If your Kubota tractor is having trouble starting, it can make it tough to get your work done. What could be wrong that would cause this problem? Not to worry, we have researched to help you pinpoint the culprit to 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
- Air in Fuel Lines
- Failing Fuel Pump
- Bad Fuel Quality
- Overheating Engine
- Clogged Fuel Filter or Fuel Lines
When you are having issues starting your Kubota tractor, you will need to troubleshoot the mechanical components. This article will discuss how to check each of these mechanical parts listed above. In addition, we will take a 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:
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 enough to test whether or not your battery is the issue.
It's worth charging the battery to see if this solves your problem. If your tractor has been sitting for an extended period of time, then the voltage may be low.
Corroded Battery Terminals
If your battery terminals and cables are corroded, it could be preventing the flow of electricity to the starter. Take a look at your Kubota tractor's battery terminals and cables.
It will make it challenging for the current to pass from the battery to the starter if corrosion is on any part of this circuit. 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
If the connections to your Kubota tractor's battery are loose, it can make it difficult for the current to pass. If you turn your key and nothing happens, this is a very likely issue.
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 are essential safety devices that 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 to see 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
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're jumping 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 even a clicking noise. If you're experiencing either of these symptoms, then you should consider replacing the starter solenoid.
Bad Starter Relay
Just like the starter solenoid, if your relay is bad, it won't let power pass to the starter. If you hear a humming or buzzing noise when you turn your key, then you might need a new starter relay.
Air in Fuel Lines
If your Kubota tractor is having trouble starting, it could be air in the fuel lines. This happens when there is a blockage in the fuel line, preventing the flow of gasoline to the engine.
One way to troubleshoot this issue is to disconnect the fuel line and bleed them out one at a time.
Failing Fuel Pump
If the fuel pump on your Kubota tractor is bad, it won't be able to provide the engine with gasoline. This will cause the engine not to start. Also, like cars, Kubota fuel pumps will make a whining noise when they fail.
If you hear this noise or can tell the tractor is struggling to start, it could be a sign that the fuel pump needs replacing.
Bad Fuel Quality
If the fuel quality is bad, it can cause your Kubota tractor not to start. The fuel might be contaminated with water or dirt, which will prevent the engine from starting.
This is possible with the type of work and conditions tractors are used in. In addition, if your Kubota tractor hasn't been used for a while, then the fuel could be old and need to be drained and replaced.
Overheating Engine
If the engine on your Kubota tractor is overheating, it can cause the tractor not to start. The most common reason for an overheating engine is a lack of coolant.
If you're experiencing this issue, you should check the coolant level in the radiator and make sure it's complete. You might also need to replace the coolant or find where the leak is coming from.
If you continue to have issues, there may be something else wrong with your tractor. For example, replacement engine parts could be damaged and need replacing, which will prevent it from starting.
Clogged Fuel Filter or Fuel Lines
If the fuel filter or fuel lines on your Kubota tractor are clogged, it will prevent the engine from starting. This happens because the clog will stop the flow of gasoline to the engine.
One way to troubleshoot this issue is by disconnecting the fuel line and blowing compressed air into them. If you can't blow air through the fuel line, then you know there is a blockage, and you'll need to clear it.
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.
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 a 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 it's still not fixed, then 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.
Keep in mind; 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 have an easy start. 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 take the battery out of the tractor 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.
Final Thoughts
Having a properly functioning tractor is vital to their income for some people. 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 are working correctly.
For more articles, check these out:
John Deere Tractor Won’t Start Just Clicks—What Could Be Wrong?