B3030 FEL leak and jerky

KubotaOne · Jun 21, 2005

I just completed the 50 hr service on my B3030 last weekend. I had a friend up this weekend who really knows how to operate a FEL and BH (learnt alot just watching him). However, after about an hour of use, we noticed two things. A small leak in one of the cylinders that lifts the FEL. I didn't notice it until it sat for a couple of hours and I could see fluid that had dripped down onto the front tire. Is this normal? Should I call my dealer? (looked like maybe a quarter cup of fluid)

Also, when dumping the bucket, we noticed after it was hot that the movement became jerky. Only when dumping, not while curling, and only when it was hot. Everything else operated fine. Any ideas what might cause this?

(I'm going to try this weekend to purge the FEL to remove any air in the system. FEL was just greased, and it didn't appear to be binding anywhere, hoses looked fine also)

Are these problems related?

wushaw · Jun 21, 2005

IT could be related. Leaky cylinder that shouldn't leak and it may be sucking in air or the pump is cavitating putting air into the system.

KubotaOne · Jun 21, 2005

( IT could be related. Leaky cylinder that shouldn't leak and it may be sucking in air or the pump is cavitating putting air into the system. )

wushaw,

Thanks for your input. Is that possible, even if the leaking cylinder is not the one that is jerky? The lift cylinder is leaking, the curl cylinder is the one that is jerky.

ronjhall · Jun 21, 2005

The cylinder leaking should not happen. Dealer should repair under warranty.
 we noticed after it was hot that the movement became jerky 
In another thread you stated that your dealer sold you something other than Super UDT. This is one of the items that has been noticed by people that have used UDT instead of Super UDT.
Both of your problems should be addressed by the dealer.
Cycling FEL to full travel of cylinders should purge all air from system.

KubotaOne · Jun 22, 2005

Ronjhall,

You are correct, I used Case Hy-Trans hydraulic fluid at my 50 hour service. At the time I took delivery of my 3030, I had a leak in one of the FEL fittings. The service manager came out to my farm, fixed the leak, and topped the fluid up with the Case Hy-Trans fluid. He left me the 5 gallon bucket of fluid (a nice gesture) and said that's what they use in all of their equipment.

Now, upon reading some other threads regarding Hyd fluids, I find out Kubotas are shipped from the factory with Super UDT (which I did not know). So maybe you're right, the change in fluid is causing my problems. I'm going to question my dealer tomorrow.

fign1955 · Jun 22, 2005

kubotaone-

There seems to be a pattern developing here. As I may have already told you, my local Kubota dealer tried to sell me New Holland trans fluid for my 50 hour service on my new B3030. I had to argue with him to get him to order the super UDT, which I pick up tommorrow, but now he wants $90 for a 5 gal. pail! ( I hope Kubota is reading this.) I sent an e-mail to Kubota's cust. service dept. last weekend, I'm awaiting their response. The parts manager tried to tell me that Kubota's UDT is the same thing as their super UDT. How can Kubota allow such arrogance and ignorance among their dealers? You'd think they had some JD blood in their veins!

ronjhall · Jun 22, 2005

I had problems with the power steering on my B2910 when I purchased it. The dealer used only Super UDT per Kubota engineering. I had discussions with several service people at Kubota. Even had a visit from the district service manager. They made sure that the only oil to use for transmission was Super UDT. My 2000 manual stated that UDT or Super UDT could be used. It was recommended for cold climates. Since then Kubota has recommended only Super UDT for all apllications. Many dealers in the south only stock UDT. I would ask your dealer to show you where the spec for the Case NH oil meets Kubota the specs for Super UDT. I think they would have to go to their Ultra brand oil to meet that spec.

Youare · Jun 22, 2005

When my L3000DT was new a few years back one of the FEL lift cylinders developed a leak at the shaft seal around 25 hours. At the same time I had some 3PH lift issues stemming from a chip of metal in the 3PH relief valve.

The dealer picked up the tractor and fixed both issues in a day. Now 275 hours later there has not been any problems.
No leakage is normal. My FEL works smoothly around 1500 RPM range, I haven't run the FEL with the tractor above this RPM range. I would be interesting to know if you are seeing jerky movement when trying to operate the FEL at higher engine RPM's.

Randy

KubotaOne · Jun 22, 2005

Ronjhall - thanks for your responses. I've got a call into my dealer, I'll let you know what he says about the Hy-Trans (by the way, it might have been the Ultra I used, can't remember off hand)

Randy - Glad to hear yours was fixed and you've had no issues since. The jerky movement was at any RPM, but more noticeable at higher speeds.

KubotaOne · Jun 23, 2005

I talked to my dealer this morning. Questioned him further about the Super UDT fluid. He's sticking with his story, they use the Case HyTrans Ultra (yes, I used the ULTRA Ronjhall) in everything they service. He does stock the SUDT and is happy to sell it to me. I'm going to swap it out this weekend. Who knows, maybe it resolves the jerky FEL problem i'm having.

As for the cylinder leak, he's coming out this weekend to replace the ram seal.

I'll follow up next week, thanks again for everyones help.