Backhoe Kubota M59 Electrical Issues

[jrgee08]

Has any one else had these types of issues and if so, how were they corrected? I have 2 Kubota M59’s with HST. Both have had the same issue. For some unknown reason, the tractors used to start by solely engaging the clutch. Now, that is no longer even required. When trying to start, the dash reads something about braking, which used to mean the seat wasn’t in the right position and locked, but won’t start at the turn of the key. I have to literally engage the parking brake lever on the left side of the seat to get the tractors to fire. Once fired, I now notice that both of them, no matter when driving forward or in reverse, the back up alarm goes off. I’ve since disconnected the alarm because that issues is highly annoying, but does anyone have a clue what could be causing such problems?

 

[rScotty]

Has any one else had these types of issues and if so, how were they corrected? I have 2 Kubota M59’s with HST. Both have had the same issue. For some unknown reason, the tractors used to start by solely engaging the clutch. Now, that is no longer even required. When trying to start, the dash reads something about braking, which used to mean the seat wasn’t in the right position and locked, but won’t start at the turn of the key. I have to literally engage the parking brake lever on the left side of the seat to get the tractors to fire. Once fired, I now notice that both of them, no matter when driving forward or in reverse, the back up alarm goes off. I’ve since disconnected the alarm because that issues is highly annoying, but does anyone have a clue what could be causing such problems?

That's sure a strange one. We've had our M59 for 10 years now and no problems. But let me think on it and look up the schematics. It sounds electrical....but what bothers me is why it should happen to them both. At the same time? Did you change anything before it happened? The batteries for instance?
What else can you tell about these machines.

Hmm...is there any chance someone got into the tractor's computer settings and messed up the operating parameters? There is a keystroke way to access those computer settings, but it's not commonly known. However, the key sequence isn't all that difficult to figure out, and it's in the shop manual. Got any computer kids around that might have messed with one tractor and then the other trying to get the first one right? It is just the sort of thing that would have been irresistable to me as a 12 year old..

rScotty

 

[rScotty]

BTW, I see this is your first post. Welcome to TBN. There is a long discussion of M59s dating from when they first came out. Must be 50 pages and several hundreds of posts by M59 owners as they gained experience with Kubota's new TLB.

Link:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...6926-m59-discussion-thread.html?highlight=M59

 

[jrgee08]

That's sure a strange one. We've had our M59 for 10 years now and no problems. But let me think on it and look up the schematics. It sounds electrical....but what bothers me is why it should happen to them both. At the same time? Did you change anything before it happened? The batteries for instance?
What else can you tell about these machines.

Hmm...is there any chance someone got into the tractor's computer settings and messed up the operating parameters? There is a keystroke way to access those computer settings, but it's not commonly known. However, the key sequence isn't all that difficult to figure out, and it's in the shop manual. Got any computer kids around that might have messed with one tractor and then the other trying to get the first one right? It is just the sort of thing that would have been irresistable to me as a 12 year old..

rScotty

I’m an area manager for 2 cemeteries and we have the same 2 tractors at both locations. Nothing has been changed out on them. The only thing that I could think of is somehow the excessive amount of rain we’ve been getting lately has somehow screwed with the electronics on it. None of the guys who work there have the capabilities of getting into any computer configurations. Also, I was wondering if it could be a possible grounding issue.

 

[mikester]

Have you checked the "Test Mode" on the Intellipanel to see what error codes might be present?

"When the main switch is turned to ON or START position while pushing both the display mode switch (2) and the travel speed switch (3), the mode selection display as shown in figure is indicated. And then, a target mode is selected, the data input and the fine adjustment, etc. can be done.
The following table shows the content of each mode display by the alphabet.

Sign
Mode Name
Contents
A
Test Mode
For checking the sensors, battery voltage and engine revolution
B
Traveling Speed Coefficient Input Mode
For inputting operation coefficient of traveling speed to IntelliPanel
C
PTO Coefficient Number Input Mode
For inputting operation coefficient number of PTO to IntelliPanel
D
Error Information Reset Mode
For deleting the error information
H
Error Information Display Mode
For reviewing error information (history)
I
Transmission Model Input Mode
For inputting the transmission model to IntelliPanel
J
Speed Unit Input Mode
For inputting the unit of traveling speeds to IntelliPanel
K
HST Pedal, Range Shift Lever, HST Response Dial Fine-adjustment Mode
For setting the each sensor position (Input the sensor information to ECU)
L
Throttle Sensor Fine- adjustment Mode
For setting the throttle sensor
(Input the sensor information to ECU)
N
Tractor Model Select Mode
For inputting the model of tractor to ECU"

 

[rScotty]

Mikester, that's a good idea. Thanks for posting. I'm so old-fashioned it never occurred to me to have the M59 diagnose itself.
This will be a good test for the Intellipanel.
rScotty

 

[Alcor]

I have an M59 and am having the exact same problem. What was the fix?
I just got finished with a job, while I was moving it back to my trailer the reverse warning came on, but I was moving forward... turned it off to set the trailer up and came back to click, click. Waited 45 minutes and it started. Got it on the trailer, and when I got back to my place and it wouldn’t start to get it off of the trailer. I tried jumping, but that wasn’t it, battery was fine. I assume it has to be one of the safety feature switches (clutch, seat, etc..) I get mechanical issues, but gremlins in the wiring kill me!!
What did you find was the problem with your 59’s?

 

[rScotty]

I have an M59 and am having the exact same problem. What was the fix?
I just got finished with a job, while I was moving it back to my trailer the reverse warning came on, but I was moving forward... turned it off to set the trailer up and came back to click, click. Waited 45 minutes and it started. Got it on the trailer, and when I got back to my place and it wouldn’t start to get it off of the trailer. I tried jumping, but that wasn’t it, battery was fine. I assume it has to be one of the safety feature switches (clutch, seat, etc..) I get mechanical issues, but gremlins in the wiring kill me!!
What did you find was the problem with your 59’s?

I haven't heard anymore. Have you tried the intellipanel self-diagnostic mode?

 

[Alcor]

I just found out what the problem was with mine. I had the exact same problem.
It was the safety switch for the seat. It wouldn’t close the circuit so it wouldn’t start. The tell tale part was that when it was running, it would beep while goingforward, essentially since the backhoe thought the seat was reversed (because the circuit was closed and not open when in the forward position) it assumes that you’re moving backwards. I think it’s safe to say that if the m59 gives you the reverse warning beep while going forward, the safety switch under the seat has, or is going bad.

 

[rScotty]

Very clever diagnosis. Thanks for that posting.

This whole thread did make me stop, think, and wonder if maybe our modern world has put too many safety switch circuits and backup alarms in our lives today....certainly we have more safety devices now than when I was young, but we also seem to have more accidents as well.

My conclusion was I just don't know. But I am thankful that most of the safety devices are accessible and easily modified. That way both sides of the safety argument can have it their own way.
rScotty