Kubota MX4700- Steering Locks Up when Loader Used

[EuropeanAM]

As requested, here's a picture of the tractor/loader/forks:

We're waiting on the BBB's final disposition (doesn't look good, since the dealer refuses to discuss the problem, and most recently told the BBB "no further correspondence will be addressed").

 

[ArtMech]

As requested, here's a picture of the tractor/loader/forks:

We're waiting on the BBB's final disposition (doesn't look good, since the dealer refuses to discuss the problem, and most recently told the BBB "no further correspondence will be addressed").

EuropeanAM,

Try to write a message to:

customersatisfaction@kubota.com

They helped even me, although I'm not a warranty machine user.

 

[MarkV]

I thought your response to the BBB was well written and stated your case clearly. I think I would take it, the Dealers response, the Field Reps response, the District Reps response and send it all certified mail to Kubota's corporate office. I would emphasize the very real safety issue, the fact that the Kubota reps say you have to work with the dealer and the fact that the dealer has said he will not work on your tractor. Then I would explain your lack of desire take legal action but if Kubota and the dealer will not help fix your new tractor, what other options do you have.

Kubota Tractor Corporation
Customer Satisfaction
3401 Del Amo Blvd
Torrance, CA 90503

Sorry you are having to go through this. None of it makes any real sense. My Kubota is 4wd and I use the FEL all the time in 2wd lifting more weight than you are.

MarkV

 

[ArtMech]

EuropeanAM,
Please keep us informed on the course of a subject.

 

[themichelob]

EuropeanAM--I don't understand what you expect the BBB to do. They have neither enforcement or punitive powers. The most they can do is give a business a bad rating. (Most don't care!) If anyone saw 20/20 a week or so ago, the had a very disappointing segment showing how BBB ratings are mostly based on the amount of dues a business pays--pay your $450.00 assessment, you get an "A" rating. Please take your issue higher up the chain of command with Kubota as suggested by others. I think you'll get resolution to your valid claim, and not waste time waiting for the toothless BBB. Regards, Mike

 

[jimmer2880]

I agree with themichelob

 

[EuropeanAM]

I agree with themichelob

As do I.

Sent email to customersatisfaction@kubota (one one other party there recommended by a member here). Was told I'd be hearing fromone in the SE Service Division soon (still waiting for the call more than a week later).

Really stinks.... nearly new piece of equipment and can't use it for 1/2 of it's intended use.....

 

[jimmer2880]

As do I.

Sent email to customersatisfaction@kubota (one one other party there recommended by a member here). Was told I'd be hearing fromone in the SE Service Division soon (still waiting for the call more than a week later).

Really stinks.... nearly new piece of equipment and can't use it for 1/2 of it's intended use.....

Did you call them back? I've been known to be a bit of a pain when someone isn't calling me back.

 

[J_J]

Most steering circuits have at priority type hyd circuit, that gives priority to the steering hyd. With good hyd pressure and flow, that cylinder should easily move both ways to the limit and back. There may be a shuttle valve or a pressure sensing device in the circuit sticking, limiting hyd flow to the cyl. A pressure gage in the steering circuit would give visual indication of where the trouble might be.

You can test the cyl by using a manual pump or aux hyd pump and see if it will work without and with a load.

 

[jinman]

Most steering circuits have at priority type hyd circuit, that gives priority to the steering hyd. . . .

J_J, the MX4700 has a dedicated 4.9 gpm pump for power steering. It is exclusive to the power steering system and does nothing else. The steering motor attached to the steering wheel normally has an adjustable relief valve. A pressure gage between the pump and steering motor could sure tell if the relief valve is the problem, but since the tractor is in warranty, hooking anything into the system gives Kubota a possible reason to void the warranty, so I would not recommend it. I'd demand they fix my tractor or return my purchase price.

 

[jake98]

It's only fair to post the name of the dealer, not vindictive. Doesn't sound like they have the competence to be a tractor dealer. I'd bet other people in the area could guess who it is.

 

[MarkV]

Understand what you are saying Jake, best for the forum and the original poster not to mention names if this goes legally farther than it should. I believe forum rules address that.

Sure would like to know what part of the country we are talking about. The Kubota dealer locator can narrow things down without names being mentioned here. Just say'n.

MarkV

 

[EuropeanAM]

Guys:

Thanks for all the responses, suggestions, and IM's.

I did take the advice of several, and emailed an individual (and customer satisfaction) at Kubota. Received a reply back within hours that the problem had been forwarded to the SE Division Service Department, and they would be in contact to come up with a solution.

About 2 weeks later, after emailing them again... received an email stating they had tried to call us (but couldn't get through). Odd... there's voicemail on that line, but who knows.

Emailed back with several contact phone numbers- they replied they had updated our file with all contact info. Still no phone call....

I tried to call the representative that emailed us from Corporate... and left him a message. No return call.

Called him again and left a message on Monday- someone from the office finally called back late in the day and said that he was out of the office for a few days and would have to get back with me. She did, however, pull up the record.... and indicated that she doesn't see where anything has been done (or noted) since the file was opened December 17, 2010.

Beginning to look like they may simply be trying to put us off until the warranty runs out on the tractor.....

Since some have expressed curiosity as to where we're located- Greenville, SC is the nearest "metro" city.

 

[TraderMark]

Any new news yet?

Mark

 

[Degolyerent]

Sounds like time to get lawyer involved!!

 

[EuropeanAM]

No news.... despite multiple emails to Kubota (and calls to the Customer Satisfaction Rep, who doesn't answer his phone, or is not in the office that day).

 

[wvpolekat]

Couple ideas.

Contact the State AG office.

I get free legal aid through my employer. I well crafted letter from a lawyer can really wake some people up. Even if you have to pay a little, it may just get their attention.

Contact the NTSB and file a case. This is clearly a safety issue. Not sure if they handle tractors, but worth a shot.

Start climbing the chain at Kubota. If someone isn't responding, find out who their boss is, contact them. Keep going. Be persistent.

Send a certified letter to Kubota requesting their official disposition on your case along with reasons. Copy the dealer on this and request their version as well.

Make sure you document every call you make, who you talk to. Make sure they know that you are recording their name and such. Eventually, they will figure out you are putting a case together.

Get a video of the problem occurring.

If you financed with Kubota, contact them.

Lastly, go to another dealer, pay to have it fixed, then ask Kubota to justify why it was not warranty.

 

[Degolyerent]

I have a MX4700 4wd it has been good so far but it scares me to hear Kubota does not stand behind their warranty!!

 

[jimmer2880]

Couple ideas.

Contact the State AG office.

I get free legal aid through my employer. I well crafted letter from a lawyer can really wake some people up. Even if you have to pay a little, it may just get their attention.

Contact the NTSB and file a case. This is clearly a safety issue. Not sure if they handle tractors, but worth a shot.

Start climbing the chain at Kubota. If someone isn't responding, find out who their boss is, contact them. Keep going. Be persistent.

Send a certified letter to Kubota requesting their official disposition on your case along with reasons. Copy the dealer on this and request their version as well.

Make sure you document every call you make, who you talk to. Make sure they know that you are recording their name and such. Eventually, they will figure out you are putting a case together.

Get a video of the problem occurring.

If you financed with Kubota, contact them.

Lastly, go to another dealer, pay to have it fixed, then ask Kubota to justify why it was not warranty.

Wow... that sounds like a good plan. Nothing treatening - just making it appear that you are getting your ducks in a row.

 

[Mikeeemo]

Stand firm!

I would consult with a lawyer.

This whole service issue is getting old, you have a lot of good dealers doing a good job, and others that just don't care.

I am disapointed that Kubota is not 'leaning' on their dealer.


FYI: I have access to two dealers, the one that I buy from is 30 miles away & always does everything to accomodate my needs.

The other one is 3 miles (yes, 3 miles !), they are indifferent...

I guess that I have been lucky, I have not needed any warranty service.


I have been very happy with my Kubota, I hope you get this resolved.