The 10 Mistakes That Cost Kubota Equipment Owners the Most

Most major repairs don’t happen by accident. They are often the result of a minor problem that was ignored for too long.

After 25 years at Kubota, René Lengacher, who has served as Service Manager at Kubota Max Gagné for the past two years, has seen thousands of machines come through his hands. In this article, he shares the most common mistakes and, most importantly, how to avoid them.

In Summary

• The most costly errors observed in the shop
• Bad Habits That Shorten the Lifespan of a Kubota
• Why Preventive Maintenance Pays Off
• Tips from Our Technicians
• How to Avoid Costly Downtime

The Most Expensive Repairs Are Often The Easiest To Avoid

When a machine arrives at the shop, many owners assume that a part has simply “failed.” However, in many cases, the problem had actually begun several weeks, or even several months earlier.

After 25 years at Kubota, René Lengacher, who has served as Service Manager at Kubota Max Gagné for the past two years, says that most major repairs could have been avoided with a few good maintenance habits.

« Lack of maintenance is by far the most common issue we see. »

Here are the ten most common mistakes we see in our workshops.

René

1. Waiting For A Breakdown To Occur Before Taking Action

Unsurprisingly, this is the number one mistake.

Many owners put off maintenance as long as the machine is still running. However, a worn belt, a clogged filter, or contaminated fluid can be replaced before they lead to a much more serious breakdown.

Preventive maintenance is almost always less expensive than an emergency repair.

2. Ignoring An Unusual Noise Or Behavior

Your Kubota is talking to you:

• An unusual noise.
• A vibration.
• A loss of power.
• A leak.

All of these signs indicate that it’s time to have your equipment inspected.

The sooner we take action, the simpler the repairs will be.

Like René puts it:

« As soon as you notice something unusual, it’s best to see a doctor. »

3. Using Fuel That Is Too Old

This is a much more common problem than you might think!

With modern fuels, gasoline degrades more quickly than it used to.

After several months of storage, it can prevent the engine from starting properly.

In the spring, it is therefore recommended to use fresh fuel and add a stabilizer when the machine is stored for an extended period.

4. Allowing Contaminants To Enter The Tank

That’s probably the most surprising anecdote from this interview.

Every year, the service team finds the following in the tanks:

• fallen leaves;
• pine needles;
• insects;
• and even… ladybugs.

This debris eventually clogs the fuel system.

Result: The machine won’t start.

To fix the problem, it is sometimes necessary to completely remove the tank, clean it, and then reinstall it. This process can easily take several hours.

However, just a few seconds of attention while filling it up is enough to prevent this from happening.

5. Mixing Gasoline And Diesel

It happens more often than you’d think; a faulty can, a moment of distraction, and the wrong fuel ends up in the tank.

The engine may then run very poorly, lose power, or fail to restart at all.

The solution is often to completely drain the fuel system before restarting the engine.

One simple step can help prevent this mistake: always use a yellow container for diesel and a red container for gasoline.

This is exactly the kind of situation that shows how a small savings made at the time of purchase can quickly end up costing much more in diagnostics, downtime, and labor.

6. Buying Lower-Quality Filters

The price is sometimes tempting.

But not all filters are created equal.

According to René, the technicians have already compared Kubota filters and compatible filters by taking them apart.

The difference in design is very real.

In some cases, non-compliant hydraulic filters have even caused transmission malfunctions.

The savings made at the time of purchase can therefore quickly be wiped out by the cost of repairs.

7. Neglecting The Hydraulic Fluid

Engine oil is important, but hydraulic oil is just as important.

It ensures the smooth operation of many of your equipment’s systems.

Kubota recommends using an oil specially formulated for its hydraulic systems to ensure optimal protection.

Using an unsuitable product can accelerate component wear.

8. Skipping Daily Inspections

It only takes a few minutes before each use to check:

• the oil level;
• leaks;
• tires or tracks;
• the overall condition of the machine;
• the hour meter.

These simple checks often help detect a problem before it becomes serious.

9. Neglecting Seasonal Preparation

Each change of season brings its own challenges.

In the spring, you should check the fluids and use fresh fuel.

In the fall, you need to prepare for the switch to winter diesel.

In winter, a fuel stabilizer and a smart battery charger can help prevent several starting problems.

According to René, switching from summer to winter fuel is one of the most common mistakes made by owners of diesel-powered equipment.

10. Thinking Of Maintenance As An Expense

That’s probably the biggest misconception.

Preventive maintenance is not an expense.

It’s insurance against unexpected downtime.

For a landscaping contractor, a farmer, or a construction company, a machine that is out of service can quickly lead to significant delays, additional costs, and a loss of revenue.

Maintenance allows you to plan for repairs rather than be caught off guard by them.

The Best Repair Is The One You Avoid

At Kubota Montreal and Kubota Max Gagné, we see equipment every day that could last even longer with a few good habits:

• Regular maintenance.
• Genuine parts.
• Simple inspections.
• Above all, never wait until a minor problem turns into a major repair.

As René points out, good service isn’t just about repairing a machine.

Above all, it involves supporting property owners so they can work with confidence, season after season.

FAQ

What is the main cause of repairs on a Kubota?

A lack of preventive maintenance is the most common cause identified by our technicians.

Can old fuel prevent a Kubota from starting?

Yes. Gasoline that has gone stale loses its properties and can cause starting problems or engine malfunction.

Why use genuine Kubota filters?

Genuine filters are designed to Kubota’s specifications and provide filtration tailored to the brand’s hydraulic systems and engines.

How often should you inspect your equipment?

A visual inspection and a check of fluid levels are recommended before each use.

How can you avoid costly repairs?

Follow the maintenance schedule, use genuine parts, check your machine regularly, and contact a technician immediately if you notice any unusual behavior.

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Kubota Max Gagné

For several decades now, Kubota Max Gagné supports farmers, business owners, municipalities, and homeowners with Kubota equipment renowned for its quality. Our team offers personalized consulting services, an extensive inventory of genuine parts, a specialized workshop, and award-winning after-sales service to help you get the most out of your investment.