The Kubota L4701 is an overall great tractor from the Kubota L series that can lift up to 1.684 pounds and features a powerful hydraulic system.
Among all the machines we tested, this tractor model doesn’t have really serious problems, but it does present some issues.
We want to cover all of them thoroughly, both for those users who may have encountered them and also for those who are considering the purchase.
Follow us in this complete guide to the Kubota L4701 problems.
The most common problems with Kubota L4701
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Before we proceed with the description of the most common Kubota L4701 problems the users have encountered, it’s useful to remember that these issues are not rare at all.
Many people encounter much bigger issues with their tractors, and Kubota, just like John Deere, is still a brand leader in the agricultural machines market, so you can rest assured their products are high quality.
All the same, whether you’re a Kubota owner or you’re considering a purchase, you should know about these issues and how to troubleshoot them.
1. Engine problems
Engine problems with this Kubota tractor usually spur from the oil level. In fact, the oil level shouldn’t be too high or low.
As a general rule, the oil should be above the minimum level required, but some owners tend to exaggerate and pour too much.
Because of this, the Kubota L4701 engine starts having problems.
Another thing that can provoke problems in the engine is the injection pump being clogged and the fuel injectors not working properly.
You can clean the injection pump following this procedure, or you can replace it if you think it’s too far gone.
2. Diesel problems
A rather common issue with the Kubota L4701 concerns the loader breaking down.
When this occurs, and the diesel won’t rotate, you might have a problem with the fuel type or grade.
Your Kubota dealer will most probably recommend you a type of oil that has an API rating of CF or higher.
Make sure to follow this recommendation if you want your tractor to work properly.
Another reason behind this issue could be the incorrect timing of the fuel injectors. The fuel pump needs examination and fixing in this case, as water might have mixed with the fuel.
3. Hydrostatic transmission problems
A few users reported problems with the hydrostatic transmission of the L4701.
It seems that the transmission provokes issues with the shift, making it rough.
Usually, the main reason behind a rough shift is that the driver fails to completely depress the clutch pedal during shifting.
In this case, it might be useful to take out the workshop manual and follow the instructions.
4. Overheating issues
The Kubota engine doesn’t overheat easily, but it can happen if you don’t take the right precautions.
The radiator is usually the main cause behind the Kubota engine overheating. For example, if there’s not enough coolant in it, you need to fill it up to the recommended level.
It might also be that your radiator is dirty and debris has accumulated inside. Regular maintenance is important to keep your engine healthy and running!
If you suspect that your engine is overloaded, you should reduce the load or shift to a lower gear.
When the radiator is not the issue, then it’s usually the fan belt. The belt should have the right tension and be well-positioned.
The fan belt creating an overheated engine is actually a more common problem than you think, in fact, even the 1025r tractor from John Deere shares the same issue.
5. Steering wheel issues
There are quite a few reports about the steering wheel of the Kubota L4701 spinning without offering any resistance.
There are many reasons behind this issue, so you will need to read the following list and check them one by one:
- The steering cylinder is worn out. It needs immediate replacement.
- You have low hydraulic oil levels and the tank needs to be refilled.
- There is the air that needs removing in the steering system.
- The air might also be in the hydraulic system and needs removal as well.
- The pressure of your tires is uneven and needs adjustment.
- The power steering is worn out and needs replacement.
- The power steering pump is broken and needs repair.
6. Loader issues
This seems to be a common problem with Kubota tractors, given that the Kubota BX2380 also has it.
Kubota owners may have noticed that when it’s time to put the loader back on, there’s one side perfectly aligned, while the other keeps popping out.
The only way to prevent this issue is to mount the loader when you’re on leveled ground, and usually, this means you should do this in your garage.
But if all is done and you’re in the middle of this issue, do not worry because it just takes a little manual work (and patience) on your part to make it work again.
As you may know, the bottom left cylinders of the loader are cross-connected. This means that one side is forcibly higher than the other one.
One way to fix the loader issue is to try and level the cylinders by adjusting their extension.
7. Code P3001
When the temperature is very cold, the code error P3001 may have popped up on your Kubota L4701.
Don’t be alarmed by this code because it just tells you that your Kubota diesel engine needs to change its operating settings to generate higher temperatures – in one work, it needs ReGen.
This usually happens when the temperature is below 20°F.
If you need to force ReGen, it can only be done by your Kubota dealer or authorized service.
Kubota L4701 problems: are they a deal-breaker?
These problems definitely aren’t serious enough to be a deal-breaker.
Most of these issues can happen to any tractor model and are easily fixed with little care and maintenance.
For serious engine issues, you should contact your service manager if the tractor is still in its warranty period.
However, the problems described in this article can be fixed without professional help, so you can try to troubleshoot the problem by yourself to spare some money.
Of course, the golden rule is that if you’re not sure what you’re doing, you shouldn’t do it. So in that case, entrust your machine to a professional.
Marvin is an expert in farming equipment with a strong background in agricultural engineering. He graduated from Kansas State College of Agriculture, where he received a degree in Agricultural Engineering and specialized in farm equipment design and maintenance.
