L4701 steering question

Elbon

New member

Equipment
L4701
Aug 8, 2026
2
0
1
Illinois
First I want to say hello. Viewed the forum over the years but never participated. Hope someone can give me a little direction regarding a L4701 steering issue. Tractor is 6 years old 300 hours. I’m the only owner. Have a grapple on the front, using it to clean up downed trees from storm damage. Had a fairly heavy load and tried to turn wheel without moving. Nothing, wouldn’t turn until I started to move. Have had much heavier loads before, this hasn’t been a problem. Thinking something broke had dealer pickup. They communicate they duplicated the issue and start repairs. After weeks of repairs and parts they finally say that’s how the tractor operates. Any load on the front you have to be moving for it to turn???? I’m still waiting on a resolution with the dealer for reimbursement or fix. Out several thousand dollars for a fix that they now say is normal operation.
I understand that a heavy load could limit the static steering and movement may be necessary to help but this was never an issue before. Is the dealer just giving me a line because they can’t figure out a fix or is this how it operates.
Thanks, Elbon.
 

North Idaho Wolfman

Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
36,063
11,027
113
Sandpoint, ID
After weeks of repairs and parts they finally say that’s how the tractor operates.
You have hydrostatic steering.
It can go into relief / bypass if the back pressure is to high.
It can also can have the same reaction when the steering cylinder has a bad center seal.

Proper and simple testing is required to know which is happening.
 

Elbon

New member

Equipment
L4701
Aug 8, 2026
2
0
1
Illinois
Dealer started with the controller , then a new pump, and finally new seals for the cylinder. Supposedly under direction from kubota support. Pump passed the flow test, seal was not leaking but they replaced all . None of the repairs were authorized by me, they just kept throwing parts at it. When my original issue was not resolved I was told that’s how the tractor operates. Over 2 months dealing with this issue. Waiting on hearing from some regional guy first of the week.
 

Caden

Active member

Equipment
1979 B7100
Apr 16, 2026
248
124
43
Virginia
Evening,
Not to discount your issue in any way, but in general you shouldn't be steering without moving in the first place, especially with a load on the front axle. Not a good practice to do frequently.