4 Most Common Problems with Kubota M5 111 & Their Solutions

Kubota M5 111 is an M5 Series utility tractor. It comes with a Kubota 3.8L 4-cyl diesel and gives optimum performance. The M5-1 Series bring a lot of flexibility and usefulness.

The most common Kubota M5 111 problems are loader valve issues, leaks in the fuel chamber, problematic fuel injectors, frequent starter breakdowns, diesel hard start, bearing problems etc.

In this article, I will heed these issues and suggest potential fixes. You will also get a general product overview from genuine customers to aid your purchase decision.

Problems and Solutions at a Glance:

4 Most Common Problems with Kubota M5 111 and Their Possible Solutions

Many common Kubota M5 111 problems have been reported by the users frequently. Here are some of the problems and how to solve them.

1. Diesel Exhaust Fluid Issues

The tractor remains in the shop for a long time due to DEF issues. The Kubota M5 111 tractor will move to half idle and then to ten percent power. Before this, a DEF warning time clock may light up.

Diagnostic Trouble Code P-206A, which essentially indicates that your DEF is damaged, is when the issue first manifests on display. According to reports, the DEF tank’s placement leads to heat buildup in the DEF, which eventually kills your sensors, header assembly, and DEF.

The Fix:

Drain out the DEF. Purchase fresh DEF with maximum three-month-old manufacturing date. But the problem may still persist.

The dealership will definitely ask you to bring the tractor in. It will sit for months there (fair warning!). This is mainly because their computer will ask them to change thethe entire system. The problem might be due to a sensor inside.

Installing an insulating kit around the DEF tank is their “fix.” But this does not work essentially.

It will cost you several thousand dollars, however, the expense is covered by the warranty. The design of the model by default is faulty. This is because so many sensors, components, and computers can go wrong.

Additionally, Detroit Diesel, Cummins, and Ford Powerstroke engines try their hardest to put you out of business with DEF-related emissions-related issues.

2. Steering Issues

Most of the time, the steering feels a little loose or pulls to one side. Normally, you can press the foot release for the tilt steering and the steering wheel would be balanced and move up and down. However, when there is a problem, the wheel will drop down to the lowest position right away with a pressing of the foot.

The steering may not be as strong when you use a grapple. So, you may not be able to stop the tires with something on the front-end loader. But the steering may still fall short without any load.

There is a small cylinder under the steering wheel that may be causing these problems. First, take off the panel under the steering wheel to expose it. It may be stopping the steering from tilting.

The Fix:

The cylinder behind the steering may have its nuts (holding it to the steering column) come off. Tighten them and it may fix your problem.

Hydrostatic power steering depends on oil flow, so don’t expect it to steer the same when the engine is idling as when the RPMs are high. You could also check the air pressure in your front tires and add a bit more.

3. Hydraulic Issues

The hydraulic clutch can often slip. It may also stop working. You may or may not get any error messages.

You may get a clicking noise from the right hydraulic lever console. The tractor suddenly stops pulling its weight. It seems to work better on Low and not at all on High when you turn it on from cold.

The splines on damper disks may fall and break off. It makes the same noises as a failing clutch. There is almost no chance of the hydraulic clutch breaking.

Different clutch packs are used for forward and reverse. So if it’s slow or jerky in reverse, it’s probably not the entire clutch pack.

The Fix:

Get the WSM and test the shuttle/clutch valve. It’s an outer part that could save you a lot of money if that’s the problem.

Check for broken spline on the damper disks. Most of the time, the issue can be solved without splitting your truck.

4. Fuel Problems

The Kubota M5 111 users have reported many instances where there’s a lack of fuel supply in the tractor. Or a fuel delivery issue of sorts. It may randomly throw a P0093 code.

Additionally, the engine won’t start easily. Or it starts but then stops working. There might be no flow of fuel. There may be smoking from the engine too, white, blue or black.

Dirt can get past the filters while being changed. This can damage the injection pump or injectors.

If there are no leaks or restrictions on the supply side of the fuel system and a clear hose or sight glass shows that there is no air in the fuel, check the return side of the fuel system for signs of air. The injector could have a problem if it only happens on the return side.

The Fix:

Replace all the fuel filters, make sure the line to the water separator bowl is clear, and drain the tank. Next, check the tank, hoses, shutoff valve, fuel filter, and fuel. Make sure that they are all working well and that none of them are leaking.

Black smoke from the engine may mean too much oil, a dirty air filter, or dirty fuel. Blue or white smoke means there is fuel in the muffler, a clogged fuel injection nozzle, bad fuel, a broken thermostat, or old sediment in the fuel.

Troubleshoot and replace accordingly.

What Majority of the Users Feel?

The Kubota M5 111 aren’t terrible for the price. They are light, so if you intend to use one as a loader tractor, be aware that it won’t lift as much as an equivalent-sized Deere or Case.

Consequently, the M5 111 is also more fuel-efficient than the majority of competitors. However, this Kubota has historically been less than perfect for routine agricultural work.

Oil leaks and other problems frequently occur when users use it for activities other than jockeying items around the yard. Instead of this one, another Kubota can be purchased for less money.

And if you exchange every few years, there shouldn’t be any problems. Go for Deere if you want a workhorse for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the emissions warranty on the Kubota M5 111?

Emissions warranty is 5 years.

Which code on the Kubota M5 111 shown up when it is DEF and SCR troubles?

P206A.

What has the new recall on the Kubota M5 111 changed in the DEF?

The new recall changes out the header unit inside the DEF tank.

What are the hydraulic shuttles on a Kubota M5 111?

8, 12, and 24 hydraulic shuttle.

Final Thoughts

After my research, I could say that the Kubota M5 111 is a strong tractor. Although they are notorious for the DEF issue. But an informed purchase can make the tractor worthwhile. So go for it!

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