My MX4800 Went Tango Uniform. 112 Hours.

[s219]

Whether it's the temp gauge or thermostat, I agree that many Kubotas just don't show enough indication of operating temperature on the gauge. I had never thought about the possibility of that obscuring catastrophic coolant failure, but it sure seems like a risk.

 

[sea2summit]

So you are saying the motor is trashed, as in complete rebuild (or new engine).

Running low/without coolant I'd have thought the temp gauge would have been in the red.

I'm pretty sure the gauge measures the temp of the coolant, if there's no coolant it would probably measure the air temp wherever it is. Yes?

 

[redlevel]

I am hesitant to blame anyone for misfortune, but I am really surprised Kubota is warranting a blown motor that tan with no coolant.

Usually if they fault fluid levels or some other routine maintenance item....they deny warranty and point the finger at the owner for neglect.

Read my post carefully. It wasn't a routine maintenance item. The coolant leaked because of a failure of a small hose on a new tractor. For whatever reason, there was never an indication that the tractor was overheating until it stalled. The (highly experienced) operator said it acted like it was starved for fuel.

The service manager at the dealership speculated that possibly the hose failed near the end of the days work, and the fluid, still under pressure, leaked after the tractor was parked.

The service manager neither stated nor implied that there was any neglect on our part. Between us, me and the operator of the tractor have 80+ years experience with tractors.

 

[sixdogs]

This has been a very enlightening thread in that few of us were aware this could even happen. I have often neglected to check the coolant but no more. Thanks for this thread and, once again, Kubota does the right thing.

 

[LD1]

Read my post carefully. It wasn't a routine maintenance item. The coolant leaked because of a failure of a small hose on a new tractor. For whatever reason, there was never an indication that the tractor was overheating until it stalled. The (highly experienced) operator said it acted like it was starved for fuel.

The service manager at the dealership speculated that possibly the hose failed near the end of the days work, and the fluid, still under pressure, leaked after the tractor was parked.

The service manager neither stated nor implied that there was any neglect on our part. Between us, me and the operator of the tractor have 80+ years experience with tractors.

I read it carefully. And I'm not blaming you, or anyone.

Only stating the obvious that usually things regarding fluids (which are routine maintenance) that cause major failures void the warranty.

Doesn't matter where the source of the leak is, if it leaks fluid, they "can" consider that neglect. And "CAN" argue your point that there was no indication . 3 or 4 gallons or whatever, leaked out of the tractor. And they "can" argue that it should have been noticed before further damage.

Again, NOT pointing the finger at you. And kudos to your dealer/Kubota stepping up if things do not change. Consider yourself lucky. Cause I have a feeling that if this same thing happened to 100 different people, 99 would have a hard fought road on their hands to get any kind of warranty assistance

 

[Rustyiron]

redlevel, did this leak out overnight or while operating it? Although I park on concrete in a bldg and would be blind not to see all my coolant on the (flat level) floor, I'll admit that I only watch the temp gage and peek in at the levels only at oil changes. Thanks for the warning or heads up to the rest of us.:thumbsup:
I would assume that while operating a tractor and a leak occurred, (no visible steam) there would be a period of time where my gage would operate indicating trouble before all the coolant was lost ... right? I've never really contemplated what happened to you before, and at 112 hours, I wouldn't have checked those levels either, glad you had no problems with your dealer.

 

[bnhawkins]

I have a L5030 and it has 8 rectangles for a temp gage that turn black as the tractor warms up. 4 black rectangles is normal operating temperature. I never move the tractor until at least there are 2 rectangles black and 1 rectangle will turn black very quick. If no temperature was showing on the gauge after a few minutes after starting and I would shut the tractor down.

 

[Rmart30]

I'm pretty sure the gauge measures the temp of the coolant, if there's no coolant it would probably measure the air temp wherever it is. Yes?

Nope. They may show some reading but not accurate. Ive seen machines with no coolant and the guage reading 120* or less and they actually be steaming out the radiator.

They all should come with a low coolant sensor. Radiator gets below a certain level and a light comes on. Just as all HST models should come with a temp guage, or at least a warning light for hot oil temp.

If I ever have to pull my radiator I may see about adding a low level sensor to mines tank. Very simple to add one.

 

[redlevel]

Word from the dealership this morning: Kubota approved a new replacement engine rather than a rebuild of my engine.
Good news on two counts. I would rather have the new engine of course, and I believe the time factor involved with a
bolt-in will be in my favor.

I really need my tractor running right now. Mowing, stacking hay, land prep for winter grazing, etc.

 

[sixdogs]

This is why I buy Kubota.