Kubota GB110-GB200 operation and starting
Kubota GB110-GB200 operation and starting: all levers and indicator lights explained
A Kubota GB starting that won't start, while nothing is actually broken? Nine times out of ten, a lever is in the wrong position. These Japanese tractors have safety switches that block starting, and the dashboard literally speaks Japanese. Below is the complete starting and operating guide, translated from the original manual.
Suitable for the entire series: Kubota GB110, GB130, GB140, GB150, GB160, GB170, GB180 and GB200.
Kubota GB starting procedure step by step
| Step | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Engage the parking brake, sit in the seat | Safety |
| 2 | Main gear lever and PTO lever both in neutral (N) | Safety switch: if either one is in gear, the starter motor won't turn |
| 3 | Hydraulic lever forward — lower the implement | Never start with the implement raised (note: with locked hydraulics, the implement won't lower) |
| 4 | Throttle lever at half position | Smooth start without a smoke plume |
| 5 | Press the clutch pedal | The manual recommends this for safety, even though it's not required for the start switch on all models |
| 6 | Turn the key to "予熱" (preheat), glow indicator light comes on | See the preheating table below |
| 7 | Turn the key further to "始動" (start), release as soon as the engine runs | The key automatically springs back to "入" (on) |
Kubota GB preheating times by temperature
| Outside temperature | Preheating time |
|---|---|
| Above 0 °C | 2–3 seconds |
| 0 to −5 °C | 5 seconds |
| −5 to −15 °C | 10 seconds |
| Warm engine | Not needed |
Preheating longer than necessary serves no purpose and only wears out the glow plugs. If the engine still starts poorly in cold weather after correct preheating, check the glow plugs, the glow relay and the battery — and check that the engine doesn't contain oil that's too thick (summer grade).
Kubota GB key positions and dashboard (Easy-Checker)
The ignition switch has four positions: 切 (off), 入 (on/driving), 予熱 (preheat) and 始動 (start). When you turn the key to "on," two lights on the Easy-Checker panel should light up: the battery charge indicator and the oil pressure indicator. Both should go out immediately after starting. If the oil pressure light stays on: switch off the engine immediately and check the oil level. If the battery light stays on: check the alternator and V-belt. During preheating and starting, the glow plug indicator also lights up. Models with the 倍速 quick-turn feature (B version) have an additional indicator light that comes on as soon as the function is engaged, and there's a warning light for disconnected brake pedals — always lock the pedals together before driving on the road.
Driving the Kubota GB: levers and pedals
The compact group (GB110–GB170) shifts using a main gear lever (3 gears + reverse) and a high/low range lever: together giving 6 forward and 2 reverse gears. The large group (GB160/180/200) has 9 forward and 3 reverse gears, or — in the F version — a hydraulic continuously variable transmission. The PTO lever has two (compact group) or three (large group) positions plus a reverse position. You'll also find the differential lock as a pedal near your heel: only use it when driving straight ahead if one wheel is spinning, never in a turn. Stopping procedure: reduce throttle, engage clutch, press both brake pedals, put the gear levers in neutral, apply the parking brake and let the engine cool at low RPM before switching it off — especially after heavy work.
Kubota GB won't start? The three classics
Before assuming a defect: check that the main gear lever and the PTO lever are truly in neutral (otherwise the safety switch blocks the starter motor), check the battery terminals for corrosion, and check that there's fuel and the fuel valve is open. For more diagnostics, see Kubota GB110-GB200 troubleshooting.
