Kubota runs but wont move (much)

[GunChuck01]

I have a diesel Kubota 4WD L3940 with hydrostatic transmission that was working fine until the last cold snap (20’s). I started it last weekend and the motor fired up right away OK. However, when I pushed the speed control pedal, the tractor only moved a few inches before the motor bogged down and died (on level ground).
I checked the trans-hydraulic oil level and it was full. Thinking the oil was cold, I raised and lowered the front bucket and rear implement several times. I also slowly moved the tractor back and forth a little at a time, all in the hope of warming up the transmission fluid, but to no avail.
Anyone with any ideas how to get this going ?

 

[RCW]

How long since the fluid was changed?

What kind of fluid is in it?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

any chance the parking brake is kinda stuck on ????

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Barring an oops like GreenvileJay pointed out, Sounds like you have water in the fluid.
Your going to need to get it into a warm space and drain all the fluid.
Then all new fluid and filters.

 

[RCW]

Barring an oops like GreenvileJay pointed out, Sounds like you have water in the fluid.
Your going to need to get it into a warm space and drain all the fluid.
Then all new fluid and filters.

Yep, my thought was incorrect fluid or water.

 

[lugbolt]

does it bog and die if you move the speed control pedal forward-backward while the range selector lever is in neutral? Try it.

 

[rbargeron]

Sounds like water in the fluid. It should be clear. Water will turn it light greyish and the HST will complain. I've seen an HST filter that had collapsed internally - thought to be caused by iced-up fluid.

 

[armylifer]

To me it sounds like the diesel has gelled. The OP said temps got in 20's. That is just near the gel point for #2 diesel that is not treated. I bet it starts and runs fine after the temp gets over 35. If it does, treat your diesel and it will be fine.

 

[random]

Looks like there's a lot of anti-gel additives out there. Any in particular you've had good luck with?

 

[armylifer]

I use Power Service in the white bottle in the winter. The silver bottle in the summer.

Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost - Power Service

Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost prevents fuel gelling and protects against fuel-filter icing in diesel fuel engines.

powerservice.com