Kubota LA950 A loader -1 valve freezes in winter

ussofa · Oct 1, 2020

I bought this loader along with a L4850 Kubota tractor. Last couple winters the tilt function valve freezes up. The valves do not leak fluid and tilt is the only one that freezes up. I have to put a hair dryer on it just about every time I need to use it.
If hydraulic fluid does not leak how would water get down far enough to freeze it up? Is there a boot that fits this model?

wdchyd · Oct 1, 2020

Not sure of your exact model but it’s common for freeze ups when water/rust form in the bonnet/spring cap on the spool. The cap is generally located on the opposite side of the valve, in-line with the spool.

old and tired · Oct 1, 2020

^^^ what he said, it exterior so no worry about removing it to clean any water / junk out of it... (again, not sure of your model but that's how others are). The backside cap...

LouNY · Oct 1, 2020

Just be aware when you pull that cap off there are likely to be several small steel balls and a spring or two.

old and tired · Oct 1, 2020

LouNY said:
Just be aware when you pull that cap off there are likely to be several small steel balls and a spring or two.

Oh, that was suppose to be a surprise!!!! (jk, good catch)

Mat4644 · Oct 1, 2020

I've had this happen a few times. Took the bottom cap off and cleaned and the problem occured again next winter. Don't know why a small amount of water and oil collects here and freezes. Second time took off and cleaned and put grease in bottom of caps. Ran several months and removed caps and inspected. Grease still in cap and didn't get displaced with oil. No problems for over 10 years now.

CobyRupert · Oct 1, 2020

Had same problem first few winters I had my tractor. Finally pulled cap off and drained a tablespoon or two of water. That’s when I noticed valve was made in Brazil.
My crackpot theory is some of that humid rainforest air got built in.

I was tempted to drill a weep hole in the cap, but wanted to reserve the right to get stuck in mud and water up beyond the loader valve...