Q: My equipment was built in another country. What is the warranty on the engine?
A: The engine warranty for any Kubota engine built or used in the U.S. is two years or 2,000 hours, whichever comes first. There is also a third year, 3,000 hour Major Component Warranty applicable only in the U.S. and Canada. See the Engine Warranty Statement for more information.
Q: I can’t find diesel-rated 10W30. Can I use 15W40?
A: Yes, many of our customers use 15W40 engine oil in their Kubota diesels. Just make sure whatever oil you use has an API rating of CF or higher.
Q: Can I use synthetic oil in my Kubota engine?
A: Kubota recommends oil with an API rating of CF or higher. If the synthetic oil meets those standards, it can be used in Kubota engines.
Q: If I use synthetic oil, can I extend my oil change interval?
A: No. Since Kubota cannot test every type of synthetic oil, we can not predict how long it will last in the engine. So the oil change interval must remain the same.
Q: Can I use the less toxic propylene glycol antifreeze in my Kubota engine?
A: Propylene glycol coolant has different cooling properties than ethylene glycol coolant, and may not cool the engine as well in many applications. Since propylene glycol does not absorb as much heat, cooling systems must be larger to accommodate that coolant. Most manufacturers design their cooling systems with ethylene glycol, and the system is not large enough for the additional coolant needed to effectively cool an engine with propylene glycol. So Kubota does not recommend use of propylene glycol coolants.
Q: Is biodiesel approved for use in Kubota diesel engines?
A: See the B5 and B20 biodiesel statements.
Q: Is E-85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) approved for use in Kubota gas engines?
A: E-85 requires different air/fuel mixtures than gasoline. At this time E-85 cannot be used in Kubota engines.
Q: I keep hearing about Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). Is it OK to use it in a Kubota diesel engine?
See the ULSD statement.
Q: Can I mix gasoline or kerosene in with diesel fuel to help it flow better in the winter?
A: No. Gasoline and kerosene can damage the engine’s injection pump causing a very expensive failure. If you are having a problem with fuel gelling, try a flow-improver additive or switch to #1 diesel.
Q: In cold weather, can I use ether to help start my Kubota diesel?
A: No. Ether or any other gaseous combustion enhancer can damage your engine. This damage is very easy to detect, and is not covered by warranty.
Q: I’m storing my Kubota-powered product for the winter. Is there anything I should do to prepare it for storage?
A: For gas engines, drain all the fuel including the carburetor, or add a gasoline stabilizer additive and run the engine for about 15 minutes to be sure it is mixed throughout the fuel system. On diesels, you’ll want to add a fuel stabilizer additive and run it for at least 15 minutes to distribute it throughout the system. Make sure the engine coolant is mixed 50/50 with water, protecting your engine to -34 degrees Fahrenheit.