KUBOTA L3400 hydraulic/steerig issues

[carolinaacres]

I was moving round bales this weekend when I started to have steering difficulties, I added some hydraulic fluid ( but I think it needs more) now my loader arms are almost impossible to lift. I only have 175hrs on it over 2 years,.....Oh by the way my PTO shifter has been fixed twice and once completely replaced, now I can't shift my PTO out of gear.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I am still a bit of a novice at tractors myself. But I would think steering would be a different problem than the hydraulics for the bucket.. Any squealing belt sounds when you try to turn? If so loose belts or bent steering linkage. All of your fluids and filters been changed at the first service intervals? (50 hours?) The PTO lever now that is really perplexing. The place that you bought it from are they helping you out at all if you call them or when you had it fixed prior.
Is the tractor itself running ok as far as power? If your fuel were gunked up and you aren't getting full power. That would seem pretty obvious though. That's my 2 cent tour.

 

[Yankee Clipper]

Carolina,

Check the 90 degree suction hose that is close to the pump inlet - some of them were not the best and allow air into the hydraulilc system.

As for the PTO, be sure your cable is correctly adjusted or you may need a new cable for ease of shifting in and out.

Good luck!

 

[wushaw]

I agree with yankee clipper, check this thread out. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/122787-l3400-hydraulic-leak.html

 

[carolinaacres]

The 90degree hose needed tightening, but I found the suction hose (next to the bresk, on left side of) to be cracked through in several areas. As for the PTO, I'm not getting much dealer help.It has been a real hassle since the tractor was purchased. Even worse they try to charge me for transporting mmy tractor everytime they work on the PTO. Okay, the first time they worked on it I can understand, but to keep NOT fixing the problem and charging for trasnsport just comes off harsh.

 

[carolinaacres]

The 90degree hose needed tightening, but I found the suction hose (next to the bresk, on left side of) to be cracked through in several areas. As for the PTO, I'm not getting much dealer help.It has been a real hassle since the tractor was purchased. Even worse they try to charge me for transporting mmy tractor everytime they work on the PTO. Okay, the first time they worked on it I can understand, but to keep NOT fixing the problem and charging for trasnsport just comes off harsh.

I also had to have my "hydraulic fluid view finder" replaced as the plastic got too hot and melted, then cracked. The dealer told me Kbota knew about the problem, but all they did was replace it with the same plastic part.

All my service is up to date. As a matter of fact the service dept. went ahead and did a full service on my tractor when they had it last for PTO warranty work. Now this service was not requested. They had no signature or paper work showing that I requested the full service. The service guy who talked to actually threatened to come to my house and "handle me", for "calling him a liar". I told the owner this, and yet i was still stuck with an almost $600 bill, and threatened to send it to collection when I continued to refuse to pay.

 

[canoetrpr]

Wow! Sounds like you've got a real crappy dealer. I'm sorry to say I haven't had great luck with dealers of any type (cars or tractors for that matter).

The current dealer I am working with seems very good but it is only the parts department that have worked with.

I'm convinced that I am best off either doing my own service, repairs if I can or finding a reliable non dealer mechanic to do it if the machine is not under warranty.

I have about the same hours as you on my L3400. It is now 3 years old. I have had non of the problems you have. I do hope things get resolved for you. However, I would strongly recommend another dealer.

Oh yeah. I woud not pay the $600. If they don't have something with your sig. on it asking for the service then they don't have anything on you. If you have decided that you are not going to see this dealer any more, I would call Kubota and complain. If that does not work, I would get a lawer to write a letter to the dealer about the $600 bill and threaten to take them to small claims court over their crappy work.