L3400 hydraulic leak

[mjfox6]

I ordered a replacement hose with all of the other fluids/filters for my annual maintenance. I was not experiencing any problems, I just wanted to replace it while I had the hydraulic fluid drained.

I was surprised how much fluid came out even after I had drained the system. I also had to remove the two guards on the floor to get to the ears of the lower clamp. It was obviously put on before the guards. I inspected the hose and initially didn't see any cracks other than paint cracks, but further inspection later showed a large, deep crack in the curved area of the lower part of the hose. Removing it may have contributed, but I suspect it was only a matter of time before it started leaking.

This was on an L3400 HST with 240 hours.

 

[mobilus]

Add one more to the number of people that have experienced this! Thanks to clenhart, who replied to my plea for help with a link to this thread, I found the problem and have one on order now. For me, the loader and 3ph lift were slow to lift, and the power steering went totally out. My tractor is in the 550 hour range.

 

[carolinaacres]

Exact same issue I had Clamp was facing inwards,and the hose was cracked at the lower neck.

 

[Marcussen]

According to Messicks the part number is now TC220-33332 $23.85 Probably "new and improved" I will check mine when I get a chance

 

[Marcussen]

According to Messicks the part number is now TC220-33332 $23.85 Probably "new and improved" I will check mine when I get a chance

OK I checked the hose and it was cracked in the bend, so I went to the Kubota dealer, when I told the parts lady I needed the inlet hose she did not look up the part number, she just went to the parts bin and said, "$23.85" obviously she had sold a few of those.
It was a fairly easy to replace.

 

[johnw]

Wow, am I happy I found this thread. I have an L3400 with almost the exact same problem. And guess what year, 2005!. No oil leak but the FEL and power steering are acting up = chattering is what I call it. Talked to several other tractor guys and we all felt it sound like air in the system but could not figure out where it was coming from. I replaced the filter thinking possibly it was partially clogged or something of that nature. My tractor only has 155 hours on it and I baby it so I could not imagine how the pump could be failing already. I crawled under it several times looking for a leak but I will really take a hard look at that rubber suction line now. Probably just change it out anyway. Thanks again everyone.

 

[wushaw]

It is time for it to crack so replace it and buy a sight glass or two while your at it if you haven't replaced it yet.

 

[johnw]

Bingo, that was my problem as well. Dealer wouldn't warranty it but it only cost me $26. Hose looked in perfect condition but when I pulled it off there was a 1" crack on the back side of the neck. Thanks everyone.

 

[philipb]

I have gone through 2 suction hoses in three years on my L2800. They crack in the middle of the kind of L-shaped bend in the hose. In both cases the hose had been shoved all the way down on the vertical stack pipe, so far that the inside of the hose in the bend was pressed down on the edge of the pipe. I installed the third hose and did not push it all the way down on the pipe. Maybe that will help. I guess this is a good part to have around. Possibly, coating up the hose with silicone grease would increase life, but would be pretty messy.

 

[mike69440]

Re: LA 463 Loader valve surge on L3400HST

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Thanks all
See:
LA 463 Loader valve surge on L3400HST - TractorByNet.com

It was a defective suction return hose. The dealer sells replacements like hotcakes.

Kubota has many parts that have been superceded with replacement parts, that have been changed, most likely to improve the durability or correct a defect. Turns out the suction return hose is one of those.

Another superceded part was the joystick control handle and switch housing on the front remote installed on my L39.

I realize legally Kubota has no obligation to support product that the have found to be of dubious design, but would it not be nice that the updated replacement parts be sold at cost to build customer loyalty?

PS
Nice place to hide that sight-glass!