Does my L6060 have electronic steering?

[NonTypicalCPA]

I noticed this weekend when driving down the road from one field to another, separated by about 1 mile, I had to continually turn my steering wheel counterclockwise to keep the tractor going straight. In that distance of a mile I made four complete counter clockwise revolutions of my steering wheel, all the while the tractor driving in a straight line. I’m guessing therefore there is electronic steering on my Kubota L6060? Anything that I need to address?

 

[Hay Dude]

It’s not electronic. Sounds like your hydraulic steering hand pump is shot. I had to replace mine on my kubota, too.
I hear its another common kubota failure.

Mine would require constant steering correction by turning the wheel when trying to drive in a straight line. First I thought it was a leaking steering cylinder, but tested out fine. That could be the case with yours, but I’m guessing its the hand pump

 

[sandman2234]

My M7040 has hydraulic steering just like my ole John Deere!
David from jax

 

[LouNY]

Either the hydraulic steering motor or steering cylinder has a leak.

 

[NonTypicalCPA]

Thanks guys. Sounds like I need the dealer to come check it out.

 

[Fallon]

Hydraulic steering won't stay completely centered unlike mechanical steeting with hydraulic assist you have in a road vehicle. If you rotate the wheel complelty one way, you can slowly continue to turn it. My spinner knob migrates around the steering wheel when driving straight over the course of a day.

However 4 revolutions to stay straight over a mile or so seems a bit excessive. Probably warrants a warranty trip to the dealer. Steering valve or motor is probably excessively leaky internally.

 

[azbinder]

Full hydraulic steering will have drift to the steering wheel. I don't remember what the acceptable rate is. As mentioned above, check with your local dealer's service dept.

 

[5030]

All late model Kubota's have hydrostatic steering. Sounds to me like the under the dash steering pump is leaking internally. Be apprised, they aren't cheap. Some can be rebuilt, some cannot. Check with your dealer to be sure.

 

[deserteagle71]

I noticed this weekend when driving down the road from one field to another, separated by about 1 mile, I had to continually turn my steering wheel counterclockwise to keep the tractor going straight. In that distance of a mile I made four complete counter clockwise revolutions of my steering wheel, all the while the tractor driving in a straight line. I’m guessing therefore there is electronic steering on my Kubota L6060? Anything that I need to address?

NOT electronic. Hydraulic. NO mechanical connection between the steering wheel you are holding on to, and the front tires. Just hydraulic oil.

 

[mikester]

I’m guessing therefore there is electronic steering on my Kubota L6060? Anything that I need to address?

I am interested in hearing your experiences with electric steering.

I have it in my cars and my UTV. No vagueness or wandering what-so-ever. All Hydraulic steering in my experience acts exactly as you describe. Big equipment is even worse for vagueness and wandering.

 

[5030]

I am interested in hearing your experiences with electric steering.

I have it in my cars and my UTV. No vagueness or wandering what-so-ever. All Hydraulic steering in my experience acts exactly as you describe. Big equipment is even worse for vagueness and wandering.

Are there any cars or light trucks made today with conventional (hydraulic) power steering? The automakers got away from then because of the parasitic power loss the belt driven pump causes and the resulting loss of fuel mileage... Only issue is, if the steering rack fails, it's quite expensive to replace. Heck, most vehicles today don't even have belt driven radiator fans, replaced by electric thermostat controlled fans. Belt driven fans are another fuel mileage robber, even with a viscous clutch.

 

[Gator6x4]

I am interested in hearing your experiences with electric steering.

I have it in my cars and my UTV. No vagueness or wandering what-so-ever. All Hydraulic steering in my experience acts exactly as you describe. Big equipment is even worse for vagueness and wandering.

Electric steering is nice until it suddenly quits. I was cruising down the interstate in my 2016 Silverado went to exit and it took quite an effort to steer the thing. Glad I was not in heavy stop and go traffic.

 

[5030]

Just like hydrostatic steering on a Kubota. When it fails, steering becomes an 'Armstrong' affair.

I'm gonna have to replace the steering pump on one of my M's this winter as it's developed a distinct whine and it leaking a tad as well. May rebuild it or may just change it out. Not sure yet.

 

[mikester]

Electric steering is nice until it suddenly quits. I was cruising down the interstate in my 2016 Silverado went to exit and it took quite an effort to steer the thing. Glad I was not in heavy stop and go traffic.

Same thing happens when your hydraulic steering fails.

 

[Fallon]

All late model Kubota's have hydrostatic steering. Sounds to me like the under the dash steering pump is leaking internally. Be apprised, they aren't cheap. Some can be rebuilt, some cannot. Check with your dealer to be sure.

The steering valve is actually about over the axle aboy frame height, on the right side when sitting in the seat. Pretty easy to find once you identify the steering wheel shaft.

 

[5030]

The steering valve is actually about over the axle aboy frame height, on the right side when sitting in the seat. Pretty easy to find once you identify the steering wheel shaft.

Actually, the steering controller can be located in different locations, depending on if it's an open station or a cab model. My M's are both different (in the same model range). My open station has the hydrostatic controller located at the end of the steering wheel shaft, below the dash mounting while my cab model has it located above the engine valve cover offset to the right hand side and actuated by a shaft with a universal joint in it. I believe what you are referencing and the steering controller are two different things. The steering controller is kind of round with hose fittings on it for fluid input from the pump and exit ports to feed the steering ram underneath the tractor. Essentially, the controller is an orbital motor but instead of it driving the output shaft, the steering wheel shat is the input shaft that sends the fluid to the steering ram down under the tractor.

 

[LouNY]

Out of curiosity I looked up the parts breakdown for a 6060 steering;
Kubota L6060HSTC (Hydrostatic Transmission/Cabin) Parts
What a convoluted system it does seem they used a long u-jointed shaft and mounted the orbital motor up above the front axle.
And they are proud of the controller about $1700.

 

[5030]

Out of curiosity I looked up the parts breakdown for a 6060 steering;
Kubota L6060HSTC (Hydrostatic Transmission/Cabin) Parts
What a convoluted system it does seem they used a long u-jointed shaft and mounted the orbital motor up above the front axle.
And they are proud of the controller about $1700.

Wow, they sure do and not something I was aware of. The controller looks to be exactly like the one on my cabin M9 that is mounted above the engine. Never priced one (may have to as mine is getting wonky on my open station but Dennis said it is rebuildable.

Is the 6060 a T4 engine? Maybe that is why as there would be limited under hood room with the emission stuff in there as well plus mine is the old style square hood. The newer ones have a sloped hood...... I don't have that issue.