Kubota L3200 HST - Told not to drive in high range by dealer?

[krobertson]

Thanks to all that is what I figured. I am just going to call Kubota and see what is going on. I am actually thinking the dealer is double dipping. Probably adjust/fixed something under warranty on the L3200 and then got me for something small like fluid some and labor. Wouldn't be the first time I have heard of this.

@ Wakey - I feel the same way something is up. It runs fine everything is good but the gallon low just blows me away.

@DeereDude - Unless somehow you had air trapped which seems highly unlikely seems you had an HST gremlin like I did.

 

[k0ua]

The only other points to checking fluid level on an L3200, is point 1: it is not all that easy to check fluid level on an L3200, as it has a sight glass indicator and not a dipstick, and the fluid is hard to see without dyeing it. Also the tractor needs to be on totally level surface in both planes for an accurate measurement, and all implements and the FEL need to be lowered. There is a tremendous difference in fluid level between the loader and 3pt up vs. down. And as Forrest Gump would say "and that is all I have to say about that".

 

[Mike_Kanzer]

I am not sure it matters, but I don't think I would run it up at 3000RPM. Kubota rates the HP for the engine at 2800 RPM. On my L3830 HST the corresponding engine RPM for 540 PTO is at about 2720 or so. I usually don't run above that even when just transporting the tractor. Anyway, I don't think that would "boil" the hydraulic fluid.

 

[Grandad4]

As others note, the "boiled the fluid out" and not running it in High range for any amount of distance are pure baloney. You can overheat the fluid by working the HST, loader or other hydraulic systems too hard, but that's pretty darn hard to do if the tractor is working properly. Running it in a couple of miles down the road is exactly what High range is for and should not overheat anything unless you left the parking brake on the whole way. How can you tell if the fluid is overheating? Touch the hydraulic lines going to the loader joystick to see how hot they are. When the tractor is fully warmed up, they should be hot to the touch but not enough to burn you. If you can't even touch them, it's overheating and it probably smells hot also. It's also possible to be low on fluid, as has been said.

I guess I would suck it up on paying for the fluid they added, but would call them out on feeding you that line of bull about boiling it while driving down the road. Definitely not a good dealer experience.

 

[mikehaugen]

Don't they have any kind of temperature sensor in these hydro trannys? Seems it would make sense to at least have a high temperature switch for an idiot light.

 

[texasjohn]

Incomprehensible.

You are absolutely correct, I was thinking about one of these have a m105 and think it is a great tractor, but these little ones must be junk..

 

[timster2]

What bothers me the most about this is the incompetence shown by the service department. Untrained technicians routinely make a wrong diagnosis its up to the service manager to review the problem and verify that it is correct. If you cannot explain, to the customer, the problem and diagnosis completely you have not done enough to determine the problem, failed component/s or possible fix. Telling you not to use the machine as it was designed at the factory is gross incompetence by the service dept. At minimum they are incompetent, however, they could be avoiding something until its out of warranty, or like you stated double dipping. Either way I would report the problem directly to Kubota and get the service manager to put his recommendations in writing so you have a record of the complaint.

If I was told to change filters to increase hydraulic pressure on a new machine the first thing I would have done is cut them open and look for metal shavings, chunks and other debris. The filters are located on the suction and/or the return lines to the reservoir. Depending on hydraulic plumbing diagram you could discern if its debris in the reservoir from the manufacturing processes or components wearing prematurely, pump, relief valve etc.

I think I would be looking for a different dealer to service my tractor after an incident like this.

 

[krobertson]

@ timster2- Agreed 100%...are they pushing for a warranty laps before it actually breaks? I will be calling Kubota Monday today I am traveling. The thing that ticks me off is I check both fluid levels every day before usage. I checked it before I brought it to the dealer because I had to start it to put it on the trailer. Surprised they didn't blame it on the fact I got about 6 oz too much engine oil in it. But they were adamant that it was a gallon low. Do you know how many hours I would have to heat that to a boiling point to push it out....a freaking gallon? The more I think about it the more I get upset. Worst part knowing they think they can pull the wool over my eyes and what is really wrong with my tractor.

 

[JRobyn]

+1 on contacting Kubota as first step and then finding another dealer as second. Or maybe just make sure that the service manager at your current dealer has a chance to make amends for the BS you've been fed and then be certain that the tech involved NEVER touches your tractor again. No amends or no other techs - change dealers.

- Jay

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have never seen oil "boil out" period, before it gets hot enough to boil, something is going to be on fire. Anything causing it to overheat and/or overflow would show some sign of leakage.

The hydraulic oil could be getting into the engine via the hydraulic pump rear seal and engine is burning it but it would show as very high level on the engine oil. That is about the only way I can think of that hydraulic oil is disappearing without visible leaks showing. A leaking pump could explain the lack of power or slow responses also.

Regarding not using H range, I would have told the guy straight to his face that he was full of BS and get out of my face before something he would not like happened. Then I would have talked to the manager about his ridiculous statement. A tractor should run all day long in H range as long as it isn't stalling the engine.