Best Way to Prevent ZD Overheating?

[Suburban Plowboy]

I've been reading about overheating issues on diesel zero-turns. It sounds like these things get damaged really quickly when they overheat.

My ZD326 has a gauge as well as an alarm. The alarm runs through the ECM, which appears to be dead. I look at the gauge while I mow.

You have to wonder why Kubota didn't rig the ECM so it SHUTS DOWN the mower when it overheats instead of just sounding a horn. I suppose it's to give you time to get to a level area.

I have been using a small gas leaf blower to clean the mower after sessions. Is this a good strategy to protect the mower from overheating? I don't want to blow debris INTO the radiator.

 

[greenie]

Material builds up between the hydraulic cooler and the coolant radiator. It's a good practice to raise the hood and blow that area out periodically from the side. I've operated 4 zero turns over the past 22 years and own a ZD326 and overheating has never been a problem on any zero turn I've maintained and operated.

 

[Hay Dude]

I've been reading about overheating issues on diesel zero-turns. It sounds like these things get damaged really quickly when they overheat.

My ZD326 has a gauge as well as an alarm. The alarm runs through the ECM, which appears to be dead. I look at the gauge while I mow.

You have to wonder why Kubota didn't rig the ECM so it SHUTS DOWN the mower when it overheats instead of just sounding a horn. I suppose it's to give you time to get to a level area.

I have been using a small gas leaf blower to clean the mower after sessions. Is this a good strategy to protect the mower from overheating? I don't want to blow debris INTO the radiator.

I understand your concerns, but they are tough machines and well protected from overheating. I would say that you have to be careful when/if you see grass material floating in the air.
Best prevention is to make sure you have good, clean properly mixed anti-freeze. Then flush the radiator clean with compressed air, followed by a fairly strong stream of water for like 10 minutes until nothing but clean water comes out.
Also make sure all the seals are tight on the “bonnet” and there’s no openings where airborn trash can get pulled-in.

 

[JJT]

I blow out the radiator screen every time I refuel, or when I see the temp gauge reading higher than normal. That's worked well for my ZD for 20+ years. I also change the coolant every 4 years.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

I am very grateful for the help. If a blower works for other people, it should work for me.

 

[anomad]

I am very grateful for the help. If a blower works for other people, it should work for me.

I got a kit from Amazon that has an air wand and a water one for my tractor. Lisle 88500 Radiator Genie, I am sure there are other brands/styles.

I had been using a leaf blower and was amazed at all the schmutz that came out using those two wands. My Kioti has a hateful radiator stack that I never miss an opportunity to complain about - LOL.

Still take a leaf blower to the field with me depending on what I am doing. I get grumpy when my AC can't keep up.

 

[jonsstihl]

My John deere X758 shuts off the PTO when it gets too hot. That gets your attention real quick. then you glance at the gauges and realize its a little hot. then You look at the radiator screens and realize they are covered in dandilion seeds. a scary problem that is an easy fix.