Kubota G2160 Problems

Every heavy-duty vehicle develops problems after a long period of service, and the Kubota G2160 is no exception. 

The Kubota G2160 is a sturdy tractor with outstanding features but there are some potential problems users may experience when using it.

In this article, I outline 7 common Kubota G2160 problems, their causes, and possible solutions to help you easily identify and fix each problem.

Kubota G2160 Problems, Causes, and Possible Solutions

Before I go into details, let’s have a look at common Kubota G2160 problems and their possible solutions:

Problems	Possible Solutions
1. Starting Problems	Change the spark plug Drain out stale fuel Change fuel filters Replace damaged starter/solenoid Charge/replace dead battery
2. Power Steering Problems	Replace worn bushing Lubricate and fix pinion gear and sector gear Tighten loose bolts and screws in the steering gear
3. Smoking Problem	Clean dirty air filter Drain out stale fuel and replace clogged fuel filters Check the oil level Replace blown head gasket Replace worn piston rings
4. Transmission Problem	Top-up transmission oil Find and fix any leaks Purge the system Repair the belt and pulley system Replace worn/damaged piston pumps
5. Power Loss/Low RPM	Clean air filter and cooling fins Check engine oil level Replace clogged fuel parts Clear mower deck Sharpen the blades
6. Brake Issues	Replace worn/damaged drive belt Top up hydraulic fluid Check power steering fluid and top up if necessary
7. Fuel Issues	Replace the lifter pump Replace clogged fuel filter Clean blocked fuel lines with carburetor cleaner and compressed air

1. Kubota G2160 Starting Problems

Engine starting problems are the most common issue that Kubota G2160 users reported.

Starting issues with this mower might include a no crank issue, reluctance to start, or a difficult/delayed start.

Causes:

• Spark plug failure
• Stale fuel
• Clogged fuel filter
• Damaged starter
• Faulty starter solenoid
• Dead/damaged battery 

Fix:

Examine and replace if it is worn out or damaged, clean it with a wire brush, or replace it.

If the fuel is stale or has left a sticky or slimy residue in the tank, drain it, clean the tank, and refill it.After that, replace the fuel filters if they are clogged.

Finally, if your mower won’t start, it could be due to a malfunctioning starter or a low battery. Repair or replace the starter if it is damaged.

If the battery is producing less than 12 volts, charge it. If it won’t charge, the battery cells may be dead, and you’ll need to replace them.

2. Power Steering Problems

After continuous use, the steering may fall out of calibration or lose balance.

According to users of the G2160, the mower can be turned 15 degrees left or right without issue. When they tried to turn it further, it developed some problems.

Causes:

• Worn bushing
• Damaged pinion/sector gear
• Loose bolts/screws in the steering gear
• Worn steering parts

Fix:

The pinion gear and sector gear are located beneath the mower. They deteriorate with time and lose their capacity to steer the wheels.

Examine the gears for signs of wear and damage and, if necessary, repair them.

You can also use needle thrust bearing washers to reduce wear where the axle and spindle plate contact.

Remove the tie rods from the knuckles and drive them. If the steering is still problematic, the problem is most likely with the steering system rather than the front axle or tie rod ends.

Water can enter the box due to a damaged or worn bushing near the top of the steering column. This can happen if you leave it out in the rain, allowing water to leak into the steering shaft.

Disconnect the weep hole regularly to allow obstructed water to drain from the steering shaft. 

Avoid keeping your tractor out in the elements. If the top steering column bushing wears out, replace it.

3. Kubota G2160 Smoking Problem

Smoke pouring from your Kubota G2160 lawn mower might be quite terrifying. It can be caused by various reasons.

Causes:

• Dirty air filter 
• Choke set wrongly
• Stale fuel
• Clogged fuel filters
• Inadequate oil levels
• Blown head gasket 
• Piston ring failure

Fix:

Remove the air filter and clean it. Replace stale fuel and clogged fuel filters. Ensure that the choke is set to allow airflow.

Drain out the engine oil until the oil level reaches the manufacturer’s recommended level. Top oil if it is low.

The Kubota G2160 has two fuel filters. Check for clogging in both and replace them if necessary.

Piston ring failure, valve train troubles, and gasket failure might cause it to smoke. Check and replace any worn or damaged parts.

4. Kubota G2160 Transmission Problems

The Kubota G2160 uses a hydrostatic transmission and it may develop some faults or problems over time. 

You may notice that your mower doesn’t move or the engine runs but the movement is difficult or very slow.

Causes:

• Insufficient transmission oil
• Worn-out pump seals
• Air contamination
• Glazed/misplaced belt
• Damaged pulley

Fix:

Check the transmission fluid level. Top up the fluid if it is low. This does not apply to sealed transmissions. Contact your dealer for an oil change if the transmission is sealed.

The system may be leaking if the fluid level is consistently low. Find and fix any leaks in the system.

Replace the oil as well if it becomes milky or black, indicating water contamination or overheating.

If there is any air pollution or leakage, purge the hydraulic system. Then, inspect the belt and pulley system for damage and adjust or replace the mower belt or pulley as needed.

If the piston pump seals are worn or damaged, they must be replaced. This would help to prevent unexpected power surges.

5. Kubota G2160 Losing Power/Low RPM

Your Kubota G2160 may experience sudden power loss or low RPM in the middle of mowing your lawn.

It may also lose power whenever you try to engage the blades or go up a hill. This could be caused by so many factors.

Causes:

• Engine overheating
• Too much/too little oil
• Clogged fuel filter/lines
• Engine overload

Fix:

If the engine is overheating it may suddenly lose power. Clean the air filter and cooling fins.

If the oil tank is overfilled, reduce the oil to the ‘Full’ mark of the dipstick. Top it up if it is below the ‘Add’ mark.

Additionally, inspect the fuel lines and fuel filter for fuel flow. The Kubota G2160 has two filters. Check and replace any clogged ones. 

Clearing either of these problems will stop the reduced fuel/airflow so that they can both produce enough power.

The engine can suddenly lose power if there is excess load or pressure on it. Clear the mowing deck and increase the cutting height to reduce engine load. 

Cutting wet, thick, or very tall grasses can also place an excess load on the engine. Sharpen the blades if they are blunt and balance them properly.

6. Kubota G2160 Brake Problem

The Kubota G2160 has dry brakes. Under heavy use, these brake systems heat up quickly, deteriorate quickly, and require more maintenance throughout the mower’s lifetime. 

Causes:

• Worn/damaged drive belt
• Insufficient hydraulic fluid
• Insufficient power steering fluid

Fix:

Replace the worn or damaged drive belts and adjust them as necessary.

Top up low hydraulic fluid to the required level as instructed in your owner’s manual.

A malfunctioning electric pump and insufficient power steering fluid are common causes of a tight brake pedal in a tractor with a vacuum pump or hydraulic brake booster. 

Inspect all of the components and replace or repair them as needed.

7. Kubota G2160 Fuel Problem

Another typical Kubota G2160 issue is fuel delivery problems. 

At low pressure, fuel may not always flow properly. The fuel issue usually resulted in a surging or rough-running engine, and the engine ran as if it was running out of gas.

Causes:

• Damaged lifter pump
• Clogged fuel filter
• Blocked fuel lines

Fix:

The most likely culprit is your lift pump, which supplies gasoline to your fuel injection pump at low pressure.

Gravity may be sufficient to carry the fuel from the tank’s full state to the injection pump via the lift pump. 

Gravity ceases to function when the fuel level in the tank approaches that of the injection pump, depriving the engine of gasoline.

Examine the fuel flow. The fuel line should be disconnected from the injection pump and kept in a container.

After turning the key, start the engine. It should run smoothly and steadily. If not, you’ve got an obstruction, which might be anything from a blocked fuel filter to a broken lift pump.

Examine the parts for blockage and replace the damaged parts.

What Users Think About The Kubota G2160

The heavy-duty ladder frame body makes the Kubota G2160 a sturdy, lightweight mower that performs quickly and well.

The tilt-up hood is a modern innovation that makes maintenance simple and quick. With the help of Kubota’s distinctive Quick Clean System, even wet grass can be removed without having to get out of the driver’s seat.

The mower features comfortable and adjustable high-back seats. It can also be made to last longer by performing regular maintenance and keeping it away from harsh elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Kubota G2160 is a strong and sturdy mower that serves a lot of individuals worldwide. Although some issues may arise, they can easily be fixed.

If you encounter any of the problems above with your Kubota G2160, you can fix them with the steps outlined in the article. However, don’t hesitate to consult a professional if the problem persists.