As a star piece of equipment on your farm, a tractor mechanizes all your farming tasks and makes farming convenient.
Modern tractors are incredibly versatile and suitable for different tasks, such as planting, plowing, etc. They complete tedious farming tasks quickly and efficiently, making them a must-have for every farmer.
Kubota needs no introduction in the farming industry. It is a well-known Japan-based agricultural machinery manufacturer. Founded in 1890, Kubota was among the first companies to join this business. As the company got popular, it expanded its wings, and today, it enjoys a great global presence.
The tractors manufactured by Kubota stand out for their durability and performance. However, like every other piece of machinery, they also require regular maintenance for smooth functioning.
If not maintained, problems can crop up over time. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with those problems so you can deal with them efficiently.
Many users have reported that the Kubota tractor loses power when going uphill. It is a common problem often associated with Kubota tractors. In this problem, a tractor works fine on flat surfaces but suddenly loses power when going uphill.
If your Kubota tractor also shows the same problem when going uphill, worry not, as we are here to put a smile back on your face. This article will share some common reasons and solutions to fix this problem. Let’s delve deeper into it!
Kubota Tractor Loses Power Going Uphill
To help you better understand this problem, let’s discuss how a tractor is powered.
How Is A Tractor Powered?
Most tractors manufactured by Kubota are powered by large-scale diesel engines. However, some tractors also run on LPG (liquified petroleum gas) and kerosene.
Apart from that, some modern tractors are equipped with a PTO switch which is installed at the back of your tractor. This switch is used to adjust the power transfer from the tractor’s engine to other implements that do not have their own engine.
With that out of the way, some reasons and solutions for the power loss problem in Kubota tractors are mentioned below.
- Insufficient Fuel
Insufficient fuel is the primary reason for the power loss problem in Kubota tractors. Of course, fuel holds prime importance for the proper functioning of your tractor as it supplies the energy that your tractor needs to run.
So, if your Kubota tractor is having a hard time going uphill, the chances are that it is starved for fuel. And if you keep driving it anyway, your tractor will eventually die.
Fuel is stored in the fuel tank of a tractor. Check it and make sure you have enough fuel. If the fuel level is low, simply refill your tank, and the power loss problem will go away.
As your Kubota tractor keeps moving in an uphill direction, the position causes the stored fuel to move away from the inlet. This low fuel level may be enough for flat surfaces, but you will likely fall short when driving uphill. This is why it is important to have enough fuel when going uphill.
It is often overlooked, but expired fuel can also cause your Kubota tractor to lose power when going uphill. You might be surprised to learn that diesel also has a shelf life, and it expires after a certain time.
If you have not used your Kubota tractor for 6-7 months, the stored diesel might have become a bit gummy.
This gummy fuel is not usable as it can clog the fuel filters of your Kubota tractors. Apart from that, this fuel is not as powerful as fresh fuel, so you will likely face the power loss problem while going uphill.
So, if your Kubota tractor is using expired fuel, consider draining it out and refilling your tank with fresh fuel.
- Fuel Filter
Defective fuel filters can also cause the power loss problem in the Kubota tractors. The fuel filter is a vital component of your tractor as it prevents impurities from entering the engine of your Kubota tractor. However, dust, debris, and other impurities can block it and cause problems for your engine.
The term clogged up refers to the situation where foreign particles get stuck in a fuel filter and hinder its normal working. When this happens, those particles may enter the engine of your Kubota tractor and damage it.
If you notice a decline in your engine’s performance or fuel efficiency, there is a high likelihood that you are dealing with a clogged fuel filter.
To find out whether your fuel filter is clogged or not, you will have to inspect it. However, not every fuel filter can be visually inspected. Some are built in a way that you cannot see inside them. So, check the type of fuel filter in your Kubota tractor, and if possible, see inside it .
If it seems dirty or clogged, you will have to replace it to fix the power loss problem when going uphill. And yes, for a fuel filter to work properly, it must be installed correctly. So, if you have never installed a fuel filter before, consider reaching out to a trained professional.
However, if the fuel filter of your Kubota tractor is in good working condition, proceed to check the fuel lines. The fuel lines are the fuel transfer medium in your Kubota tractor.
They take fuel from the fuel tank and supply it to the combustion chamber. Of course, if these lines go bad, the fuel will not be transferred at all, which may lead to this problem in Kubota tractors.
The thing with the fuel lines is that even regular servicing cannot keep them from getting clogged. This is because they are clogged by carbon which is produced by the combustion process. So, as you use your tractor, the fuel lines will get clogged.
If you are unsure about the location of fuel lines in your Kubota tractor, it will be a good idea to consult the user manual of your Kubota tractor. If you see carbon residue in the lines, get them replaced from your local workshop.
- Vacuum
If there is a vacuum in the fuel tank of your Kubota tractor, your engine may not get enough power, often leading to the power loss issue. This usually happens when there is something wrong with the fuel cap.
So, most farmers fix this problem by loosening the fuel cap and using the tractor for a few minutes that way. Although it is an effective way, be mindful that removing the cap will allow foreign particles to enter the engine of your Kubota tractor. So, it is advised to clean your fuel cap or get it replaced.
These aforementioned problems will likely troubleshoot the problem, and your Kubota tractor will start working normally again. But if they don’t, it would be better to bring in a mechanic. They will surely identify the root cause and fix it.
The Bottom Line
Thanks to their high-performance output and durability, Kubota tractors have earned a great name in the market. However, users have stated that they sometimes lose power when going uphill.
If you find yourself in this situation, take a look at the fuel filter and lines of your tractor. Furthermore, make sure there is enough fuel in your tractor.