I just purchased a new zd221 and after mowing for about 2 hrs I went to use the hydraulic deck lift and it wouldnt raise. Sounded like it was straining to. I let it sit about 30 minutes and if started working. It doesnt seem to raise as fast as it should. Anyone know anything about these deck lifts?
New ZD221-54 troubleshooting
- Thread starter clayswen
- Start date
Check the hydro quantity level making sure it's not low or high. Fluid could be foaming if the quantity is too low. Also check the vent for obstructions.
Scott
Scott
Last edited:
Thanks for the advice. I put the deck on the ground after mowing and shut the engine off and checked the fluid level. When I pulled to measure, the stick was all foamy. The level after sitting was near the bottom mark. Does this sound right to you? Thanks for the help. This is my first kubota.
BINGO - Good find
To answer your question, yes it does sound right if the fluid is low.
Now, if you haven't, let it sit for several hours to cool off then check the level and add as needed.
Keep us updated,
Scott
I put additional fluid in and tried it again. It raises when the mower is cool, but after 2 hrs of mowing and the engine is warm the deck wont lift. Let it cool and it raises again, but it raises slower than usual and sounds like it is straining to pick it up. Vent is clean and fluid is right.
Any more suggestions?
Any more suggestions?
Ok, going back to the basic. You just purchased this and have put hardly any hours on it. Since it's brand new you might want to contact the dealer and take advantage of your warranty.
The fluid level is good and now it sounds as if something is overheating. Maybe there is an area that requires good air flow that is being obstructed.
Like I mentioned though, since it's brand new I would be calling the dealer.
First I'm a new member to the forum but not to Kubota engines as I have two in my Bobcat loaders. They have treated me well so I just bought today a ZD221-54. Got it home and started to mow. A little getting used to but after a couple of passes we were off and running. Mower had .9 hours on it when I unloaded at the property. At about 2.5 hours I could no longer get the deck to raise. I had Googled this problem, found this forum and checked hydro fluid levels and looked for any foaming. Level were good and no foam/air bubbles in fluid. After about two hours I when back to the mower and the deck went up all the way. Either this just how these mowers are made or I'm having some sort of overheating problem. Please chime. Yes I know it's under warranty and I will be calling the dealer on Monday. But this would be good info for later when the dealer is no longer in the picture. Thanks for your help, Chris
Last edited:
Daren Todd
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
Massey Ferguson 1825E, Kubota Z121S, Box blade, Rotary Cutter
Chris, please post back what the dealer comes up with for a solution. It could help someone out who may not be under warranty still
Hello all. New to this site after buying a 2015 ZD221-48. I also had the deck issue mentioned here about no lift when hot. I called my dealer and ,after some research, they came to the conclusion the bypass valve needed to be shimmed to slightly increase the ram pressure. When the fluid and all the parts get hot it seems that the factory setting is too light, hence the valve opening to soon and reducing the pressure to the deck ram. The dealer is picking up my mower on 7/27/15 to do the warranty repair. I'll post after I use it with the valve shimmed to let all know how it goes. Although fluids are not compressible, when heat is involved and the fluid expands, things can be affected, so I'll see how it goes.
UPDATE 08/08/15: After the adjustment on the bypass valve and over an hour in my pasture in grass over the foot rest, the deck will lift fully and with a very positive thump at full operating temp. So far, so good...
UPDATE 08/08/15: After the adjustment on the bypass valve and over an hour in my pasture in grass over the foot rest, the deck will lift fully and with a very positive thump at full operating temp. So far, so good...
Last edited:
Do you know what shim size they put in? I have the same issue. I usually just up the idle and then it lifts ok.
U have to check the pressure to know where u are at. Then shim a little at a time until pressure is at the high end of spec. Remember, the pressure is tested with the engine at rated rpm which is wide open throttle, and at operating temp (which is generally about 100 deg F above ambient).
The reason I mention this is because I have seen issues with guys not testing the pressure correctly and then jamming a bunch of shims in there. Soon as they get on the equipment, cold, wide open, and hit that hydraulic function, boom-there goes something. I have seen broken 3ph housings, hoses, pumps, pipes (steel lines), valves, etc all FAIL because of amateurs listening to those on the internet who think they're all tractor mechanics. I got 30 years of it and it was all I could take given all the major changes happening. So I have at least some clue. I ain't perfect and never claimed to be but you do have to be mindful when dealing with hydraulics.
The reason I mention this is because I have seen issues with guys not testing the pressure correctly and then jamming a bunch of shims in there. Soon as they get on the equipment, cold, wide open, and hit that hydraulic function, boom-there goes something. I have seen broken 3ph housings, hoses, pumps, pipes (steel lines), valves, etc all FAIL because of amateurs listening to those on the internet who think they're all tractor mechanics. I got 30 years of it and it was all I could take given all the major changes happening. So I have at least some clue. I ain't perfect and never claimed to be but you do have to be mindful when dealing with hydraulics.