I need some opinions on maintenance.

Casco1 · Jun 24, 2007

Three years ago I bought a slightly used (68 hrs) Kubota L3710,L682 FEL and Woods 7500 BH. In three years I've only put another 20 hrs on it mostly snow removal. The project I bought it for is finally coming up and It's going to get worked moving dirt, rocks, trees etc.

My question I've never done any maintenance on it other than grease. I'm thinking of taking it to a dealer, one I like and has a good rep, and have the machine gone through before I start working it. I'm talking about changing all fluids and filters and anything else that's recommended. I figure if I start with a clean slate I can maintain it from hereon. Am I wasting money or is this a good idea ?

BTDT · Jun 24, 2007

Sounds like a good idea. While your there, pic up a manual for it, that way you know how things operate, when to change fluids, safety tips, etc. Lots of info. That will give you something to read while your waiting to get your machine back. Good luck.

JC-jetro · Jun 24, 2007

Casco1 said:
Three years ago I bought a slightly used (68 hrs) Kubota L3710,L682 FEL and Woods 7500 BH. In three years I've only put another 20 hrs on it mostly snow removal. The project I bought it for is finally coming up and It's going to get worked moving dirt, rocks, trees etc.

My question I've never done any maintenance on it other than grease. I'm thinking of taking it to a dealer, one I like and has a good rep, and have the machine gone through before I start working it. I'm talking about changing all fluids and filters and anything else that's recommended. I figure if I start with a clean slate I can maintain it from hereon. Am I wasting money or is this a good idea.

There is always a learning curve doing new things and that is part of understanding of how to take care of things. Tractors are not the most complicated pieces of machinery but usually are designed for the long haul provided preventative maintenance is done. Your tractor with the description you gave is hardly broken in. I suggest you get a repair manual and along with the owner's manual to get yourself intimately familiar with it and slowly tackle the job. There is such a tremendous amount of knowledge and willingness of TBN'ers here that they can help you along the way if it is your first time. Changing all fluid is the main focus with much emphasis on hydraulic system. The inners of lift system and hydraulic including your hyd pump need special attention and absolute cleanness is the key to longevity. I would buy the oil filters , make sure if I have prefilter screen or not. O-ring are cheap..so I'll buy extra O rings for banjo connections and other gasket before I attempted oil change. I have done the following when I bought my tractor that was quite older than yours.
1. changed engine oil and filter.
2. changed hyd oil and cleaned the intake screen.
3. changed the oil on my oil bath air cleaner. you may change your cartridge air filter.
4. changed coolant along with upper and lower radiator hoses. Mine was old but your's probably is okay.
5. I totally lubed all the chassis and anywhere that I had a grease Zerk. lubed al pivot points and joints of lift sytem. Jacked up the tractor and checked the front wheel bearing for proper lube.
5. tidied up all wiring and anything loose.
6. made sure my temp gauge, oil pressure work properly. On my tractor key has to stay on "on" position before charging system can charge the batteries and for instrument cluster. Since I did not know that, I moved the key to the middle by mistake after the engine was on and as a result my temp gauge erroneously indicated "hot" in few minutes and gave me a good scare. Engine was barely warm to the touch but had temp indicated overheat condition.

I had a few minor repairs also but that tractor runs well and I know what I have done myself in details.

Give it a go.

JC

mit · Jun 24, 2007

it is not such a tough call.if u are not sure of what u are doing mantenance wise it sure is a good idea to go pro if cost is not an issue. however if u are handy the steps outlined above is quite adequate.most machines works well as long as u oil and lube regularly.change all filters.and keep clean.

RoyJackson · Jun 24, 2007

Taking it in is a good idea. With only 68 hours, there's a decent chance the break in oil is still in the machine.
It's also a good chance the deisel fuel may be contaminated after three years of setting.

john_bud · Jun 24, 2007

Yes, great idea to get back to a good place on maintenance. I would say do it yourself. Takes 4 hours if you go real slow and careful. Much of the time is letting it drip.

But if you are uncomfortable with the process - sure pay the man and get it done. I would spec SUDT if it is an HST or GST tractor. Costs more but they operate better with it. I use it in all places - even the front axle.

jb