New L2501 - Leaking antifreeze?

[ChemE]

Hi everyone, I bought a new L2501 and they delivered it Friday. I have been getting drips on the garage floor of antifreeze. This is maybe two drips Friday, one Saturday and one Sunday. I wipe up the floor and underside of tractor after I see them. Upon inspection Sunday I notice it is coming from between the frame and engine block. I think it may be from when they installed the engine block heater on Friday? Everything is dry above the frame, but the engine block makes natural pockets above the frame (there is rust at the bottom of the frame and engine block, like water has done the same thing before). Delivered with .9 hrs, now has 1.2 hrs.

Does anyone know if there is any gasket for coolant between the cast engine block and steel metal frame. I highly doubt it, but just wanted to check?

I'm really excited about the new tractor, but won't be able to give it a full work out with the brush hog till after thanksgiving.

L2501 HST w/ R4 tires, loader, box blade, WR tooth bar, block heater for $18,163. I think it was a good deal?

Thanks,

ChemE

 

[davesl708]

Bummer. That new and an annoying leak. If a bolt passes through the water jacket then there would be either a gasket or other sealer. I would get the dealer out there to look at it and determine the source.

 

[Billrog]

Check all your hose clamps where it's coming from can be very deceiving.

 

[ChemE]

Spoke with the mechanic and he said they drained the coolant and once they pull the freeze plug, more coolant still comes out. He said it should be residual from engine block heater install and should go away. There are no bolts that extend into the engine coolant pathways and no gasket needed because of this. He confirmed I checked for no leaking from block heater or hose as that was the first thing I did.

I know I need to post some pictures of the new machine!

Thanks for the responses, I will keep you updated on the outcome.

ChemE

 

[davesl708]

Good news. Hope that is the source.

 

[gwstang]

Congrats on the new tractor. I purchased an L2501 last April for my Bday. I've used it a bunch this summer/fall for bush hogging/trail clearing. Worked it very hard and no problems so far. I'm quite impressed with this smallest of the "L" series. :thumbsup: Hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine.

 

[ChemE]

Hey gwstang, how many hours do you have on your L2501? This has 1.6 hrs. and the front axle is leaking were it bolts to the outer end unit (4 bolts). It looks like someone tried to tighten them up (paints chipped off all 4 bolts). And its leaking under the deck at the loader valve (? the hydraulic block right next to the filter). That one is the easiest problem, I'm sure it just needs to be snugged. Also its still dripping antifreeze, not a lot, just a couple drips a day. I'm loosing confidence in this tractor. Dealer opens in 2 hrs., by chance when they dropped the tractor off they had the contract wrong, and I never signed it, supposed to go in today to sign all the paperwork.

 

[motownbrowne]

I wouldn't be signing anything until I had a non-leaking tractor in my garage.

 

[crashz]

First, it sounds like you got a great deal on the machine and attachments. I priced one out just recently and was told much more for less stuff. But I live in New England.

Second, I hope your dealer can fix these leaks up quickly. Pretty rare to hear of problems with Kubotas. Best of luck!

 

[teg]

I would try blowing out the area with air to remove any remaining antifreeze... I remember someone else had that problem, too.

 

[ChemE]

Update: Set up mechanic said the right side tire/hub comes off the axle when shipped in the crate as it does not fit the crate. They assemble at the dealership and seal may have been nicked or paint chip etc. The one I thought was the easiest to fix (leaking loader block under the deck), should not need to be tightened by anyone - comes from factory set (per mechanic), it's a special bolt that is prone to crack if over tightened. He said he will take all bolts out near the antifreeze leak and try to get the pocket emptied. Going on 4 days, I think if it was a pocket it would be emptied already?

Confidence is getting lower. I was looking to replace an old JD LX188 in the spring with either a ferris zero turn or BX 2x70. At home we have a 3 acre lot, 1 acre grass, 2 open woods with partial slope (hence the 4wd BX). That is 6 months away, so I will see what becomes of the L2501.

 

[Soundguy]

hows it run?

 

[ChemE]

I think it runs great! Haven't done much work, only drive it around the gravel drive way. It sounds stupid, but I don't like to run diesels at high rpms (for the record I am not a mechanic or diesel longevity expert), that's what I like most about the L2501 it's rated range is 2200 rpm and the pto rpm is 2100. I was surprised on my front circle drive, a small incline would not climb (no traction) with the front loader on and only the box blade (LP1260). It needed more weight in the rear.

 

[Soundguy]

don't be afraid to run your machine at rated rpm. your pto rpm will be a ratio of engine rpm. in order to get correct pto rpm, you need correct engine rpm.

 

[davesl708]

Update: Set up mechanic said the right side tire/hub comes off the axle when shipped in the crate as it does not fit the crate. They assemble at the dealership and seal may have been nicked or paint chip etc. The one I thought was the easiest to fix (leaking loader block under the deck), should not need to be tightened by anyone - comes from factory set (per mechanic), it's a special bolt that is prone to crack if over tightened. He said he will take all bolts out near the antifreeze leak and try to get the pocket emptied. Going on 4 days, I think if it was a pocket it would be emptied already?


Confidence is getting lower. I was looking to replace an old JD LX188 in the spring with either a ferris zero turn or BX 2x70. At home we have a 3 acre lot, 1 acre grass, 2 open woods with partial slope (hence the 4wd BX). That is 6 months away, so I will see what becomes of the L2501.

If your heart is set on this tractor I would wait a few days after they finish fixing the leaks and then re-inspect it before signing anything.
May be best to ask for another tractor. This may be the one in a million that is prone to a lifetime of problems.
Trust your instincts on this. If your not comfortable walk away.

 

[ChemE]

Soundguy, I worded that a little wrong, to get the rated pto of 540 rpm the engine needs to be 2105 rpm (per the specs).

Davesl708, that is exactly what I told the sales guy, do not want this tractor. I like the model, just not this one. He said okay they will bring a different one. I'm expecting him to call back and pressure me not to. To this point, the sales and service people have been GREAT to work with, I just live in the "show-me state" and are waiting for the other shoe to drop. At that point I will be looking at different tractors and more than likely if this bridge is burnt, a different dealer.

 

[k0ua]

Soundguy, I worded that a little wrong, to get the rated pto of 540 rpm the engine needs to be 2105 rpm (per the specs).

Davesl708, that is exactly what I told the sales guy, do not want this tractor. I like the model, just not this one. He said okay they will bring a different one. I'm expecting him to call back and pressure me not to. To this point, the sales and service people have been GREAT to work with, I just live in the "show-me state" and are waiting for the other shoe to drop. At that point I will be looking at different tractors and more than likely if this bridge is burnt, a different dealer.

if you are unhappy with the 'bota, take a look at the other orange, the Kioti or the "other blue" the LS, both make good tractors. But I don't see why the Kubota can't be fixed or they could give you another one. I am down here in Branson, and I have had 2 Kubota's and now own the Kioti.

 

[davesl708]

Soundguy, I worded that a little wrong, to get the rated pto of 540 rpm the engine needs to be 2105 rpm (per the specs).

Davesl708, that is exactly what I told the sales guy, do not want this tractor. I like the model, just not this one. He said okay they will bring a different one. I'm expecting him to call back and pressure me not to. To this point, the sales and service people have been GREAT to work with, I just live in the "show-me state" and are waiting for the other shoe to drop. At that point I will be looking at different tractors and more than likely if this bridge is burnt, a different dealer.

I think if they are "good dealer" then they will get you the same model at the same price. Good luck with your tractor search. Too bad you found a lemon on the first try. It does happen but rarely.

 

[KBinCT]

My L3901 was dripping antifreeze after it's 1st few hours of use. I tightened the hose clamps and the leak would stop for a few days and then start back up. I called the dealer and they sent their service truck out the same day. The mechanic pressurized the coolant system and every hose clamp was leaking. He tightened the clamps all up and it hasn't leaked a drop since.

 

[Coyote machine]

Whatever you do, if you have dogs, don't let them near the anti-freeze/coolant. It is toxic and will kill them.
I don't think you have a 'lemon', just some things that need correction by your dealer. If you can get them to give you a different one then do so.
If you get this one back you could hose it down, when the engine is cold, with cold water to get any remaining coolant in crevices, on the side of the block, to finally be rid of any that might be continuing to drip from the engine compartment; though at this point unless there is an actual leak it should be done dripping by now. :confused3: