A tractor is a versatile farming vehicle widely used all over the world. It mechanizes a variety of agricultural tasks, like tillage, plowing, etc. Modern tractors are highly versatile and are even used in landscape maintenance and construction.
They feature heavy-duty engines and are capable of pulling heavy loads, making them a perfect option for farming.
If you are looking to purchase your first tractor, you may go through “option paralysis” as the tractor market is pretty saturated nowadays. Hundreds of brands have joined this industry. However, only a few of them have been able to retain their place in the market. Kubota is one of those companies.
Kubota is a recognized brand that specializes in developing solutions for farming. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company came into being in 1891 and has established itself as a household name in the tractor industry.
No doubt, tractors by Kubota are powerful and innovative. However, they have also been plagued by numerous problems. Some users have stated that the PTO does not engage sometimes.
A PTO is a device that transfers power from the tractor to the attached implement, allowing you to perform multiple tasks with your tractor. If your tractor’s PTO is not working, you won’t be able to make the most of your Kubota tractor.
Today, we will share some workarounds to try if the PTO of your Kubota tractor is not engaging. Let’s get started!
How To Fix Kubota Tractor PTO Not Engaging?
Here are some reasons your Kubota tractor PTO may not engage sometimes.
- PTO Control Valve Issue
If the PTO on your Kubota tractor is not engaging, there is a high likelihood that the PTO control valve is faulty or its adjustment is not made correctly. A control valve is a key component of a tractor PTO, and it must be in good condition for PTO’s optimal performance.
You will need to test the PTO control valve of your Kubota tractor to determine whether it is faulty or not. So, take it out and test it with a multimeter. It is usually located at the top right side of the PTO housing.
However, its location may be different depending on the model of your Kubota tractor. So, it would be a good idea to check the user manual of your tractor to locate it.
Make sure to set the digital multimeter to “Ohm” mode before starting the procedure. The PTO control valve of Kubota tractors has two coils, and each coil has pins on it.
You will need to attach the leads of your digital multimeter to those pins. As soon as you attach the leads, you will see a reading on the display of the digital multimeter.
If the reading is somewhere between 0 and 50, your PTO control valve is fine. If it is zero, it means that the coil of your PTO control valve is shorted. If that’s the case, replacing the PTO control valve is the only solution.
And yes, if the meter shows infinity, it means that your coil is open and some wire is broken. It is advised to consult the operator manual to know the recommended reading of your PTO control valve.
If the coil of your PTO control valve has gone bad, consider replacing it. The good news for you is that replacing the coil is a piece of cake, and you can do it at home without professional assistance. Just take off the retainer nut to slide off your old coil and put on a new one.
Once you have replaced it, check whether the PTO is engaging or not. If the problem persists, there could be something wrong with the clutch pack of your Kubota tractor.
- Damaged Clutch Pack
A damaged clutch pack is another common reason for the PTO problem in Kubota tractors. Clutches wear out over time as you use the power take-off of your tractor. And when they do, it may lead to the PTO problem, and you will have to replace it to make the PTO functional again.
Before replacing the clutch pack in your Kubota tractor, make sure to take all the safety precautions first. It is recommended to wear safety gloves and support your tractor properly before starting the replacement procedure.
Moreover, it would be better to check the electric system of your Kubota tractor to identify the reason for this problem.
You will need a few tools to install a new PTO clutch in your Kubota tractor. These tools include a socket wrench, wrench, and torque wrench.
You will need to remove a few components to replace a PTO clutch. Start by removing the ground drive pulley first. In some models, it is held in place by a belt. If so, you don’t have to remove it.
The PTO clutch in most tractors is mounted on the shoulder of the engine shaft. Take the worn-out clutch and install a new one to fix the PTO problem in your tractor.
The key of the clutch must be aligned with the keyway of the engine shaft. Make sure that the anti-rotation point of the clutch is aligned with the anti-rotation tool on your Kubota tractor and that the wire connection is oriented towards the wire harness.
Also, make sure that the fasteners are dry at the time of installation. Some people recommend lubricating them. However, it is seen that lubricating the fasteners may cause damage to the PTO clutch.
To install a PTO clutch, simply slide it up the shaft and tighten the bolt to make sure it stays in place. Now install all other components you removed earlier. Tighten all the bolts using a socket and other tools.
Furthermore, make sure to examine the wires while installing a PTO clutch. If they show any signs of damage, consider replacing them to fix the problem.
Take a look at the connector as well to make sure the insulator and terminals are in good health. In addition to that, a dirty engine shaft may also create problems. So, if dust and debris have accumulated on the shaft, clean it with a cloth.
- Installation Issue
Improper installation is another reason for the PTO problem in Kubota tractors. The PTO system will not work properly if it is not installed correctly and may also result in this problem.
Therefore, you will have to reinstall the PTO to resolve the issue. The instructions regarding installation are provided in the user manual.
However, if that’s the case, the PTO will not engage at all. If it was working fine at first but not engaging now, there is nothing wrong with the installation.
- Getting it Checked
If you have tried all the solutions and the PTO of your Kubota tractor is still not engaging, consider getting it checked by a trained professional. They will examine all the components thoroughly and diagnose the cause of the problem.
Handling the system on your own can cause further problems, so it would be best to hire a professional.
The Bottom Line
Kubota tractors are an automatic choice for many farmers, thanks to their powerful features and high durability. However, many users have complained about the PTO problem in these tractors. If the PTO in your tractor is not engaging, consider trying the workarounds mentioned in this article.