"IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL NEW M SERIES OWNERS"

[Muleskinner]

I just wanted to let you know what I made in the shop the other day.
When I change out from the box scrapper to the soil pulverizor my Top Hydro Cylinder drops down when changing attachments, so to get me by at the end of the summer I just put a bunggie on it to hold it up out of the way, so I could back up and hook up to another attachment. While working at my shop I found a stainless steel rod, I copyed the factory hook, but made it much larger so it would be big enough to hold the cylinder up out of the way. A little heat from the torch bent the rod around an old fence post real nice. After installing the new rod/hook, I slide some air hose line over the rod as to not sratch the paint on the cylinder and to stop vibration. This sure makes changing the top link easier, and it does bounce off while traveling with no attachments on.

That's a good idea. I never remove my rear box blade. This tractor is mainly for grading house pads, roads, Etc. What the heck is a dirt pulverizor???

 

[Landshaping]

Soil Pulverizer: made by Woods, Landpride used for raking out clay soil, looks like an 84" I-beam with spikes bolted to the I-beam and a big rolling pin w/spikes to flatten out dirt clods. I use them to finish my lots before seeding or sodding.

 

[john_bud]

The mechanic replaced the entire dash cluster assembly, but that did not repair the warning light problem. The mechanic began talking with Kubota technical support and was told, "Certain early tractors were not wired completely at the factory and the dash warning lights will not work as stated in the owner's manual."

Why don't you return the tractor to the dealer and have them install a complete NEW DESIGN wiring harness. It shouldn't take more than a day. If you want the lights to work, demand that they be repaired under warranty. If they aren't fixed, escalate.

jb

 

[Landshaping]

I'll give it a try, but since I sent up the red star cluster flare to Japan VP's I'll wait for their answer, it will help all M5040,M6040, and M7040 owners.

 

[Muleskinner]

Why don't you return the tractor to the dealer and have them install a complete NEW DESIGN wiring harness. It shouldn't take more than a day. If you want the lights to work, demand that they be repaired under warranty. If they aren't fixed, escalate.

jb

That will most likely be my next move. The problem is I need my tractor for work. Luckily my business is slow during the winter. I'm not sure why my dealer did not mention replacing the entire wire loom.

 

[AndyMA]

I'm not sure why my dealer did not mention replacing the entire wire loom.

Because it's a lot of work and Kubota didn't suggest it. I would think that adding a few wires to fix the problem would be much easier than rewiring the entire tractor. As an owner it might disrupt my tractor less.

Andy

 

[machmeter62]

I purchased my new M7040 last July. Around 150 hours I started to notice my FEL bucket would curl down/bleed down when the tractor was left standing. You could hear the bucket "Creaking" when the tractor was parked.

Also from the day I bought the tractor the warning lights on the lower portion of the dash would not come on when the igntion key was turned to the start position like the manual says they should. (Test mode) In fact, I was unable to find any indicator light for the 4X4, glow plug or low fuel warning.

I took the tractor into the dealer in December to have the issues repaired. The mechanic told me the following; both front bucket cylinders were bad. The nuts that held the seal pistons on the rods backed off causing an internal leak. Kubota has admitted a problem with these cylinders on the FEL's for the M5040, M6040, M7040, M8540 and M9540 to their dealers. Both cylinders were replaced.

The mechanic replaced the entire dash cluster assembly, but that did not repair the warning light problem. The mechanic began talking with Kubota technical support and was told, "Certain early tractors were not wired completely at the factory and the dash warning lights will not work as stated in the owner's manual."

I told him at the very least I wanted the preheat warning light to work. Using Kubota technical support he was able to wire the system to allow the preheat light to work, but none of the other lights work. He told me if enough customers complain Kubota will be forced to design a fix and repair all of the early machines.

While the tractor was at the dealer the mechanic also performed some "Kubota factory fixes" on some other known problem items. The wiring for the PTO was left off from the factory, the seat mount rubber bushings were replaced, and the bolts holding the front axle to the frame were checked for proper torque.

Well my friends, I like Kubota tractors, but this does not bode well for Kubota and does not do much for my peace of mind. I know these problems are minor, but none of them should have occured in the first place. I believe EVERY owner of the new M series with inoperative dash warning lights should complain to Kubota. What say you?

While at the dealer today I noticed the mechanic had a new (25 hours) M5040 2X2 with turf tires split in half. It seems the owner noticed a noise in the engine. The problem was a broken injector pump "camshaft." I asked the mechanic what that was, as I had never heard of an injector pump camshaft. He said it was the internal shaft that operates the injector pump. I looked at the tractor all apart and the engine with no head on it and was glad that was not my tractor!!!!!!

Maybe these tractor parts, etc. are now being assembled in the good ole' USA with unqualified personnel to prevent anymore outsourcing!!??

 

[CurlyDave]

It seems your dealer is handling it?

No the dealer is NOT "handling it".

I see no fix for the dash lights other than "complain to Kubota".

If bought anything that did not work as the manual stated it should, especially if there was a known issue that the factory refused to fix, I would be looking into a lawsuit.

 

[Muleskinner]

I'm going to pick up the tractor in the morning. I will tell the dealer to get in touch with Kubota and tell them I am not happy. I want Kubota to supply the later M7040 production run wiring loom and install it. I did my part and paid for the tractor. I think the very least Kubota could do is make the tractor right like it was designed to be.

As I use the tractor for my business, I will also lean on Kubota to stop my payments while the tractor is in the shop. If Kubota does not want to cooperate, then I will tell Kubota they can have their tractor back. Let's see what their reaction to that is.

If Kubota takes a hard headed attitude with me, then I will seek the advice of an attorney. I'm not sure if the California lemon law for vehicles covers tractors. But surley Kubota must have to provide a product that meets what their operating claims are. I believe the Magnuson Moss warrantee act should cover that. My dealer is a nice guy and I believe he will stand behind me on this concern.

Another problem is my dealer is 80 miles away and it costs a lot in fuel to transport the tractor back and forth for repairs.

 

[Muleskinner]

Maybe these tractor parts, etc. are now being assembled in the good ole' USA with unqualified personnel to prevent anymore outsourcing!!??

No the tractor is still made and assembled in Japan. The FEL is made and installed here though.