Kubota Tractor Won’t Start Just Clicks – What Could Be Wrong?

If your Kubota tractor is having trouble starting, finishing your work can be tough. What could be wrong that would cause this problem? Don't worry; we have researched to help you pinpoint the culprit of this issue!

If your Kubota tractor won't start, it could be due to the following:

  • Dead Battery
  • Corroded Battery Terminals
  • Loose Battery Connection
  • Faulty Safety Switches
  • Bad Starter Motor
  • Failing Starter Solenoid
  • Bad Starter Relay
  • Check Electrical Connections
  • Inspect Wiring

When you are having issues starting your Kubota tractor, you must troubleshoot the mechanical components. This article will discuss how to check each mechanical part listed above. In addition, we will look at how to start your Kubota tractor in cold temperatures, so read on!

Kubota Tractor Won't Start Just Clicks - What Could Be Wrong?

Kubota tractors are multipurpose agricultural machines that are used for a variety of purposes on the farm. Some of the most common tasks that Kubota tractors are used for include plowing, disking, tilling, planting, and harvesting.

It can be a real inconvenience when your Kubota tractor isn't starting. Let's now delve into troubleshooting the issue so that you can get your tractor up and running again.

Take a look at these mechanical parts on your Kubota tractor if it's not starting:

Line of orange Kubota tractors

Dead Battery

Just like vehicles, tractors need battery power to start. If your Kubota tractor's battery is dead, it won't start. It's easy to test whether your battery is the issue.

It's worth charging the battery to see if this solves your problem. The voltage may be low if your tractor has been sitting for an extended time.

Corroded Battery Terminals

If your battery terminals and cables are corroded, it could prevent the flow of electricity to the starter. Take a look at your Kubota tractor's battery terminals and cables.

If corrosion is on any part of this circuit, it will make it challenging for the current to pass from the battery to the starter. You can clean the battery terminals with water and baking soda. Use a wire brush or toothbrush to clean the terminals using the mixture.

Loose Battery Connection

Mechanic checking tractor battery before operation

If the connections to your Kubota tractor's battery are loose, it can make it difficult for the current to pass. This is likely an issue if you turn your key and nothing happens.

Try tightening or loosening the battery cables to see if that corrects the problem before replacing any parts.

Faulty Safety Switches

If you're having issues starting your Kubota tractor, it could be due to faulty safety switches. These essential safety devices prevent the tractor from being started accidentally or by unauthorized individuals.

There are safety switches on different areas of the tractor to prevent this from happening. If you have tripped one of these switches, it will keep the tractor from starting.

Bad Starter Motor

If the starter motor on your Kubota tractor is bad, it won't start the engine. The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over to start.

You can test if the starter motor is bad by starting your tractor while jumping cables directly to the battery. If the tractor starts, then you probably need a new starter motor.

Failing Starter Solenoid

Generator set or genset dynamo starter motor engine close up details

If the starter solenoid on your Kubota tractor fails, it won't let power pass to the starter motor. If this happens, then you will need to replace the starter solenoid.

A few signs can indicate that the starter solenoid is bad. One sign is if the tractor won't start when you jump cables directly to the battery.

Another sign is that if the starter motor doesn't sound like it's trying to start the engine, it won't make a clicking noise. You should consider replacing the starter solenoid if you're experiencing either of these symptoms.

Bad Starter Relay

Just like the starter solenoid, if your relay is bad, it won't let power pass to the starter. You might need a new starter relay if you hear a humming or buzzing noise when you turn your key.

Check Electrical Connections

After you've examined the battery and starter components, the next step is to ensure all electrical connections are secure and corrosion-free. This includes checking the connections to the starter motor and solenoid.

Corrosion or loose connections can impede the electrical current for starting the tractor. A thorough inspection and cleaning of these connections can often resolve starting issues.

Inspect Wiring

Another critical area to inspect is the tractor's wiring. Look for any signs of damaged, frayed, or exposed wiring. Damaged wiring can cause electrical shorts or breaks in the circuit, leading to insufficient power reaching the starter motor.

This issue can manifest as a clicking sound when attempting to start the tractor. Repairing or replacing damaged wiring is crucial for ensuring a reliable electrical system.

Where is the Starter Relay on A Kubota?

The starter relay can be found near the battery on most Kubota tractors. This part looks like a large bullet with two wires coming out.

Check your fuse box and locate the 5A fuse, which should be labeled "starter relay." Remove this fuse and check if you still have power going to the starter. If you do, that is a sign that the starter relay is bad.

Row of Kubota loader tractors at dealership

How Do You Test A Starter Solenoid on A Tractor?

The best way to test a starter solenoid on a tractor is by using a multimeter to see if you have continuity. This device can read voltage and resistance, so you can test the solenoid to see if it has a short or complete circuit.

If you don't have access to a multimeter, then there are some checks you can do by checking different parts on the tractor.

One of these is to attach jumper cables from your battery directly to the starter on a Kubota. Then, if it starts, you know the problem lies either in the battery or the cables.

How Do You Bypass the Starter on A Kubota Tractor?

If you've tried all these steps to see if the starter solenoid is bad and is still not fixed, you might need to bypass the starter.

A way to bypass the starter is by holding a screwdriver to the terminals of the starter motor. This will allow the starter solenoid to connect and transfer power to the starter.

Remember this can cause a spark and even ruin the starter solenoid. So, only use this method as your last resort.

How Do You Start A Kubota Tractor in the Cold?

It can be tough to start if you need your Kubota tractor in frigid weather conditions. To start the tractor in the cold, then you have some options.

Your first option, if available, is to park the tractor in a heated garage. This will allow the mechanical components to warm up so the tractor can start easily. Next, you can use a block heater. This will warm up the air around the tractor and help it start.

Another proper method is to remove the tractor's battery when it's not in use. Then, store the battery in a warm place and install it when starting the tractor.

Lastly, if you don't have a block heater, you can use a propane gas tank connected to a heater and set it in front of your Kubota tractor. Like a block heater or a heated garage, this will help the tractor warm up to start.

A tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer

Final Thoughts

Having a properly functioning tractor is vital to some people's income. If your Kubota tractor isn't starting, start with the battery first. Check to see that it isn't dead or needs replacing. If the battery is OK, check the starter components to see if they work correctly.

For more articles, check these out:

John Deere Tractor Won’t Start Just Clicks—What Could Be Wrong?

How To Load Tires Onto A Tractor

20 Types Of Tires You Should Know

KUBOTA diesel tractor near the lake, Kubota Tractor Won't Start Just Clicks - What Could Be Wrong?

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One comment

  1. None of these things have anything to do with the engine just clicking when you try to start?
    Air in Fuel Lines
    Failing Fuel Pump
    Bad Fuel Quality
    Overheating Engine
    Clogged Fuel Filter or Fuel Lines

    It is an electrical problem!

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