B3200...only 20 hours ....not good

[MW66]

I've been using my tiller the last few days. All was going fine. This afternoon I was running threw some dirt and a bunch of it kicked way up. It was sort of weird. I got off my seat and I see fluid spraying against the rear inside tire . My jaw dropped....only 20 hours and not even a month old yet. I didn't hit or run over anything that would have protruded up into the bottom of the tractor. I felt the fluid and it definitely seems like transmission fluid. I cannot pinpoint the leak, but it's underneath near the rear sort of by the filter. It's looks like all the hose are on, but I just cannot tell. I hope this is not an omen of things to come with this tractor. I've got a bunch of work to do and now I'm stuck.

 

[ChuckinNH]

For one reason, or another, my garden tractor has one filter that will sometimes loosen even if it is installed carefully, and properly. Before you go any further reach in there with your hand, and make sure the filters are at least as snug as you can get them by hand..........

 

[MW66]

Thanks, I just checked it and it seems like it's snug.

 

[MW66]

Well, my neighbor came over and helped me diagnose the problem. It seems that I have a crack in my rear PTO line. Maybe a bad braze to the connector portion? I've been using my rear PTO a lot with the tiller work I've been doing, but this should not happen. When I tried to lift the tiller, it lifts, but oil shoots out of the crack in the line.

 

[Randyj]

You say only 20 hours. I'm guessing you bought your tractor new?

If so, I'm sure the dealer will replace the fractured line. But will they come get
it, or what?

If you bought it used, and you've only put 20 hours on it yourself, you may
have to either replace the line, or braze the crack.

 

[MW66]

Brand new. I bought it May 1st. I bought a Kubota because of their name and reliability. This has me a little nervous.

 

[TripleR]

Brand new. I bought it May 1st. I bought a Kubota because of their name and reliability. This has me a little nervous.

While it is unfortunate and shouldn't have happened, I would not take this as an indicator of anything.

 

[bp fick]

Stuff happens. It's a pain to have it happen, but it did. Huge annoyance and inconvenience, but that's all. Wonder how hard it would be to change out?

 

[Tractor Factor]

Hope your dealer is prompt and helpful. Yeah, inconvenient for you, but just one of those things...can happen with any make or model. Put a good spin on it by telling yourself you're fortunate to work out any kinks while the machine is new and under warranty.

No doubt this experience will recede in your memory as you accumulate years of reliable service from your 3200. Best of luck with everything!

 

[Texasclodhopper]

Don't worry about it. I've had mine for 6 months now without a problem. I'm just getting to the 50 hour maintenance, but the B3200 is smooth and has lots of power. I couldn't have put in our 2500 sq. ft. garden without it and the tiller. I've moved a dump truck full of sand from the SE corner of my yard to the NW corner near my garden; one bucket at a time. That's a lot of driving with a full bucket of sand and no hydraulic problems at all.