773 Overheating! Causes?

[brock20]

Im looking to purchase a 773G. The owner claims it overheats. He claims that it is the Thermostat. Im going to go look at the machine tonight. What should I look for that might be a the problem? How do I tell if it is a cracked head or blown head gasket? What do i look for in the fan belt/tensioner? I will check the radiator for debris and/ or dirt/oil. Thanks in advance!

 

[SkidRoe]

I would check to see that the fan drive has not failed (both the belt and the gear box), and also check that the rad is clear of dirt & dust.

 

[Bobcatdan]

I would check to see that the fan drive has not failed (both the belt and the gear box), and also check that the rad is clear of dirt & dust.

If he claims it overheats, it better be cheap. If the head is crack, it can leak externally from the left rear coner, the drive belt side. Thermostat can go bad but rare. make sure the fan, no the alternator belt, is on. Super easy way to tell, start it, air to blow out the side of the machine. Check coolant level also.

 

[brock20]

If he claims it overheats, it better be cheap. If the head is crack, it can leak externally from the left rear coner, the drive belt side. Thermostat can go bad but rare. make sure the fan, no the alternator belt, is on. Super easy way to tell, start it, air to blow out the side of the machine. Check coolant level also.

Are these models known to have cracked heads?

 

[Bobcatdan]

Are these models known to have cracked heads?

Kubotas are great engines, will run forever. BUT, they do not take overheating at all. Two or three times is enough to blow the head gasket or crack the head. If you look close, a lot of the time you can see the crack on the outside.

 

[Tazza]

Kubotas are great engines, will run forever. BUT, they do not take overheating at all. Two or three times is enough to blow the head gasket or crack the head. If you look close, a lot of the time you can see the crack on the outside.

As mentioned, Kubotas hate being over heated, they crack heads real easy. Open the radiator or even the overflow tank and look for bubbles when running. If it's bubbling out of the over flow tank, the head is most likely cracked. Not sure how often head gaskets go, but i think the heads are far more prone to it than the gaskets.
You can get heads at a pretty good price though, $800 odd will get you a new head.

 

[brock20]

As mentioned, Kubotas hate being over heated, they crack heads real easy. Open the radiator or even the overflow tank and look for bubbles when running. If it's bubbling out of the over flow tank, the head is most likely cracked. Not sure how often head gaskets go, but i think the heads are far more prone to it than the gaskets.
You can get heads at a pretty good price though, $800 odd will get you a new head.

Thank you all for the help. I will look tomorrow morning.

 

[brock20]

Thank you all for the help. I will look tomorrow morning.

How long would the machine take to start to overheat if it had the above problems?

 

[Tazza]

How long would the machine take to start to overheat if it had the above problems?

If the over heating is due to a cracked head, i would depend on how bad the crack is as it will be using water up.
Personally, if you were to get it, check thr radiator isn't plugged with dirt and grime, get the radiator flushed and checked. Replace the thermostat, make sure the blower is functioning right. They move a LOT of air, when you stand next to the machine you should feel a good blast of air coming from the sides.