Kubota L3130 & RTV 50 Hour Service & Fluid Change

[Rory_Rhodes]

It's time for my 50 hour fluid change (great timing in addition to replacing the bent hydraulic cylinder rod mentioned in an earlier post) on my tractor and RTV.. Filters and Fluid has been purchased, drain pans are at the ready, new bucket cylinder is on the way. Now my question... Any proven tips for a successful full 50 hour service and cylinder exchange (do I need to bleed the cylinder fittings once the cylinder is installed?)

Also, although this may be an RTV post question, how difficult is the RTV bed lift kit (Kubota OEM) to install?

Junkman - Thanks for the LA723 Parts Guide.

By the way the cost to replace just the cylinder rod with no seals was $250 more then the complete cylinder. Go figure.

 

[OrangeGuy]

The 50 HR service on your 3130 is not difficult or complicated. Just follow the directions in the manual and you should not have any problems. Take your time! It provides for a pleasant afternoon.

As far as the bucket cylinder, just replace it. Afterwards extend and retract the cylinder several times to remove any air in the system.

OrangeGuy

 

[btolle]

No need to bleed cylinders, just extend and retract everything a few times and the air will be gone.

Be sure to clean the strainer screen(s) on the tractor. They should be shown in your manual. I am not familiar with the 3130 so I don't know if it has 1 or 2.

Bill Tolle

 

[caylor]

I don't think the L3130 has these strainer screens. I looked through my manual and saw no mention of the strainer screens. Fellow L3130 owners, am I missing something?

 

[ksmmoto]

I have the L3430 and couldn't find any screens either. Nothing in the manual about screens. Maybe someone knows for sure?

ksmmoto

 

[DelfinoTX]

Rory, there is a magnetic ring placed in the hydro suction filter intake on the right hand side of the tractor. You will need to clean and reuse this magnet as it catches all of the metal particles as they enter the filter. I think this has replaced the screens on older units. I had an L3010 and it had the screen. Now I own an L3830 and it does not.

I'm creating a page with details and pictures of the RTV dump bed installation. Look for it on the ATVs & Utility Vehicles forum. I think I can finish it tonight.

 

[bczoom]

Rory,

Check over in the ATV section for notes on the RTV 50 hour service.

A couple things that come to mind.
I don't have the manual in front of me but a couple things I noticed.

As corrected by Kubota, the engine oil capacity is 3.3 quarts, not 2.1 quarts as listed in the manual. I used 3.5 to bring it to the top mark on the dipstick.

There are not sections for initial service. There's the "every ## hours" but not anything specifically for the first 50 hours. I got a list from the dealer and when I find it I'll post.

I also found, it's important to read ahead. In the maintenance section, read everything associated with what you plan on doing a couple times before you start.

Example:
The sections on changing the tranny oil and filter aren't very well written and are separate maintenance items in the manual. In the instructions for both it effectively says to do what you'd think. Drain the oil, clean the magnets change the filters, add oil, run, and re-check level and top off as necessary.
What I didn't like:
You had to go look elsewhere to check the capacity. They should at least mention its 2.5 gallon capacity to avoid overflow of a standard sized oil catch bucket.
After all the step-by-step directions, at the very end, there's a little blurb. (After the step-by-steps)
"IMPORTANT - After changing your fluid, don't run the machine for several minutes or transmission damage may occur."
Is it me, or shouldn't this go BEFORE it lists the steps which include to run the engine? BTW - it also says to not run at more than 50% for a while afterwards as well.

Brian

 

[Rory_Rhodes]

Thanks for the advice. I agree, the manual doesn't "well document" the 50 hour service procedure on either vehicle.. Regardless, an enjoyable Sunday task even with the poor weather hanging around Atlanta.

The RTV is 10 hours off the 50 hour service, but judging from other posts, I am eager to do the service to see what difference a change in UDT fluid will do. No real problems other then hard shifting, but it looks like a UDT change may solve the problem. Super UDT is the plan.

Several Notes:

My hydraulic filter for the tractor, a 3130GST came with a new magnet in place. After reading the subsequent posts, about cleaning and reusing the magnet, I was afraid the magnet I thought I saw on the new filter was a mirage. It was not. In addition, no screens to clean as pointed out in later posts.

The dealer said "not to" replace the hydraulic fluid at 50 hours, just the filter. I mentioned warranty concerns; they were not worried about it.

The new cylinder installed easily. Other then a bit of grinding, the bent cylinder rod caused the loader frame to have a slight burr on it when it jammed. I wished I would have had a can of "Kubota Orange" but the burr and subsequent grind was in a heavy grease point.. Shouldn't have to worry about rust. The second hydraulic tube going to the cylinders was pulled against the guard going across the loader frame causing a deep crease. I ordered the hydraulic tube replacement from Keller Bros. Tractor today. Keller Bros = Great customer service, excellent price. Keller beat the local dealers by $100 on the new hydraulic cylinder.

Brian, it’s not just you, the "Oh yea, don't run the machine for a few minutes" did seem to be an afterthought by the Kubota manual writers. Oh well, it’s not their $20,000 machine...

DelFino TX - Thanks for the step by step RTV dump bed installation pictorial.. I am looking for the best price on the kit now.. Have you ever thought about manual writing and documentation for a living? I know one company that could use your help. (See paragraph above)

All - Thanks for the help.. I have to admit, the whole process of a bent cylinder rod, fluid and filter changes almost was just as good as a few hours in the tractor seat itself!

 

[DelfinoTX]

Rory, thanks for the compliment. I see from your picture that you still have that 20 foot bucket level indicator on your tractor. Take a look this post i submited back in April.
FEL Indicator MOD

 

[Rory_Rhodes]

Thanks for the leveling rod tip.. Next weekend's project. That's my boy on the tractor. He's a natural..