Used L4150 Kubota

loesshillsruss · May 29, 2002

For those of you who have helped me with your honest advice and opinions. They have REALLY helped me. I just hope that I have made the right decision.....oh, well, that's past!
They will deliver on Friday and I am planning to "test" it this weekend. When I've got a few hows under my belt I will be back and give y'all a report!
Again, I know you've all heard it before but - Thank you so much.
Russ

rbargeron · May 30, 2002

Hey Russ - congratulations! I'm assuming it has no big oil leaks and the engine sounds smooth. Does it have the hydraulic shuttle or mechanical type?

In estimating what a new tractor of the 4150's capability would cost, the comparable new one would be the M4900 with shuttle and loader - maybe 3 times the money. And considering the quality of the older L3 models, you got a great deal - I sold my L4150 last year for 18 large (around 1000 hours) and last I knew the new owner is quite happy with it. This may be one of those times when you gradually realize you got lucky the first time at bat. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

If any questions I'm happy to help if I can.

Take care - DickB

rbargeron · May 31, 2002

Hi Russ - more on the hydraulic shuttle - you'll notice that if you move the lever quickly from forward to reverse, the tractor will change direction very abruptly - this is normal. The more comfortable way to change direction is to move the lever in two motions, one to neutral and then to the other direction. By stopping the lever in neutral for 1/2 second, the pressure releases in the clutch pack instead of shifting instantly. I found that the shuttle seemed to take its time repressurizing - so I did a little research. There is an orifice valve located under the instrument cluster that has two settings, one for cold climates and one for hot. I found that under most New England conditions the cold climate position gives quicker shifts - it puts the oil thru a bigger orifice - the clutch pressure builds more quickly.

Access to the valve is by taking off the plastic covers on the steering column and fishing for the lever with a piece of stiff wire with a loop on the end. A strong flashlight helps - it's dusty in there and hard to see clearly.

Hope this us useful. Take care - DickB

nightowl490 · Apr 2, 2008

Hello Sir,
Long time reader and I cannot help but notice you like the L4150. I just bought a L4150DT with 1600 hours on it with BF900 Loader. Solid tractor and after changing all fluids and filters runs even better. But... when changing right front hub oil, my (lower) drain plug, as opposed to fill plug, was ate up by something in front hub. I could see many metal shavings in the oil and also see the hub houseing was also "knawed" at by most likely the lower gear (which runs the larger planetary gear). Have you ever heard of this? I can find nothing about this problem. I think it's been caught in time before any additional and expensive damage. I am assuming something is either warn out of the vertical drive shaft nut us loose allowing the gear to hit the interior. I will soon see as I have a complete manual and will take apart soon. Also, I have a brake which is slightly hanging up, any thoughts on this as opposed to pulling it completely apart? Thanks Much

rbargeron · Apr 4, 2008

Hi Mark - I noticed your PM first so I replied there with a copy here.
Yes I am a fan of the L3 machines - great tractors. I have not been directly involved in any front axle repairs - but this TBN thread has a lot of relevant information. It includes a link to TBN member Bigk56's nicely documented kingpin replacement job on a L4350 with plenty of pictures so you can see how it's made.

Good luck - and let us know how it goes. Dick B

nightowl490 · Apr 14, 2008

First of all, I downloaded full parts manual and illustrations for my bota. By the time I got dirty with the work, I had it memorized in my head how it would look! The oil seal cover came off with a breeze. The oil seal was completely shot with the metal shavings floating in the system. I then removed the lower plastic and metal cap which covers the lower bevel gear. I found the system had been apart before

which scared me.... to say the least. After looking it over I loosened the hub houseing and removed both bevel gears top and bottom.... No play in shaft and planetary looked good too!

The best part about it everything was tight.... Where did the plethora of metal shavings come from you ask??? WEll bevel system had dropped just a few milimeters and the previous mechanic fixed this problem. I retightened the bevel nuts to the bevel gears and still had plenty of play with the planetary gear. All back together....... with exception of oil seal cover and bottom plastic/metal cap which covered the bevel system. I will tell you that the meal plastic cap is a throw away product. Kubota mechanic told me that it was impossible to get it out without destoying it soI used an air chisel. Then I used the information provided to me from this sight to install an upgraded wheel seal and stop the insanity. Don't foreget to spray brakekleen into the hub and clean out all meal shavingssss! Check out these sights for assistance and read the Kubota Official Mechanic upgrade! I was too busy for pics but just remember to be patient and have out the book. I saved several hundreds and hundreds as opposed to trailering to Kubota.. check out the TBN thread in above post as well as the kingpin replacement!

This project was great!!!! Don't forget the oil cover O ring and put the oil back into the system! Enjoy