated perfectly after taping it up. I'll see about getting a replacement hose next time I'm in town. I only added about a gallon of hydro oil....is that enough to warrant draining and replacing with Kubota brand?
kennyd
Advertiser
Don't discount the importance of getting this hose sealed properly just because it's a suction hose. If the air is being sucked in, then the pump will cavitate and it will cause (expensive) damage. I will bet if you had looked at you fluid before you would find that is was foaming, that's why the slow/jerky movements.