3 Common Kubota M8560 Problems + Troubleshooting

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When you speak of the Kubota M8560, you talk about outstanding agility with a herculean power/weight ratio to grab any on-farm work by the horns.

It is one of the best out there for use on grassland farms and soil cultivation.

Unfortunately, it is prone to starting problems, engine overheating, and transmission issues.

Having a Kubota M8560 might start to feel like a liability instead of an asset.

But don’t worry, this article will help you cut the repair cost by half –showing you Common Kubota M8560 Problems and how to run the proper diagnostics and conduct a DIY quick fix.

So, if you are ready, let’s jump in together.

Common Kubota M8560 Problems

1. Engine Won’t Start

Before you start panicking and screaming at the top of your lungs for spending yet another fortune on a shoddy tractor.

The question is, are you even conscious of the fuel level and quality you feed the engine with?

The engine can clog the fuel system if it drinks a substantial amount of contaminated fuel. This often leads to a difficult start.

Use good quality and free-off contaminant fuel.

Also, a weak or discharged battery could be the most likely culprit.

Using a voltmeter, it is easy to check the battery status (voltage). The voltage should be gauged within the recommended range by the user manual. 

Inspect for dirty or loose terminals and act accordingly to ensure a healthy electrical connection.

Sometimes, the engine requires priming, especially if it has been idle for an extended period or the fuel system is left open during maintenance.

Priming the fuel system helps remove air, and you can do it effectively by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Engine Overheats

Toast engines are unbearable and pose a safety hazard.

When your engine is seething with heat, shut it down. Turn off the tractor.

The coolant reservoir or radiator is the first place to check if the coolant level is where it is supposed to be.

Be careful when opening the radiator cap, as it could throw up hot coolant and cause burns.

If the coolant level is low, top it up per the manufacturer’s coolant and water ratio mixture.

Coolant leaks could leave the engine seething with heat. Inspect the entire cooling system –the radiator, hoses, and connections –immediately for any signs of wear and repair.

The radiator fin should spick and span. If clogged, it will prevent airflow, leading to overheating.

However, you can clean it with compressed air or a soft brush if yours is dirty.

You also want to check the thermostat since it regulates the flow of coolant. A thermostat going rogue will (without fail) lead to overheating.

Therefore, it should be in good working condition.

3. Transmission Problems

Slipping gears, making unusual noises, or having difficulty shifting are all tell-tale signs of transmission problems.

A simple routine change of the transmission fluid change will prevent these issues.

Since that would be medicine after death, there is no point. The only TRUE weapon at your disposal is proactive repairs.

If you struggle to stay in gear or the transmission slips out of it, there are three things to look out for. Damaged clutch linkage, worn clutch plates, and issues with the synchromesh system.

These are more professional fixes, so let one handle it.

Grinding, clunking, or whining noises when the tractor is in motion or shifting gear indicate a transmission problem.

Furthermore, the loss of power in gear points at the internal transmission. So get that checked! 

If it also leaks fluid, you will lose lubrication and could damage the transmission. So, trace for any damaged gasket, seals, or loose fittings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kubota Good Or Bad?

 You can’t judge a brand by a single product! That is too harsh.

 The Kubota M8560, just like every other tractor, will get caught up in mechanical problems as it gets older. 

But I think Kubota should be given their flowers. They are a reputable and well-respected manufacturer recognized in the fields of construction and agricultural machinery. 

However, the question of whether Kubota is “good” or “bad” depends solely on the specific product, individual experiences, and personal preferences.

What Is The Best Kubota Engine?

Kubota tractors are known for their monster engines, but one that ALWAYS rings a bell when mentioned is the V5009.

The V5009 engine has raised the bar of industrial machines, with a formidable 210.9 HP, meeting EPA Tier 4 and EU Stage V stringent emissions standards.

Due to its low fuel consumption, it won Diesel of the Year honors from Diesel International magazine in 2019.

The 4-cylinder engine puts on a hulky 157.3 kW high power density to handle any demanding task. Yet, it is a perfect balance of reliability and performance.

What Are the Most Reliable Tractor Brands?

 A tractor is too big of a tool to buy Inferior craftsmanship.

But with over 106 manufacturers in the industry, certain brands have carved a niche for themselves, with a consistent track record of producing tractors with the best-in-class quality, performance, and durability.

Here is a list of the very best in the tractor industry:

  • John Deere  (United States)
  • Kubota (Japan)
  • New Holland (Japan)
  • Massey Ferguson (United States)
  • Case IH (United States)
  • Mahindra (Indian tractor manufacturer)
  • Deutz-Fahr (German tractor manufacturer)
  • Claas (Germany)
  • Fendt (German tractor manufacturer)
  • Challenger (USA)

Conclusion

 While we have provided a handful of troubleshooting tips for each of these Kubota M8560 problems, there is no shame in consulting a qualified technician when things get nasty.

This is especially true if you have little or no knowledge of what you are doing or the issues persist after running a few diagnostics.

Let the big boys handle it.

However, you would have saved yourself the stress of costly repairs, should you keep your tractor in good working condition.

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