Maintenance: Kubota L Series Radiator gets stopped up frequently

[jp2code]

As stated in the title, the radiator (specifically the screen in front of the radiator) gets clogged rather quickly, it seems.

OK, I'm out mowing about 9 hours straight per day for the last 3 days. Lots of dusty fields.

After 5 hours of saddle time, I see the temperature start to climb.

Before it gets hot, I'll pull over in a shady spot, and pop the hood.

Sure enough, the radiator screen is about half clogged with dust. I pull it out to shake it clean, and I find the radiator also is about half clogged. I'll typically pull some sort of weed to brush in the area to knock the dust off.

Then, I hop back in the seat, rev the engine back up to PTO range, and go on.

The temperature almost always goes back to the cooler side of the gauge.

So, my question is: Is this normal for other Kubota owners? It just seems like that would really be big deal that shouldn't be happening.

I'm currently at 517 hours or so, if that matters. Radiator fluid was supposed to be changed at the last service this summer. Fluid is good, too.

 

[ultrarunner]

I try to mow when it is not hot and dusty... early morning works good or a few days after a good rain.

One problem in the extreme dry and dusty is the possibility of starting a fire from a spark...

The screen is very important and it is good you keep an eye on the temp gauge...

 

[C4Ranch]

Yup... That's what happens.

 

[jp2code]

Early mornings? I start at 7:30 AM and mow until 6:30 PM. I don't stop for lunch or to pee.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsV2FODXGBg

I've got 1 week to mow 22 miles of pipeline right of way.

 

[ultrarunner]

It looks like regular intervals for screen inspection/cleaning is the order of the day.

On a side note... I don't think I could sit in an L seat 11 hours... let alone 8 hours everyday...

About 3 hours max covers anything I need to do and I always top off the fuel, grease the zerks, check the fluid levels and clean the screen at the end of the day so no matter what... the L is ready to go when I need it.

 

[mddorange]

Yes, I have had to stop and clean my L's radiator screen when Bush hogging many times. Like Ultrarunner, I try to get an early start or wait until after it rains if possible.

 

[s219]

Very normal -- you should plan routine cleanings into your schedule, and don't wait until the temp needle climbs. Be proactive.

 

[big bubba]

given those dusty conditions, also clean out your air filter at least every 5-10 hrs of work. i like to clean from inside out... inserting a leaf blower tube inside the filter works great. compressed air is ok too, just be sure not to concentrate the flow as to damage the paper element, etc. even just shaking the filter in the field will help... surprised to hear dust buildup on a kubota radiator (or screen), had that problem with older tractors, but never a minute on my M series. regards

 

[bikerdib]

Your question sounds like you think it is a design flaw. In fact it is doing exactly what it is designed to do. Cleaning the screens is much easier than cleaning the radiator, especially in the field. They could have designed a radiator that has larger openings between the fins which would allow more debris to flow through and thereby using a more open screen but then the radiator would have to be much larger overall to provide enough cooling.

As stated in the title, the radiator (specifically the screen in front of the radiator) gets clogged rather quickly, it seems.

OK, I'm out mowing about 9 hours straight per day for the last 3 days. Lots of dusty fields.

After 5 hours of saddle time, I see the temperature start to climb.

Before it gets hot, I'll pull over in a shady spot, and pop the hood.

Sure enough, the radiator screen is about half clogged with dust. I pull it out to shake it clean, and I find the radiator also is about half clogged. I'll typically pull some sort of weed to brush in the area to knock the dust off.

Then, I hop back in the seat, rev the engine back up to PTO range, and go on.

The temperature almost always goes back to the cooler side of the gauge.

So, my question is: Is this normal for other Kubota owners? It just seems like that would really be big deal that shouldn't be happening.

I'm currently at 517 hours or so, if that matters. Radiator fluid was supposed to be changed at the last service this summer. Fluid is good, too.

 

[oosik]

I've never had dust on either the removable screen or the radiator, either. Lots of bigger stuff - leaves,pine needles, twigs etc on the removable screen.

I wonder, is there something on your removable screen & radiator fins that is causing the dust to stick. Maybe, at the end of the day wash the radiator & removable screen with hot soapy water.