New Owner of used Kubota L4200GST

[gjlog]

Hello All,

I've just purchased a Kubota L4200 GST with about 1,300 hours. Replaced my small, 2-cylinder Yanmar YM1500. I liked that little guy but he wasn't powerful or versatile enough. The Kubota came with tiller, snow auger, back blade--but without a manual. Not even sure about the year. Been running it around cutting with my King Kutter brush hog and an older finish mower and it works great--except I cannot seem to get it out of 4 wheel drive or what is also referred to as front wheel engaged. I put it into 4 wheel to go up a hill.

Before I use it too much, I'd love some advice about preventative maintenance. Oil was changed about 60 hours ago.
Thanks,
greg

 

[Muhammad]

Welcome to TBN.

 

[bilrus61]

I owned one for 12 years. Great tractor and congrates on your purchase. If the 4wd is engaged and there is any "pressure" on the front end it can be hard to get it to dis-engage. Park it on a level area and try it. If it still won't dis-engage move it a tad with the loader. Sometimes it can take a bit of force. Make sure there isn't a object blocking it, such as a limb snagged in the lever linkage.

Check the fluid level in the front axle. These tractor are prone to leaks at the front wheel hub. If low top it off and see if that helps.

Check out the rear fluid level sight window. Sometimes they can leak. I fixed mine with epoxy but the Kubota dealers have a factory fix of another window and a gasket sealant. Yours might be fine, just keep a eye on it.

The pre-heat gets funky on them sometimes. Just will come on and off at random. Never seemed to hurt the tractor or make it run hot. Just a "worry" mostly. I called Kubota about mine they said use wouldn't hurt it. So I used it 3 years like that without any issues.

Keep the radiator clean. Best way it to hose it off. Dirt will collect in the fine radiator "mesh" and clog it if you do much tilling in dusty weather. They are very thin and might be damaged by a heavy brush. A garden hose works best. Now that is not the removeable screen but the actual radiator that will sometimes attract dirt and restrict airflow.

Mine would also sometimes get stuff packed in the speed pedal where it wouldn't throttle down to low RPMs. If you can't get to throttle down it will be stuff like a weed that has hung in the speed pedal under the right floor board.

I loved my Kubota L4200 and the issues were nothing huge just things to work around. I think you made a good choice in a tractor to buy.....good luck!

 

[gjlog]

Thanks Bilrus61 for the helpful advice. I'll try your suggestions and let you know how they work.

 

[Briana03]

Hello & WELCOME to TBN!

I moved your thread to the Kubota Owning/Operating Forum.

 

[KennyV]

Hi Greg & welcome to the BEST tractor forum ... & you happen to have one of the BEST tractors...

Hello Briana... You ARE the mover...

Like bilrus61 said... L4200 is a GREAT Kubota tractor, he has covered about everything that could come up ... Love my L4200GSTcab... about the only thing I would add is change the coolant every 3 to 5 years, that's one thing often overlooked, and the pH of the system will go bad....
KennyV

 

[Shiner Jessie]

Welcome Greg! And ditto all the good advice above...

 

[gjlog]

Thanks for the good advice. I was able to get out of 4wd by releasing pressure on the front wheels, as suggested.

I have one other question: I want to remove the LA680 loader, but I have no manual. The guy who sold it to me said he never removed the loader, so that's a non-starter. After inspecting it, it appears to attached to the tractor at three points--the loader arms and on the front.

Do any of you have instructions on how to do this safely and correctly or know where I might find out?
Thanks,
Greg

 

[teg]

Can you post photos of where the load is connected to the tractor and we should be able to do that pretty easy.

 

[gjlog]

I'll try to post some pic's later today.