L4310 HST Questions

cannarella · Mar 5, 2010

I posted in another thread that my church may be getting a L4310 donated. Well it is official now and we are in the process of preping it for a new engine since the current one spun a rod and blew a hole in the block. We are going to get a new crate engine and not bother repairing the one we have. Keep for parts... So we don't have the users manual, but I purchased the shop manual since we are going to do the engine swap ourselves. My first question after getting the tins off the front today and sizing up the job ahead is since this tractor is hydrostatically driven, why does it have a clutch pedal? I can't wrap my head around this on my own. Secondly, since we are going to have this thing split what other maintenance would you recommend from experience. We are doing to replace all the fluids and filters, and do any regular maintenance that is needed like hoses and what not for wear items.

Here is a picture of her. Notice just above the dip stick the tan plastic bag that is plugging the hole in the block...

I am sure I will have more questions as we go along. This is a great site with all the people that have so much experience. Thanks in advance.

dex3361 · Mar 5, 2010

The clutch is used to shift between the Low, Medium or High Ranges. The clutch disengages the connection between the engine and the three speed transmission(Low, Medium or High Ranges). Take lots of pics of the engine swap and post for all to see. Did you buy the engine from a tractor dealer?

dex3361 · Mar 5, 2010

Do you have a parts manual? If not here is a link to the index of Kubota Books there is one listed as a PDF file. BOOKS

cannarella · Mar 5, 2010

Thanks for the answer and for the link to the parts list. I think I got most of the individual systems parts list from the Messick's. This will be another good one to have. We have not ordered the engine yet. Plan on getting it from a Kubota deal locally. I have called to for a crate engine and it looks like the V2203 for this tractor is running about $4500. We are just waiting to get the people from chruch that want to help in the swap lined up and the auto garage we are going to take it to to do it.

dex3361 · Mar 5, 2010

There is also a Work Shop Manual on the same site under engines for the
03 series Kubota engines. The V2203 is an 03 series.

cannarella · Mar 6, 2010

We already got the official shop manual in print. Probably about 3" thick.

dex3361 · Mar 6, 2010

Very good I hope the swap goes well.

Grandad4 · Mar 6, 2010

A couple more items about when to use the clutch, in addition to the range selection already mentioned.
1. You depress the clutch when starting the engine.
2. You also use it when engaging the PTO.
You probably had that figured out, but just in case...

As for maintenance items, your shop manual has a pretty comprehensive schedule of what to do. If you spend some time studying it, you'll learn a lot about how the 4310 is built, how to maintain/repair it and its operation.

It's hard to tell a lot from the picture, but just looking at it, that L4310 does appear to have had some hard use or at least not much TLC, so I'd really want to be sure the HST fluid and filters are replaced, the HST screen cleaned and the front axle fluid replaced. Drain the old fluid into a clean container when changing it to check its color and look for any metal filings, etc. My L4610 is virtually the same tractor... your mileage may vary, but I've been using Kubota Super UDT HST fluid in it for 8 years/ 900 hours now with good results.

Your posted picture shows some kind of rust discoloration just in front of the radiator, around the battery. Can you tell if that's from the radiator? Does it indicate there was an overheating problem at one time? Maybe a radiator leak, etc.?

Also, be sure you get new inner and outer air filters for that new engine. I replace mine at least once each year, although you can probably get by changing the inner filter less frequently.

I'm sure you already know that basic common sense maintenance means a lot to the longevity of any equipment. Following the service schedule in the shop manual should keep that L4310 running for many years.

Another random thought... if you're keeping/scrapping the old block, can you scavenge it for spares? Should be some goodies you might find useful someday.

Good luck with the engine swap!

cannarella · Mar 6, 2010

Good eye. It was in need of some TLC prior to us getting it. We are going to replace all fluids and filters. I will keep an eye out on the hydro fluid when we drain it. The rust around the battery is from where the dust screen goes. Radiator is in good shape. Overall, it is in good condition for the 1500 hours on it. We will definitely be ensuring that the engine has a long healthy life. Any idea of the hour meter can be reset once we are complete? We plan on keeping the old engine for now.

Grandad4 · Mar 7, 2010

Maybe there's someone else here that knows about rolling back a mechanical hourmeter; if it were a vehicle odometer, that's kind of frowned upon. Having personally jimmied up my share of intricate things attempting to be Mr. Fixit on something I didn't know anything about :confused2:, I'd look into removing the tachometer assembly and taking it to a speedometer repair shop. Or, you could just order a new one. Part No: TA040-30220.