The Kubota L4701 is a practicable compact tractor that supports attachments like box blades, ditchers, and field cultivators. You will love its power from a 2434 cc diesel engine with a 44.8 net horsepower rating.
What are the common Kubota L4701 problems? You should know about the setbacks of this robust tractor before investing in it to determine whether it’s a reasonable deal. Many L4701 users complain about its stalling issues, which primarily originate from the fuel system.
Read on to learn about problems that plague the L4701 and how to troubleshoot them.
Contents
Engine Stalling
As mentioned earlier, stalling is one of the complications you may encounter with the Kubota L4701. The stops may be sudden or accompanied by jerking before the engine gives in. The engine might also go off when idling.
The fuel system is to blame for this hitch most of the time. Possible causes of this issue are:
- Insufficient, dirty, or low-grade fuel
- A blocked fuel line
- Dirty or clogged filters
- A bad fuel pump
- Damaged fuel cap
Sometimes, the blame lies on an overheating engine. But what could be wrong if the tractor stalls when it is cold? Diesel will gel when temperatures drop, as wax solidifies. Gelled diesel is hard to move in the fuel system and may block the fuel line.
Stalling calls for fuel system attention. Start by checking your diesel tank and fill it up with high-grade fuel if it is empty.
Your tractor may stop after long periods of inactivity despite having adequate fuel. In such a situation, there is a high chance you are dealing with degraded or contaminated fuel. You should get rid of the old fuel and clean the fuel tank, as the fuel deterioration might have affected it.
Air and fuel filters clog over time, which may affect their functionality, translating to this engine snag. You should frequently clean the filters. Replace severely worn-out filters.
You should dig deeper into the fuel system to detect fuel line and pump issues. You unclog blocked fuel lines by flushing them with an appropriate cleaner. An experienced auto mechanic can diagnose and solve fuel pump malfunctions via repairs or replacement.
A damaged or ill-fitting fuel cap can let dirt into the fuel tank and contaminate fuel. Additionally, the bad cap lets out fuel vapors, which may affect tank pressure and fuel transmission to the engine. Replace damaged fuel caps with genuine ones from Kubota.
High-quality diesel stabilizer will save you from fuel degradation and gelling when it is cold.
Steering Issues
The steering system takes the blame for some Kubota L4701 problems. The steering wheel may be stiff and difficult to turn, hinting at insufficient power steering fluid or a faulty pump. This snag may also originate from the suspension unit due to poor wheel alignment or low tire pressure.
Loose and unresponsive steering signals issues with components like ball joints, tie rods, and steering linkage. You should promptly attend to troublesome steering, as it might affect your workflow and expose you to various risks on the farm.
Other symptoms of a faulty steering system on your L4701 are:
- The steering wheel vibrates or shakes
- Noisy steering
- Leaking fluid
- The steering pump overheats
- Complete loss of power steering
- Burning odor or milky-like power steering fluid (a sign of fluid contamination)
Inspect the steering unit to determine the exact cause of the problematic steering. Check power steering fluid levels and top it up if low. Ensure you use top-quality steering fluid to prevent issues resulting from contamination and the use of substandard products.
Examine the power steering pump, being keen for anomalies like overheating, leaks, and loss of power steering. Diagnosis of the pump will help you determine whether repairs or replacement is the way to go. You must regularly inspect and maintain parts like tie rods and the steering linkage and renew them if they are worn.
Tire wear, low tire pressure, and improper wheel alignment can cause steering difficulties. Check out the tires’ state and act appropriately to address their problems.
Overheating
The Kubota L4701 takes pride in its robust engine. Despite its sturdiness, the engine may occasionally overheat, with the cooling system being the primary culprit. Coolant levels may be low, or the radiator may be dirty or damaged. Other causes of hiked engine temperatures include:
- Faulty cooling fan
- A bad thermostat
- A loose fan belt
- Insufficient or dirty engine oil
- Overloading
An overheating engine might stall, be hot to the touch, and emit steam or smoke. You may also detect burning odors. A sweet and sickly burning smell indicates leaking coolant, while a regular burning odor is a sign of leaking oil.
Do not drive a tractor with an overheating engine to avoid further damage. The engine should cool before you work on it.
Is the radiator okay? Inspect it thoroughly for leaks and dirty or bent fins. A radiator sealant is handy for minor leaks. Replacement is the logical solution for prominent cracks. Clean the radiator if it is dirty, and straighten the bent fins.
Refill coolant levels if low with high-quality products. Get a new thermostat if the one you have is acting up, and tighten a loose fan belt.
Routine and timely oil changes will save you from this engine complication. Furthermore, work within the L4701’s load limits to avoid overloading.
Troublesome Transmission
Kubota L4701 problems like difficulty shifting gears and power loss may originate from the transmission unit. The L4701 runs on an 8-speed hydrostatic transmission system that may act up due to worn-out parts.
Transmission faults are detectable through whining or grinding noises when shifting gears, delayed engagement, and stuck gears. Moreover, you might notice a burning odor, especially when dealing with heavy loads or after extended periods of use.
Shifting difficulty might point to a poorly adjusted or worn-out clutch. Sometimes, this drawback is due to broken or loose gear shift linkage. A noisy transmission hints at damaged bearings, broken gears, and low or contaminated transmission fluid.
Low transmission fluid levels could be due to leaks, noticeable via fluid pools when you park the tractor. The leaks indicate defective gaskets or seals. In severe situations, it may be damaged transmission housing.
The transmission system can be hard to work on, requiring professional help if you are a novice in tractor mechanics. Nevertheless, you can attend to it if you are confident in your repair skills.
Hard-to-shift gears call for correct adjustment of the clutch. Replace an out-of-shape clutch. You can fix a loose gear shift linkage, but you might need a new one if it is broken.
Deal with a noisy transmission by replacing worn bearings and broken gears. Moreover, you need to fill up the transmission fluid if it is insufficient. Get rid of contaminated fluid and refill with a fresh batch.
If the system leaks, you must determine whether it is a case of defective gaskets and seals or a cracked housing. You will need new components to fix the leak.
Kubota L4701 Specs
| Name | Kubota L4701 |
| Type | Compact utility tractor |
| Engine | Direct injection, liquid-cooled, 4-cycle diesel engine |
| Displacement | 2434 cc |
| Net horsepower | 33.8 Hp |
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.5 gallons |
| PTO type | Live independent PTO with PTO brake and wet clutch |
| PTO horsepower | 39.3 Hp |
| Transmission | 8-speed synchronized hydrostatic transmission |
| Overall length | 122.8 inches |
| Overall width | 62.4 inches |
| Overall height | 91.7 inches |
| Ground clearance | 15.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 72.8 inches |
| Weight | 3219 lbs. |
| Manufacturer recommended price | From $41600 |
Are Kubota L4701 Problems a Dealbreaker?
The highlighted Kubota L4701 issues are commonplace with most tractor models. These problems are not a dealbreaker, as the L4701’s advantages outweigh them by a wide margin.
Proper and regular maintenance will shield you from most of these complications. This Kubota model comes with a 6-year warranty, which you should claim for issues that get out of hand.
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