Kubota Starting Problems

I was asked to take a look at this problem, and I solved it by installing a Starter Relay Kit that he bought from John Deere. I believe it should work on any tractor. What I found was that the starter wasn't getting enough voltage, sometimes reading only 10 volts, which caused intermittent issues. This solution should fix your problem.
Parts used:
Starter Relay Kit - AM107421: amzn.to/3sEl29D
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DISCLAIMER: This video includes Amazon affiliate links. This means that if you click on any of the product links provided in the Description or in the video, "Channel Ron" will receive a small commission

[@craigrogers1055]

I had the same issue with my BX2230, I ordered the part from Amazon for $24.99 . It corrected the problem, just had to make a few minor adjustments for the wiring connector. She starts every time now!😊 You make a good clear, easy to understand video. Thanks for sharing this video, the headache is gone!

[@channelron3593]

Glad I could help

[@cesar8ramirez]

Exactly what I need. Do you have the part number? My bx2230 giving me the same headache

[@timroetoolman]

Can you provide the link, or part number? Thanks in advance.

[@vpisano13446]

Could you post the part you purchased on Amazon.

[@peckerwood6078]

It's a good demo video and will be doing this with my neighbours tractor! However, rather than having two ill fitting connectors I would have popped the lead out of the original connector to use on the new relay lead and use the new connector relocated to pair up with the JD connector which would have not required any sniping off of the plug retainer and no tie wrap retainers. If you can use the original plug it was the best choice. Even if you just cut the wire two inches back from the plug and solder/shrink wrapped its wire to use the original plug in the original receptacle with the original plug retainer on the lead. Better choice. Otherwise well done. A plastic standoff behind the cover above the starter secured with a self taping sheetmetal screw (small pilot hole first) would have protected the relay and made it a cleaner final instal. Hind sight is 20/20 and you did a great job describing the issue. A great solution which based on all the R&R ($$$) that Kubota techs did was more than likely entirely unnecessary! You're the kind of guy I much prefer to take my machine to. A pressure plate retaining bolt that had fallen down into the gap between the tranny body and the ring gear preventing the engine from turning over. It was diagnosed "Sized engine! Solution; " $6K and we'll get you on your way. $100 tow to my Buddys place and he went into his pit and popped the inspection plate off and with a light and long thin screwdriver removed the offending bolt and I got another 100K KM out of that engine. Dealerships are the least likely of my places to find the right answers. Thanks for the great video. Lee

[@rondumont74]

Sincere thanks Ron - had issues today - battery good - key switch worked for glow plugs - but did nothing in next position for starter. Solution after listening to you - turn key for glow plugs 10 sec - the use screw driver to jump at starter solenoid between positive battery and ignition flat lead - giving full battery to starter vs relying on less power coming from key switch. Two hours wasted trying other stuff. So your idea of a momentary push button switch will be my go to mod for kicking the starter. I’ll continue to use the key to prewarm glow plugs. Thanks again for your video

[@channelron3593]

Your welcome!

[@rhymereason3449]

Thanks, got one for my B2100.... VERY helpful to see someone going thru the paces. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@susanbryan1865]

Thanks so much, we have been battling this problem for over a year. Taken it to a dealer and they had no problem with starting. Put in the new relay and haven't had a problem since.

[@channelron3593]

Thank you! it's not the dealers fault they hire mechanics not Electrical engineers (:

[@JimMicheleKuleszaFamily-zi5tq]

Just installed on Kubota bx2230. Just note that the starter solenoid has a male end. The harness also is male, so you have to cut the wire and put a female on. No big deal. This works very well!

[@channelron3593]

Yes you will have to make some modifications, the wiring son some of these can be a bit different, you should be fine.

[@bradencarpenter6817]

Thanks! Had the same symptoms with my ZD28 mower, install was very similar. Huge help.

[@channelron3593]

Thanks! sorry if it was a little wordy.

[@ronb441]

what a great presentation- I have a Kubota L4310 hst- and sometimes it starts and sometime not- the Kubota told me to that the safety switches are in the PTO lever or the clutch- he said to keep the starter switch engaged and keep engaging the clutch or and keep moving the pto lever- not working- will this kit solve my problem? HELP I have my tractor sold

[@JackProsa]

Older Kubota's have a momentary contact for glow plugs in the ignition switch you turn the key CCW for glow plug only , Than as usual CW to start and disabling glow plugs... maybe install a igntion switch from an older tractor.

[@60BloodyChamp60]

I have a small Kubota tractor like this with the same problem. The tick tick tick. It took me HOURS to take the solenoid off. That was the most aggravating place to get an allen wrench into...and yeah it had to be an allen wrench wtf. So I’m replacing the solenoid out of principal now that I have it off after so much struggling. Next I’ll do this or a new starter if it still doesn’t crank.

[@channelron3593]

This should fix your problem.

[@dwightcoggin7031]

Great video. I have a 2014 Kubota MX5100. I thought my problem was the starter. However, my problem is that nothing comes on If I turn the switch nothing happens. No dash lights, no head lights, etc. The kicker is that the hazard lights won't even work. I have check the battery and all the fuses in the fuse block and the two big ones under the steering wheel (50amp and 30 amp). I get power to the starter. Any suggestions

[@channelron3593]

I would start at the lights and follow them so see where the power is supposed to come from.

[@Chugwater_Cowboy]

If the engine won't start, how do you get the hydraulic pumps to raise the bucket?

[@paulbecker6124]

I've just been reaching down and lining up the starter gear with the fly wheel and mine starts. But this makes sense. It doesn't have enough power to self align.

[@channelron3593]

Yep this will work.

[@ski35off34]

Just replaced ignition switch to address same issue on Kubota 3710HST. Likely not the right fix - may try this next. Thks.

[@moodondie]

Any update as of 9/17/22, has the problem ever come back since the fix? Great video too!

[@channelron3593]

No I have talk to the owner and was told working great.

[@SlackerU]

I'm only getting 10v too but on a 70s-series. My PTO switch is always causing issues. So I need to find the weak wire/connector dropping too many volts.

[@channelron3593]

Kubota is a good tractor they just need to fire their wiring engineer and stat over.

[@SlackerU]

@@channelron3593 Has anyone disassembled the key switch, the master switch, to see if it has dirty contacts or something. A new switch is $35 but I haven't tried to disassemble mine yet as the service manual doesn't really discuss it.

[@stevebrooks1110]

Have the same issue with my b2400 kubota. Can you do a video on hooking up a momentary switch?

[@channelron3593]

I gave back to customer if i get another one I will, but with that I will start looking to find one to do.

[@ezyjack826]

we have a BX1860 that isn't starting. when we turn the key we don't get any activity on the dash (lights or gauges). would that be consistent with this issue? is there a way to test if this is the problem before ordering the kit? ty

[@channelron3593]

A bit hard to diagnose with words. get a meter and check you key switch.

[@matthewbaynard]

What other kits have you used. That kit is $75 now for a relay. Says for John Deere also and not a Kubota.

[@channelron3593]

The kit isn't anything extraordinary; all you really need is a relay, which the owner bought for me to install. They tend to hike up the price just because it's packaged as a kit.

[@jdesafety]

What is the part number for this starter relay switch? I bought one on Amazon and everything was good, however I came down to the last plug as you shown on here and it was two male ends, not one female and one male end. I'm going to cut them and slice them together and see if that still works. Thanks for the video!

[@channelron3593]

Starter Relay Kit - AM107421: amzn.to/3sEl29D and what you do should work fine.

[@coreyhannan4263]

My b3350 will start no problem when it's cold, but once the tractor has been run for a while, you have to let it cool down before it will start again. If you hit the key fast, it will start to roll over momentarily then stop.

[@channelron3593]

Yep this is what happen here I am pretty sure this will fix your problem, let me know.

[@coreyhannan4263]

@Channel Ron I finally got around to looking at my tractor. I replaced the starter relay, and that seems to have fixed the problem

[@kimyam7313]

​@@coreyhannan4263where is the starter relay?

[@lynnthompson9653]

Fixed my G1800 👍

[@dwightcoggin7031]

In addition to my first comment i would like to know if the hazard lights go through the main switch?

[@channelron3593]

Not sure I do not have this anymore

[@nicholaslott6163]

Where can I get this part from? I have the same lawn tractor in the video.

[@channelron3593]

amzn.to/3EROe2G it should be in the description, if not here it is, Good luck and thanks for supporting my channel.

[@davidratley9362]

Thanks, worked like a charm.

[@channelron3593]

You're welcome!

[@BigHunt206]

Would that work on my 2013 Kubota L4600 DT? If so what is part # , have the same issue. Thanks

[@channelron3593]

Yes it should work, should be a link in description.

[@BigHunt206]

@@channelron3593 Thanks brother!!

[@Chugwater_Cowboy]

how do you know you've fixed the problem since it was starting just before the installation of the "FIX" ??? ONLY time will tell. Did you do a follow up video to document the fix worked or didn't work.

[@stangssoftwash]

My BX2200 only runs when I hold the key on the start position. If I back off from the start position it shuts off. No Idea whats going on. Its only running when the starter is engaged. And when I'm holding it on the start position I can rev it up but once I put it in gear it shuts off even if I'm holding the key at the start position. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT!

[@channelron3593]

The first thing is to rule out is the switch? sounds like the contacts are bad? if you are familiar with wiring bypass the switch and use jumpers to test, provide power to the run side then bump the start side and see if that works? if that makes sense, Next check all your safety switches event if you reseat them, could be dirt or corrosion in them, some system use a closed circuit and some use a open circuit. Is is your oil up, have seen something like this with the oil cut off sensor? a bit tough but I hope this helps please let me know.

[@stangssoftwash]

@@channelron3593 bought 2 new switches and still does does it. If I take fuel solenoid out of place I can see the plunger pull in but immediately pushes back out. So I have to start the engine without the solenoid in and I can use it but when I want to shut off the tractor I have to put the solid back in to block fuel I guess.

[@conartist-fz9ss]

awesome info

[@davidu1063]

can I use a less expensive relay?

[@channelron3593]

Oh ya not a problem, the one that I used my friend had already bought it.

[@davidu1063]

@channelron3593 Thanks for the video. Threw in a relay and hasn't not turned over ever since. Appreciate your expertise

[@howardsteakley2112]

Will that kit work on a zd 326 Kubota mower?

[@channelron3593]

Im sure it will work on anything its just bypassing the power.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

I have a 03 BX 1800. I need a by pass hose. Listed as obsolete by the dealer. I was told to go look for a aftermarket or make one. My first and last kubota. I can still get parts for my 1970 Case. If you’re not mechanical, stay away from Kubota.

[@jeffreymoore902]

I blow 30amp when I turn switch to start position starter tested ok what am I missing

[@channelron3593]

sounds like you put the positive on the wrong side of relay?

[@rogerjamespaul6741]

I recently installed a new starter on my Same corsaro70 tractor, and it makes a loud rattling noise while starting the tractor. Does anyone know what the problem could be.

[@channelron3593]

sure it is a new starter. if so maybe flywheel is bad?

[@rogerjamespaul6741]

@@channelron3593 Thanks, but discovered the problem. It was a loose connector on the ignition wire, all is fine.

[@Chugwater_Cowboy]

I have serious doubts about a guy who will buy a John Deere Product for a Kubota tractor. There are Hundreds of these on Amazon, why not find one that is made for his tractor???

[@ya472]

That diagnosis makes no sense. If the Glow Plugs and the Start SOLENOID were on the same circuit, there is a poor wire connection, or the wire(circuit) has too much resistance. That is what you use a multi-meter for.

[@channelron3593]

I know, the Kubota engineers do not know they should have separated the two, which would have never happened.

[@jamesrogers8880]

You are bypassing all of the safety’s. The tractor will start in gear.

[@channelron3593]

No I am not bypassing any safety's, switches.

[@rhymereason3449]

@@channelron3593 He's STILL using the original signal wire to the starter solenoid to drive the new relay... so how could that be?

[@BeRae12]

Well, that was a waste of money and time. Tractor still clicks on, rapid clicks, and nothing. Turn key off and a couple seconds later, there's one click.

[@benitoblanco6281]

Okay p

[@benitoblanco6281]

Muy bueno video’s se aprende muncho gracias