Cost estimate on splitting L4310

[Harry in Ky]

Folks, I have been a long time lurker on this forum but rarely post. I searched this question but didn't quite find exactly what I'm looking for. Here is my question: I have a 2000ish Kubota L4310 that is leaking hydo fluid from the condensation weep hole. It's not too bad, I just add a gallon of Hydro fluid every 6 months or so. That being said I don't expect it to get better. Can you help me with a ballpark if I bring it to the man? The internet tells me this is a leaky seal and you need to split the tractor to get to it. The tractor has no cab. Thanks in advance!

All those answers up there yet still no answer to your question. As always, the devil is in the details. You have an open station tractor, we know that, but there (at least) three different transmissions it could have (which one, we don't know yet) so a leak in that area could mean at least three different things. Each one could have a different source, a different repair, and a different amount of time to perform that repair. The "time" in this case is money. These days with shop rates at $100+/hr the "time" is most likely going to be more costly than the parts, but you don't know that yet. Since most of the answers so far involve what someone has done recently (that isn't on your model) here's one more. I just finished a shuttle synchronizer repair on an M6040 yesterday. Slightly larger tractor, but a somewhat similar repair. Just one split, engine to transmission, loader frames off and back on when done. Had to remove the shuttle assembly from the front of the clutch housing, repair and then install. New clutch and pressure plate. Assemble and make minor adjustments here and there.

His parts cost doesn't apply here, but the "time" involved was about twenty five hours.

 

[Fixastuff]

I’d pay what ever a good shop wants to do it correctly. Problem is finding a good shop lol.

 

[Tomtint]

If you have a front end loader on the tractor I recommend you take it off for the repair for workshop space reasons.

One thing I do recall is that I thought I was going to be able to split the B7500 without removing the loaders frame brackets.. I was wrong..If I had to guess.. A Kubota mechanic that knows the machine and the order to do things, Could have probably done mine in 3 days.. Maybe a little more.. Maybe a little less. But 24 hours of labor plus assorted fluids and gaskets etc. At 100.00 per hour.. 2400.00 plus consumables and fine tuning. .. I would not be surprised if it ends up being 3500.00 all in

 

[paulsharvey]

I would expect 16 hours x $150/hr=$2400 in labor for the split. There will also be several hundred more in fluids, filters, the seals, ect. By all means, call, but don't be floored by a number that starts with a 3.

 

[sixdogs]

Are there "Flat Rate Manuals" for tractors like there are for cars and trucks? Would be good to know.

There are flat rate manuals. I used to have one for an M7040 and still do if I can find it. One might be on-line

 

[jhendric]

Thank you for all the replies. Here's a bit more on the tractor...it's a Hydrostatic Transmission, 4wd, has a Front loader and rear hydraulics run.

I would consider doing it myself but I'm starting a new day job and I don't know if I can devote the time it would take me. I'll call around and see what my dealer says. I'll post back when it's done.

 

[tacticalturnip]

As long as it's only a few grand I would argue it's worth it. At worst, at worst, it's worth more than it's weight in gold on the open market and you would more than recoup your cost selling it.

It's a pre-emissions Kubota, this tractor has a lot of fans.

 

[sixdogs]

Could you find a local car or tractor guy, preferably retired, that does reliable work on the side? I had my Super C split last year (search pics in TBN thread) and paid waaayyy less than people are talking here. The guy was older so I had to help but he had the split stand and had done many before. That worked.

Reliable work means he has to have done that work before, have an excellent reputation and be a nice guy. Guys that work in dealerships get paid way less than the customer is charged and are the very same people that later retire and use their learned skills to supplement retirement income. Ask around.

 

[notrite]

Could you find a local car or tractor guy, preferably retired, that does reliable work on the side? I had my Super C split last year (search pics in TBN thread) and paid waaayyy less than people are talking here. The guy was older so I had to help but he had the split stand and had done many before. That worked.

Reliable work means he has to have done that work before, have an excellent reputation and be a nice guy. Guys that work in dealerships get paid way less than the customer is charged and are the very same people that later retire and use their learned skills to supplement retirement income. Ask around.

Here's something you might want to try first. Amazon.com Blue devil hydraulic leak seal.I had a leak in my tractor that would have needed to split tractor to repair. Used this and with in running the tractor for an hour it sealed the leak and has not returned might be worth a shot.

 

[FixAll]

My dealer in Ayer MA split my 1008 L3400HST to fix a range shifter problem. The bill was a little over $2800 which included extra work to cure an oil leak at the fuel pump and free up a stuck 3-pt hitch speed control.