Fixing a Hydraulic Leak on My Kubota L3901 (

[@V6pack]

My L3901 is a 2015 model. These last 6 months I have had 2 hoses blow and 3 start leaking on me. So now I am in a process of replacing them all. I have 8 more to go so I do a couple on each pay check. I am pleased that the new hoses I get from my local Kubota dealer are higher strength lines than the ones from the dealer.

[@DIYMyWay]

Good idea on your part to start replacing them. Mine is a 2017 so I should probably start doing the same. Thanks for the visit!

[@eastkyboy5619]

I just had this same issue on my L3901 today at 50 hrs. I remember seeing this video a couple months back so looked it back up for reference. Thanks for the quality videos! Very helpful!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad to hear it was helpful! BTW, the leak started again, I tightened the hose clamp again and it stopped again. So keep an eye on it. Thanks for watching!

[@jasonwilson7134]

Same here

[@PaulLB7]

Had this exact same leak, and the exact same fears before I dove into it. I wanted to thank you for posting the helpful video that helped me track it down and fix it. I was lucky, the hose clamp was facing up, so I had to figure out how to loosen it first to spin it down so I could tighten it again. Thanks again.

[@DIYMyWay]

So glad to hear it helped you! Thanks for watching!

[@OrangeismyNewGreen]

I like the way you highlight the item it makes it easier for viewers to understand, 👍🏻

[@DIYMyWay]

It takes extra work, but that’s exactly why I do it. Thanks for watching!

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

Nice find and fix Martin! Glad it turned out to be something easy and cheap to deal with. One more thing on the to do list. Enjoyed the watch and I liked that ending!! Have a good weekend my friend!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, John! Yes, I was quite relieved that it was an easy fix compared to a leak in the power steering system. Hope you have a good weekend too!

[@Tyler_Koehn]

Glad It was a simple fix Martin! As you stated when everything is covered in oil it can be a chore to find it! My quick attach loader valve body is leaking again this time not under warranty so i'm hoping I will not have to replace the whole body as they did last time as i'm sure it will not be cheap! Thanks for sharing!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Tyler! I sure hope you valve body leak turns out to be an easy and inexpensive fix! Thanks for watching!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Hey there Martin!!! It's scary when you see oil under your baby eh!!! But it's nice when you find out it's just a loose connection!!! Even nicer when you can repair it yourself. Owning a tractor is good fun, but when they breakdown, it can take the shine off pretty quick!! Glad to hear it was simple fix that you were able to do right in your shop. Now get back in the saddle and 'tractor on' brother!!! Thanks for posting and take care!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Mike! You are so right! Yes, sir! Back in the saddle I go! Thanks for watching!

[@GPOutdoors]

Morning Martin. Super happy to see it was just something small. I didn't know that hose had to be replaced on a regular interval. I will check my manual as well. Thanks for the tip!

[@DIYMyWay]

Good morning Gord! Yes, me too. I suspect the hose has a lot more life than that in it. Kubota is just probably being ultra conservative about, but I am going to keep a close key on it. I really appreciate you stopping by! Cheers!

[@Harry-O]

Great work sir. Both, the camera and the repair. As usual. Keep them coming.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you, Harry!

[@markjones4090]

Good tips. I recently saw oil on the rubber mat of my tractor and like you I experienced that sinking feeling. I traced it to the joystick and thought the seal may have gone, turned out to be a loose nut on one of the joystick hoses. A quick tighten and check of all the other hoses going into the joystick and all good. I think I'll check all nuts and bolts on the tractor at the next service.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Mark! Glad it was a simple fix for you too! Thanks for watching!

[@PraiseworthyDeidre]

You are the best teacher.your videos are helpful and understandable

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!

[@DavidJones-wq9cm]

Great video. I had the same leak. Mine clamp screw was facing up though not like yours so tightening it back up was a fiasco. It was darn near impossible to get a wrench on it but patience prevailed and I got it fixed. Thanks Again.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, David! Yep, it was a pain to get to for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@rogerkinser872]

Thank you for this video are 3301 made a puddle on the floor just yesterday 3:21 24 and I did happen to work her pretty hard the day before and I was so concerned concerned I went to KZbin and of course you're 4 minute video was the one I watched immediately and I'll be dog gone if it wasn't the exact same thing 185 hours thank you sir

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad it was helpful to you! Thanks for stopping by!

[@tractorman4461]

Oh if only my repairs could be so easy !! Dang you got lucky Martin. Awesome graphics buddy. Keep up the good work on the vids.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Wendell! You’re right. I was lucky. Someday that won’t be the case! Thanks for watching!

[@peacefieldfarm_mn]

Very nice video. I really liked how you showed the path of that pipe. You have a great video editing system, and know how to use it. Thanks Martin, and Cheers!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you! I use Corel Video Studio which is a mediocre program, but I’ve learned to get the most out of it by combining it with PowerPoint, GIMP, and Audacity to get those effects. Thanks for watching!

[@abbarnes5]

I had the same leak. For an added measure of challenge, the screw clamp was facing up!

[@DIYMyWay]

Yes, it was the same in my case too. Aggravating! Thanks for watching!

[@bonnieparker1238]

I would love to know what you cleaned the tractor with to get all the oil build up off?

[@DIYMyWay]

Soap, water and a rag or car sponge. I scrape heavy grease buildup off with a putty knife first. Thanks for watching!

[@jdjack7412]

Glad it was an easy fix. Great job on the video and providing another good educational tool for others!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, JD! I appreciate it!

[@d.a.ballou9740]

Always great information and beautiful illustrations. Thank you

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you for your kind words, D.A.!

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Hey Martin! Sorry you had a little trouble with your tractor, but looks like you got it all straightened out without much difficulty. Good video!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Phil! Yep, all’s well that ends well. Hopefully no more leaks for a long time. Thanks for watching!

[@jjnatte9996]

Had this same thing happen yesterday. Gonna hope I can tighten it up. Thanks

[@DIYMyWay]

Good luck! Thanks for watching!

[@Clint_Page1]

Can you do a video on adding a system hydraulic pressure gauge. I’d like one but don’t know how.

[@DIYMyWay]

I have one that I test with and I can make a video on how to use it. Would that be helpful? Usually there is not a need to have one permanently in the system once you’ve tested the pressure. Thanks for watching!

[@Clint_Page1]

@@DIYMyWay yes that would be helpful. I thought I was loosing pressure on loader. Thought it would help. But yeah I don’t even know how to check it so that would help thx.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Martin! I had a leak on my kubota when i first got it! Ive heard some crazy stories of some high pressure systems in like excavators actually breaking skin from the pressure! Almost like a water jet! Luckily our tractors are lower pressure compared to high flow excavator! Thanks for sharing! God Bless!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Jay! Yeah, even the high pressure portions of our tractors cause an injection injury if your skin gets close to a pinhole high pressure leak. Not good! Thanks for watching!

[@stevesapiary]

I'm checking that hose clamp first thing tomorrow! My L3800 only has one oil cooler in front of the radiator. What is that second cooler for on your 3901?

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Kay! That little one on the right is the fuel cooler, although I have no idea why the fuel would need cooling. Thanks for watching!

[@EugeneCapeder]

Great video, I appreciate your attention to details - well done.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you very much, Gene! Glad you liked it!

[@brandono.1823]

Another great video as always! I will definitely be checking my hose on my next maintenance!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Brandon!

[@brandono.1823]

I just had to come back and say thanks again for this video. I had a leak and low and behold, it was the same issue you had. All fixed and good to go thanks to you!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Brandon! Glad to hear the video helped you fix your leak!

[@bryantjones8039]

Thank you for the video. I too have a small hydraulic fluid leak. What hydraulic fluid should be refill it with? Thanks in advance.

[@DIYMyWay]

You’re welcome, Bryant! If you have a Kubota, it will probably be the same as the rest of the hydraulic system - Kubota UDT 2. Otherwise, check your tractor manual. Thanks for watching!

[@larrycainjr]

Thanks, Martin! Great job showing everything.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for watching, Larry!

[@tomvonkamecke7136]

Thanks you always make it look easy. Nice graphics too!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Tom! Fortunately this time it was easy. Thanks for watching!

[@tomvonkamecke7136]

Always a pleasure watching.

[@ricktallichet9693]

That was a very good videos. The clamp on mine was a bit loose. So I did tighten it as shown in your video. Unfortunately I still have the drip leak coming from that area. Does anyone know if the rubber hose connects the same way on the other end with a clamp closer to the steering box? As you said not much room in there to see or work.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Rick! I think the other end is also held on by a clamp. Also, there could be a crack in the hose if it has become brittle. Good luck!

[@ItsaboutMakingnotBuying]

Martin glade too see it was an easy fix. Later

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Mech!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good evening Sir, great inspection and an easy fixe in deed 👍😊 Now, I would probably lock wire that clamp or install a second one beside it but that is me ,,, but I did burn out a transmission and it was a cooling line going toward the radiator and that hose was in bad condition ( deteriorating ) Great video Sir Cheers !!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Dave! A second clamp is a good idea! Thanks! Ooo! Burned out a transmission, eh? Yikes! Thanks for watching!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@DIYMyWay Yes it happen on my old Dodge Ram Van !!! After that I change all the steel and rubber lines and install 2 radiators !!! LOL CHeers !!!

[@patrickthomas6170]

Great highliting of cooler line in video! My 2008 L3400 no leak yet , better read manual fine print about changing line every 2 years? Also maybe invest in assorted ratchet extensions with and without wobble to get to hard to reach areas . Cheap at HF but get the job done

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Patrick! I really think that 2 year recommendation is a CYA kinda recommendation. The hose was loose, but showed no other deterioration. I could be wrong though! I have the rachet extensions and flex joint thingies, but didn’t need them in this case. There are plenty areas up in there where I would absolutely need them. Thanks for watching!

[@JasonSmith-vd1sz]

That was very informative thank you for posting.

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad you thought so! Thanks for watching, Jason!

[@b.p.3743]

Well I will definately keep an eye on mine... I'm kinda surprised they say to replace it every two years, that's actually a bit dissapointment to think that hose only has a two year lifespan.

[@DIYMyWay]

That’s probably a deliberate safety margin to make sure it doesn’t fail. The hoses will probably last a lot longer than that. Mine had no signs of cracking or becoming brittle yet. Thanks for watching!

[@b.p.3743]

@@DIYMyWay My professional experience with a lot of recommendations like this one is that manufacturers have come excessively conservative in their recommendations to avoid lawsuits and complaints. So now they just say to replace the item at a very conservative point, then no one can ever complain or accuse you of negligence in the design. Thanks again for posting the video, I will definitely keep an eye on my l3301

[@DIYMyWay]

You hit the nail on the head! Exactly right!

[@gckshea]

Nice sleuthing! And blessings it wasn't a big deal, though have fun replacing that hose as a maintenance item. Which video editing software are you using to highlight hoses and tubings the different colors? Nicely done.

[@DIYMyWay]

You are right, Graham. It will be loads of fun replacing that hose. I use PowerPoint to do the highlights from still pictures or freeze frames from the video editing software. Thanks for watching!

[@harryjoebatdorf]

Thank you ! Same thing on my new L3901 with 19 hrs. on it .

[@DIYMyWay]

Wow! With just 19 hours on it! Thanks for watching!

[@judsonpratt2543]

Appreciate the video sir.. stay safe

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks! You too, Judson!

[@craigerpc]

Did you ever watch GP out doors episode on how dangerous hydrolic oil is to your blood stream. Aka never go looking for a leak while under pressure

[@DIYMyWay]

Yes, I did see that video. That’s why the tractor was not running during the inspection. Thanks for watching!

[@JD-xb8ff]

Great video, thank you.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you for watching, J D!

[@rickvb2709]

Good video. Thanks

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for watching, Rick!

[@sagebel]

I found the same leak during my 50hr maintenance.

[@DIYMyWay]

At 50 hours??? Yikes! Was the hose clamp loose like mine? Thanks for watching!

[@sagebel]

@@DIYMyWay The clamp was snug on the hose but not tight. The drive nut was facing up. I loosened the nut a bit and rotated the clamp so the drive nut faced down. After that, I could get a nut driver on it to tighten properly.

[@DIYMyWay]

That was exactly what I had to do too, Scott.

[@davidmartin303]

Another great video. What did you use to remove the excess oil so you could track down the leak, any particular product you recommend ? I am going to be a new L3901 owner in the next 30 days and have most of your video saved for future reference, I find them better than most factory produced ones. Keep up the great videos and stay safe.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you for the kind words, David! I used an old rag and I highly recommend it. LOL! The leak would drip very slowly with the engine off. After tightening the hose clamp, no more drips. Congrats on soon being the proud owner of an L3901! I’m sure you’ll love it. Again, thanks for the encouraging words! I really appreciate it!