A Kubota RTV-X900 with a hydrostatic transmission full of metal filings, a repair quote of around €15,000 and just €2,000 offered for the machine as a trade-in. The owner had been told the complete hydrostatic unit needed replacing and that repairing it wasn't really a viable option.

The machine belongs to my next-door neighbour, who bought it just two years ago for around €18,000. With very little left to lose, he asked me if I'd have a look.

I'm certainly no mechanic, and I'd never been inside a Kubota X900 hydrostatic transmission before. My only previous hydrostatic repair was a ride-on mower about 12 years ago — and that's still going strong!

Once we opened this one up, though, we knew we had a serious problem. Metal filings had travelled throughout the system, with damage to the hydrostatic pump, motor and charge pump.

With approximately €3,000 worth of parts, we decided to take a chance and rebuild it rather than condemn the entire machine.

Would €3,000 in parts be enough to save a Kubota that was facing a €15,000 repair bill?

Every day with sheep is a school day… and apparently some days with Kubotas are too! 😁

Thanks for watching,
Davy
Sheep School