Troubleshooting quick heating :

[FMFProperties]

It was the clogged radiator fins, all good now.

 

[asjadkhan]

It sounds like you’ve already learned a lot about how overheating can snowball into other issues, and you’re doing the right thing by gathering all the symptoms before diving in.

From what you’ve described, I’d break it into two separate—but possibly related—issues:

1. Overheating – The fact that it’s better in a lower gear suggests the cooling system can keep up when the load is lighter. That points toward borderline cooling capacity rather than a completely failed component. Still, repeated overheating could have already weakened the head gasket or warped the head, which brings us to…
2. Hard starting + bubbling coolant – Bubbling at the radiator cap while running is a classic sign of combustion gases getting into the cooling system. A head gasket leak (or cracked head) would explain both the bubbles and some of the hard-start symptoms, especially if compression is leaking between cylinders.

Before you commit to a head gasket replacement, I’d strongly suggest:

• Combustion leak test with the diesel-specific fluid.
• Compression test or leakdown test to verify cylinder sealing.
• Check fan and water pump operation (just to be sure the mechanical cooling side is fine).

If the compression is good and the leak test passes, you might be looking more at fuel/air delivery problems or even early signs of mechanical binding from repeated overheating (as Harry in Ky mentioned).

Bottom line: get those test results first. If they point to a gasket or head issue, you’ll be going into the repair knowing it’s not a wild guess.

 

[ning]

What happens if you take a partial cut like 7 or 8 ft vs full 10 ft?

I don't know what you're asking here. I was either using the 5' mower or the 10' mower, I don't have any other mower.

He's asking if you tried cutting with some overlap on the already-cut, so you've only got 7-8' actually being cut at a time.

 

[Harry in Ky]

He's asking if you tried cutting with some overlap on the already-cut, so you've only got 7-8' actually being cut at a time.

If that's what's required he's better off mounting a sun shade on his zero turn and peddling this pile.

 

[LouNY]

Or just drop a gear and enjoy the cab and AC with the radio on.

 

[FMFProperties]

It was the clogged radiator fins, all good now.

 

[Torvy]

If that's what's required he's better off mounting a sun shade on his zero turn and peddling this pile.

It's a trouble shooting step.

 

[oldnslo]

I know he asked before he knew what I was cutting so it's probably academic now, but if the tractor and 10' mower can't handle 5" to 6" grass, then it's not worth it.

Is this a rough cut mower or a finish mower?

We don’t know how the mower is configured. Is it set appropriately level front to back so acting somewhat like a mulching deck recutting the clippings.

Type and moisture of grass. There is a huge variation in how some types of grass cut vs others and same with moisture content.

I could be 100% mistaken but seems like might be expecting a little to much from the tractor since simply dropping a gear and the problem goes away.

 

[Harry in Ky]

As I see it, he's on the right track. The problem will indeed go away. On someone's trailer.

 

[FMFProperties]

Is this a rough cut mower or a finish mower?

We don’t know how the mower is configured. Is it set appropriately level front to back so acting somewhat like a mulching deck recutting the clippings.

Type and moisture of grass. There is a huge variation in how some types of grass cut vs others and same with moisture content.

I could be 100% mistaken but seems like might be expecting a little to much from the tractor since simply dropping a gear and the problem goes away.

I only use it for the Coastal Bermuda runway. The Coastal Bermuda hay fields are done with bigger equipment.

It was the clogged radiator fins, all good now.

 

[dstriplett]

You are aware that the kukje normally has two filters for the radiator? The one in front is easy enough to see and clean. There is however another one on the backside of the radiator. Look for the simple stuff first.....

 

[Gator6x4]

2018 Branson Tractor 4520C-NEO (Serial #CYRG00023)
Kukje Engine Model A2300N2-ATC (Serial #TCBG00053)
I bought it brand new and it now has 355 total hours

Symptoms:
- My tractor overheats after just 15 minutes mowing, it gets hot to where I need to turn it off or it bogs down and dies. Won't even crank until it's cold again.
- When you remove the radiator cap with the engine running, the water bubbles a lot, splashing out
- It's not showing oil in the water
- The oil dipstick doesn't show water in the oil

All of this up to now could point to the radiator, like another forum member told me today, or the water pump, BUT this throws me off:
- It used to start faster than my F150 that I bought the same year, but now to start it I have to pump the fuel pedal many many times and continue pumping it while at the same time cranking the engine for about 15-20 seconds, until it eventually coughs and shakes, then finally starts.

The mobile mechanic that came to look at it told me that it seems like it's leaking air through the head gasket, making it so hard to start. He told me to buy gaskets for him to replace and send out the head to make sure it's not warped or cracked.

Anyone heard of this or has experienced this before and can give me ideas? I'm not a mechanic so I'm open to suggestions before I spend thousands of dollars replacing the head gasket when it could be something else.

Thanks !

I think the mobile mechanic diagnosed your problem. Follow his advise. The bubbles in the radiator indicates exhaust gas is leaking into the cooling system. Keep playing with it and you will be replacing the motor and call the tractor a pile of junk.

 

[Bentrim]

1. Can you see thru the radiator core? Have had many complaints of overheating to find the core was plugged with dirt and air could not pass through the core. Is the bottom hose cooler than the top? if not the radiator is not doing its job. Also be sure air can freely flow thru all other heat exchangers, oil coolers, air conditioner condensor etc. Be sure grill is clean.
2 Is the fan belt properly temsioned? a slipping belt may not be driving the fan at proper speed.
3. Is the thrmostat opening at the proper temperature and completely? If coolant cannot flow freely past the thermostat it will ****** the flow of coolant. Does water circulate? Visible when the radiator cap is removed after the tractor is warned up. DO SO CAREFULLY to avoid being burned. Lack of circulation could indicate a defective water pump or a loose impellor on the water pump. As above also check fan belt tension.
4 Bubbles appearing in the coolant indicate a leaking head gasket, or cracked head.
5 Have you changed the fuel filters? If the filters are restricted fuel cannot flow freely to the injection pump and will cause a power loss. Yes even a new tractor may need the filters changed.
6 As for slow starting -- Head gasket, cracked head, plugged fuel filters, dirty, plugged, or poor spray pattern from injectors, low pop pressure from injectors

 

[Alan46]

I had the same bubbling problem last year on my CK25,
My mobile man brought his radiator tester determined it was a head gasket! Replaced HG, thermostat, radiator cap and miscellaneous gasket's and all hoses (20 years old) 1370hrs! It runs great!!