Kubota L4200 - just got it! Has a few problems I need help with.

[jackmccarron]

Just got my L4200, and have a couple problems I'd like comments on:

1. Forward/reverse lever not disabling engine start (dangerous!) - in other words, if shift lever is in either forward or reverse position the engine WILL start with tractor moving immediately! It's not supposed to start unless the lever is in neutral. I assume there's and electrical interlock switch controlled by the lever. How do I get to it to check out the switch and the wiring?

2. The key switch should turn the engine off when it's turned to the off position. It doesn't. Only pulling the out the kill switch will shut it down.

3. Something really wrong with the steering. While holding the steering wheel straight, the tractor will deviate from a LOT from a straight line. Can even watch the front wheels moving from side to side. Very sloppy - something very wrong. Looking underneath (while my wife turns the steering wheel from one side to the other extreme with the engine off) , the hydrolic steering linkage seems to be "loose" in several places including a little play in the tie rod ends. What to do?

4. The "ez-checker" glow plug pre-heat indicator is ON constantly. Isn't it supposed to go out after a few seconds?

I think I'm going to love this tractor once it's behaving right!

Thanks for any suggestions.

Jack in Jamestown, Tennessee

 

[JMER817]

Is this a new machine???

 

[wmonroe]

I'll take a stab at it.

1. Check to see if there is a wiring harness going to the reverser that might be unplugged or have a jumper installed.

2. If it has a pull knob to shut it down then I don't think the key is intended to shut it off. My parents tractor once it's running you can turn the key off and take it out but it won't shut off unless you pull the the kill switch.

3. Narrow down which parts have play and replace them. Tie rod ends should be easy. Is the hydraulic cylinder good?

4. Check to see if the glow plugs are staying on. If so they might have burned out as they are not meant to be on constantly. Might be a bad glow plug relay.

 

[jackmccarron]

I'll take a stab at it.

1. Check to see if there is a wiring harness going to the reverser that might be unplugged or have a jumper installed.

2. If it has a pull knob to shut it down then I don't think the key is intended to shut it off. My parents tractor once it's running you can turn the key off and take it out but it won't shut off unless you pull the the kill switch. I really prefer the engine shut off with the key. When I use the kill switch, I'll already forgotten TWICE to turn off the key and remove it - leading to leaving the key on and subsequent battery discharge!

3. Narrow down which parts have play and replace them. Tie rod ends should be easy. Is the hydraulic cylinder good?

4. Check to see if the glow plugs are staying on. If so they might have burned out as they are not meant to be on constantly. Might be a bad glow plug relay.

Thanks wmonroe - I'll check out those things. The operators manual that I found on line says the engine SHOULD stop when the key is turned off - and if doesn't pull the kill switch.

HOw do I check to see if the glow plugs are really still on?

Jack.

 

[KennyV]

Will it also start with the PTO leer in the 'ON' position? If so, someone has wired directly from the key switch start position, to the starter solenoid.
It will shut off with the switch... If the shut off solenoid is working (located near of the injector pump)... AND if the time delay relay is working( located under the dash).
You will not see the 'loose' components in the steering with the engine off... You will also need the tractor weight on the front tires to give resistance to the turning of the wheels in order to isolate the worn parts.
That glow plug problem is almost Always the glow plug controller, (located under the dash) the glow plug relay is very robust and almost Never fails. For the electrical layout {see my post #6 in this thread} http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-wiring-help-needed.html?highlight=glow+plugs

 

[Jeff F.]

Is this a gear shift or hydro tractor?

 

[C4Ranch]

How many hrs and what year is it?

 

[rbargeron]

Back in 2008 when the thread above was current I was fixing up an experienced 1994 L3600 that had relay problems as well as loose steering, leaking axles etc. - it ran great but needed a few parts to tighten it up. Kubota's website (and Messick's) have illustrated parts lists that show the bushings, pins, ball joints etc in the system. Take your time and have fun getting to know your L4200.

 

[jackmccarron]

It's a GST model (Glide Shift)

 

[jackmccarron]

It's a 1994 model with 1750 hours on it. Kubota made this tractor from 1994 thru 1999.