Hydraulics lost power, front loader stutters on way up

TexasDad76 · Nov 14, 2016

My Kubota tractor recently started making strange noises when I try to use the front loader.

From the resting position, the first thing I want to do (of course) is lift it off the ground. As I do, I observe that it's slower than usual, and it stutters or stops-starts quickly many times on the way up.

A mechanically-skilled friend checked the hydraulic fluid (it doesn't have a dipstick. Is this normal?) and he said it looked low. He asked if I had any, and I had to tell him I didn't. I have since bought some and put some in the tractor (using a siphon pump -- I don't know how many quarts went into the tractor) but the results are the same. And unfortunately my friend lives 1.5 hours away.

When a tractor runs painfully low on hydraulic fluid, do you have to "bleed the lines" or something like that? Or might the problem be something else on my tractor?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

Matthew

L2350 - Tractor
LB400 - Loader

Adiredneck · Nov 14, 2016

If your hydraulic pump has a rubber hose on the suction side, thoroughly check it for cracks. Both my L3400 and L5240 had it happen. It's a quick fix..

LD1 · Nov 15, 2016

Yep, check out suction hose.

The system is self bleeding, just cycle the loader up and down a few times should be all that's needed.

Not sure on that tractor, but most Kubota have a sight glass for oil level. Do you have a manual to tell you where it's located?

How much oil do you "think" you put in? If it was low enough to be sucking air, a quart or two ain't gonna do squat. Probably need several gallons at that point.

But again, check suction hose first.

wcampbell47 · Nov 15, 2016

A friend's older Kubota was acting just like this. We replaced the hydraulic filter(s) and drained and replaced the hydraulic oil. I have stayed with the Kubota UDT and have not had any issues. Your L2350 holds 7.7 gallons. However you may only be able to get about 5 gallons in. There should be a filler cap just to the rear of the seat and the dip stick may be in front of the seat. This is not a big deal and can be done in about 30 minutes. That old of a tractor I would do it regardless.