New L2501 - Leaking antifreeze?

[Ivan49]

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.

I don't think this is right as I saw my 3301 in the crate before I bought it. It was sitting on blocks with the hubs on it but no tires in the crate they were added later to what the customer wants. I was also told they were shipped with oil in them. You might want to ask to see one in a crate to see if they back pedal

 

[gwstang]

Mine has 59 hours on it and I have never had a problem. I use it roughly at times pushing pine trees/brush out of the trails and it just keeps on keeping on. I had an EF4 tornado about 5 years ago and some of the trails have grown up in volunteer pines (2 or 3 inches diameter) and the FEL pushes them over and the bush hog just gnaws them up.

 

[ChemE]

You guys with a 2501/3301/3901 can you look at your loader connection to the frame/cast motor. On my rear connection (4 bolts) with the tube extending out for the loader arms, there is a bolt/lock washer/washer. On the front on the connecting plate there is 4 more bolts, but with only a bolt and washer (could be a lock washer). My concern is there is only one type of washer on the front, NOT 2. Is this the same as yours? The antifreeze is still dripping and I'm curious if there should have been an additional washer on the front 4 bolts, would have made the bolt sit in further without an extra washer. And maybe it is cracked?

I wiped everything up Monday and the only hydraulic leak that came back less was the hydraulic block under the floor deck. Still hydraulic fluid on the bottom 2 grey bolts, but less, no drip.

 

[Coyote machine]

Pictures of areas of concern? Is it possible to post some? It might help figure out what is wrong...:confused3:

 

[ChemE]

This is my first time with a picture, so hope it works!!! The area I am talking about is the yellow bolts, but specifically the ones circled in blue on the left, how many washers?

Thanks all!!

 

[ChemE]

Okay, went looking around at the dealer at other tractors (did not go in the sales floor) on the back and side lots. Indeed it is true, I have a phone picture of the L2501 (had 4 of them in steel crates) and it comes with the front right hub off and has a steel block off plate bolted on. The one assembled L2501 also had the wrench marks on the hub bolts, obviously. All of the 3301/3901 (none in crates) had no marks on the hub bolts, so Ivan49 is spot on that those come pre-assembled. The one assembled L2501 and 2 of the ten 3301/3901 units had the leaking loader block valve under the deck. And every single 2501/3301/3901 that had a loader had one washer on the front 4 bolts. There went my theory of short a washer upon assembly, I doubt they could be wrong that many times!

 

[Coyote machine]

Okay, went looking around at the dealer at other tractors (did not go in the sales floor) on the back and side lots. Indeed it is true, I have a phone picture of the L2501 (had 4 of them in steel crates) and it comes with the front right hub off and has a steel block off plate bolted on. The one assembled L2501 also had the wrench marks on the hub bolts, obviously. All of the 3301/3901 (none in crates) had no marks on the hub bolts, so Ivan49 is spot on that those come pre-assembled. The one assembled L2501 and 2 of the ten 3301/3901 units had the leaking loader block valve under the deck. And every single 2501/3301/3901 that had a loader had one washer on the front 4 bolts. There went my theory of short a washer upon assembly, I doubt they could be wrong that many times!

What is this yuou're referring to? 'the leaking loader block valve under the deck'.
Maybe it's me, but I don't know what you're referring to by the 'valve'?

The pic came out good. To my knowledge, Kubota isn't known for lots of errors in assembly delivery to the customer. You may still be made whole and happy with the tractor you have- give them some time to accomplish this. I know it's difficult and disappointing; but it's minor things so far, not a bad transmission or engine.
Head up.

 

[k0ua]

What is this yuou're referring to? 'the leaking loader block valve under the deck'.
Maybe it's me, but I don't know what you're referring to by the 'valve'?

he is referring to the hydraulic distribution block under the right floorboard. There should be 3 hoses coming from it marked orange, gray and green, The orange hose is pump flow, the gray is return back to "tank" and the green is power beyond, which would feed any rear remotes if he has any and if not then it directly feeds the 3pt. Also the PRV (pressure relief valve is in this block)

 

[ChemE]

I guess valve is not an accurate term. I think the picture from Kubota was hydraulic block. The two leaking bolts are on bottom as shown in the blue arrows. They are picking the tractor up this evening.

 

[ChemE]

kOua, so is it normal that the PRV Leaks? say once it hits the limit, it needs to release pressure, so it "leaks" it? Newbie here, but that sounds like it may be a NON-issue and performing as designed.

 

[k0ua]

kOua, so is it normal that the PRV Leaks? say once it hits the limit, it needs to release pressure, so it "leaks" it? Newbie here, but that sounds like it may be a NON-issue and performing as designed.

No, not normal to leak at all. There should be no leaks. When the PRV opens, it opens to "tank" Which is the transmission space.

 

[k0ua]

Just so we are clear, Your new tractor should have NO leaks of any kind. It is common for a gob of grease to fall from the greased loader joints, but that is about all. NO hydraulic fluid, NO engine oil, NO antifreeze is how it should be. All leaks should be and can be repaired.

 

[Bigshooter81]

Any updates? Just purchased a L2501 and had a block heater installed and it seems to be leaking from the pocket area where the frame seats up against the engine block. Just wondering how this all sorted out for you and if it was in fact simply the frame trapping coolant that had leaked out during the block heater install. Thanks.

 

[Citydude]

Any updates? Just purchased a L2501 and had a block heater installed and it seems to be leaking from the pocket area where the frame seats up against the engine block. Just wondering how this all sorted out for you and if it was in fact simply the frame trapping coolant that had leaked out during the block heater install. Thanks.

If you take the loader frame bolts out, the antifreeze will drain out of the bolt holes. So yes, it's the frame trapping coolant that leaked out during the install.

 

[Bigshooter81]

If you take the loader frame bolts out, the antifreeze will drain out of the bolt holes. So yes, it's the frame trapping coolant that leaked out during the install.

So then there is a finite amount of coolant trapped inside, and not a "leak" it sounds like. Thanks for the reply!

How has the L2501 performed for you so far?

 

[Citydude]

So then there is a finite amount of coolant trapped inside, and not a "leak" it sounds like. Thanks for the reply!

Yes, it traps more than one would think. 1/3 of a cup I would guess. I had the same issue last month when I installed my block heater. Removing the bottom loader mount frame bolts solved the phantom leak I thought I had.