01/14/2026
I got the Kubota running!
About a week ago, I got through morning feeding, reloaded, and the Kubota would not start.
*sigh*
With assistance, I towed it up to the carport.
It took a few days to get to it. In the meantime, I was using Beth's Ranger to feed. Which meant I was the only one who *could* feed. As Beth put it, using the Ranger requires "Valerie procedures" that no one else is crazy enough to try.
Over the last few days, I've been taking time to work on cleaning up the engine in preparation for starting work. I decided the best thing to do was start with a basic maintenance service, which includes a fuel filter.
I was already suspicious the issue was the fuel filter. I just needed to find it.
There was *so* much dirt and hay accumulated on and around the engine, transfer case, and hydraulics that I almost couldn't positively identify anything.
Today I was able to change out the fuel filter.
Of course, in the process, the pinch clip fell off the hose, and I played hell trying to put it back on the hose while diesel poured out of the tank.
It took a little doing; but I got the filter in.
I stepped into the driver's seat, sent up a prayer To Whom It May Concern, and turned the key.
Nothing.
I'd left the key in the "on" position and drained the battery.
Not to be discouraged, I got my truck and hooked up the jumper cables.
Once the battery had some charge, I tried again. This time, it tried to start, but it was having a hard time running. At this point I realized I'd lost most of the remaining fuel in the tank.
So. After a trip to get fuel, I came back at it, and she started! She runs! I even used her to feed!
I still need to do a lot of maintenance. Fluid exchanges and filters for everything remain to be done. But I got it going again.
