Question on power steering for L3540

JOHNINMA · Jul 27, 2010

I purchased a brand new L3540 with cab about 2 months ago, and so far I love it, but I have one question I was hoping someone could answer.
Recently I was using the pallet forks I purchased from my dealer to pickup a non-running atv that weighs 591 lbs. so I could place it on the back of a trailer.
The tractor lifted it effortlessly, however a couple of times as I tried to turn the wheels to ease the atv onto the trailer the steering wheel would turn but the tires did not move with the turning of the steering wheel.
I noticed the only time this ever occurs is if I have weight on the loader and I am traveling very slowly.
I have a rear ballast box on the tractor with about 800lbs. of ballast and all my tires are properly inflated.
I don't know if I just need more rear ballast or if this is an indication of a possible problem in the steering.
Any thoughts would be appreciated before I approach the dealer on this.

THANKS JOHNINMA

art · Jul 27, 2010

Talk with your dealer! You do have a problem but would need more info.

JOHNINMA · Jul 27, 2010

Thankyou for your input on this Art. I will definetly bring this to the attention of my dealer.
I failed to mention earlier that I also checked and my hydraulic fluid is full and there are no leaks or fluid seepage whatsoever.
All in all still a great machine, just need to solve this one thing.
I will keep posted on what the outcome is with the dealer.
Thanks again,
JOHNINMA

tmc2318 · Jul 27, 2010

I've maxed out the loader on my 3540 a lot lifting with pallet forks (1500 lbs+). Steering was fine, usually in 4x4 as my loaded rears were almost in mid-air at times. Get it looked at....

TripleR · Jul 27, 2010

Yep, something is wrong; just don't know what.

JOHNINMA · Jul 29, 2010

Kubota service tech came out this morning and checked out my power steering problem. He agreed there is definetly something wrong with the power steering, but that the dealer will have to bring the tractor into the shop next week for further pressure testing etc. Thats unfortunatly all the news I have right now on this problem.

JOHNINMA · Aug 4, 2010

I talked to the dealer today and they told me my steering problem is being caused by an internal leak in a cylinder. I assume they mean a seal in the steering cylinder. I asked the person I spoke with on the phone what component of the steering system the failed seal was located in, but he said the service tech only told him it was in a cylinder. The dealer has ordered new seals, and the tractor should be ready by next week at the latest.

JOHNINMA · Aug 13, 2010

Got my L3540 back today, and to my surprise I still have the same steering issue when picking up around 800 to 1000 lbs. of weight with my pallet forks.
I don't know what to think now. Do I have a problem with this tractor or am I expecting too much out of it? I lifted the same hydraulic man lift with it that the technician did almost 2 weeks ago when he said that there was a definite problem with the steering. Is it possible that under certain conditions the hydraulic fluid bypasses the steering cylinder to prevent overloading. I called the dealer and spoke to service and they told me they would call me back, but so far no return phone call from them. If anyone out there has an L3540 with pallet forks I sure would appreciate if you could tell me if yours stops steering at a certain amount of weight on the forks.

art · Aug 13, 2010

That doesn't happen!! The tractor should stop lifting before a Kubota can't steer!!!!

One of the things that I often use for selling them is at an idle steering and going lock to lock. I'd doubt that you could do that.

JOHNINMA · Aug 13, 2010

Thanks again for your input Art, the dealer called me back and apologized for returning it to me without checking the steering under loaded conditions. They said that the service tech failed to perform a flow test on the hydraulics and also that he did not put any weight on the front end after replacing the internal cylinder seals. The dealer is going to pickup the tractor again for further testing on Monday. Hopefully I will have better results the second time around.