L6060 steering binding

[kubotafreak]

Great find! I wish I could have been more help. Still truck-less at the moment. Everything you posted makes sense now.

Thanks Ruger for your insight, sometimes you got to see to believe.
I am eager to try a version of this on my machine too when I get a chance. Im excited!

 

[troverman]

dgtvrpepair, for those who have not been following the whole thread, can you clarify what needs to be done to correct this problem in simple steps?

I do not know where the steering controller is located, what size new hose needs to be run, how long, etc. Is the extra cooler necessary?

Thanks,
Tyler (troverman)

 

[dgtvrpepair]

dgtvrpepair, for those who have not been following the whole thread, can you clarify what needs to be done to correct this problem in simple steps?

I do not know where the steering controller is located, what size new hose needs to be run, how long, etc. Is the extra cooler necessary?

Thanks,
Tyler (troverman)

Fig no G110xx is the steering controller. It is located under front of tractor between frame, has 4 lines connected to it. One comes from the pump output 2 go the the steering ram that moves the wheels left or right. Then a 4rth is a return line. In the 1rst image, take small short line 010 loose from controller. Get a 1/2" brass plug that is used for pex water pipe and plug that line. Then get a new line about 12' long that is 1/2 ID and connect it on the steering controller to the place you removed the short hose. Run that line to a cooler if you choose to add one then on to the back of the tractor like I did in the previous image. Make certain to use the spot that has the plug removed with the elbow installed in the image. Some of the spots can't be used for it. Most small coolers don't have a flow direction but look at it for an arrow for direction of flow. The flow is going from front of controller to rear of tractor. I don't know if the cooler is needed but I am in a hot climate and it can't hurt. I ran it first without one and it seemed to be fine. The transmission oil is still going though the cooler before retuning to the pump and it has the majority of oil going though it. The second image shows the steering controller with the hose disconnected and the plug in the 3rd image installed at the end of that hose. The 4rth image is the street elbow that goes at the back of the tractor. It has male threads that are iron pipe threads, this screws into the place where the plug was. The plug has to be remove with an allen wrench. Then you need a fitting that has 1/2" MIP-Male pipe treads on one end and the pex type on the other end for the hose to go onto. It is really easy to get to if you take the bolts out of the seat mounting pan and hinge it up.. If you have a cab open the back window, slide seat partway forward and raise the pan and seat up on rear hinge. Their is a short metal arm that can support the seat and hold it for service position. Like a mini rod that holds a car hood up. All these fittings need to be brass so the oil won't degrade them in my opinion. If you use teflon tape like I did on the elbow, then make certain it is not too close to the end of the threads so it can't get into the hydraulic system. This line does not have any pressure on it just return oil flow so doesn't require high pressure hoses and fittings. You could use them but would be way more expensive. I would recommend getting the hose that is for power steering pumps because it can handle high temps. They sell it by the foot at most auto parts stores. I hope this helps.

 

[troverman]

Thanks, that helps a lot. I guess "steering controller" threw me off, that device is a steering box to me, very similar to what would be on a car without rack and pinion steering. And thanks for providing exactly the other parts needed. I live in NH where we do have some hot days in the summer but plenty cold in the fall and winter, so I might pass on the extra cooler but like you say, a good idea for hotter areas. I have a cab, thanks for the tips on access there as well. This should be made a sticky by a moderator.

 

[ColumboNH]

I found this thread googling a similar problem on my L4060. It’s about a year old with 65 hours. When turning the wheel and traveling at lower speeds it feels like there are “dead spots” where there is no steering feedback or response. Has anyone else experienced this and did this fix correct it?

Also, for those of you who performed this fix (@troverman and @dgtvrpepair) and have some hours on the tractor, has the problem returned? Any other unintended side effects? Thank you and thanks for a great user community!

 

[dgtvrpepair]

I found this thread googling a similar problem on my L4060. It’s about a year old with 65 hours. When turning the wheel and traveling at lower speeds it feels like there are “dead spots” where there is no steering feedback or response. Has anyone else experienced this and did this fix correct it?

Also, for those of you who performed this fix (@troverman and @dgtvrpepair) and have some hours on the tractor, has the problem returned? Any other unintended side effects? Thank you and thanks for a great user community!

Mine has been great. I have mowed about 30 acres 3 times and never had a steering problem again. I mow with a John Deere 390 flail mower. I have not noticed any thing negative by doing this. Lift capacity seems to be the same with loader and 3 point hitch-speed seems to be the same and still have the same pulling power as far as I can tell. Just make certain you are not having a problem with the rubber boot grabbing on the steering shaft where it goes through the cab. You may not have that rubber boot because yours doesn't actually have a cab. Also make certain that the bushing that the steering shaft goes through on the right side of the tractor isn't seizing up a drop of oil on it goes a long ways.

 

[Exlege]

Can Anyone confirm if this issue has been fixed on new units? If I buy a grand L today is this issue still present?

 

[JRM1182]

I just purchased a used L4060 with the same issues. I wonder if Kubota ever fixed this issue.