Last Updated: May 2, 2025
Proper maintenance of your Kubota LX3310 loader is essential for longevity and performance. This comprehensive guide focuses on the critical but often overlooked task of greasing SSQA pivot points and zerk locations, potentially saving you over $120 in service costs while extending the life of your valuable equipment.
Why Proper Greasing Is Critical for Your Kubota LX3310
Maintaining your Kubota LX3310 loader through regular greasing prevents premature wear, reduces expensive repair costs, and ensures optimal performance of your equipment. Regular greasing is the single most cost-effective maintenance task you can perform, yet it’s frequently overlooked by many tractor owners.
The LX3310 loader’s pivot points and moving components endure significant stress during normal operation. Without adequate lubrication, metal-on-metal contact accelerates wear, eventually requiring costly parts replacement and potential downtime during busy seasons. By establishing a consistent greasing routine, you’ll not only protect your investment but also ensure smooth operation when you need your loader most.
Benefits of Regular Greasing:
- Prevents metal-on-metal contact and wear
- Reduces friction in moving parts
- Extends the life of pivot points and bearings
- Keeps dirt and debris out of critical components
- Maintains smooth operation in all weather conditions
- Reduces operational noise
- Saves substantial money on repairs and service
- Prevents downtime during critical work periods
Complete Map of Kubota LX3310 Grease Points
Kubota LX3310 SSQA grease map
Understanding the location of every grease point (zerk fitting) on your LX3310 loader is the first step toward proper maintenance. These small fittings might seem insignificant, but they provide the crucial access points for fresh grease to reach moving components. Let’s examine each critical area in detail:
1. SSQA Plate Critical Grease Points
Most Commonly Missed: The hidden zerk behind the lever housing on the quick-attach levers! This single neglected fitting is responsible for many premature SSQA failures.
The SSQA (Skid Steer Quick Attach) plate contains several vital grease points that require regular attention:
- 4 Pivot Pins: Located at the base of the SSQA plate (2 upper, 2 lower). These pins bear significant weight during operation and need frequent lubrication to prevent binding and wear.
- Latch Mechanism: 1 zerk fitting on each side near the locking levers. These critical components ensure your attachments remain securely connected during operation.
- Quick-Attach Levers: Internal linkage with 1 hidden zerk behind the lever housing. This hard-to-see fitting lubricates the internal components that control the locking pins.
The SSQA plate experiences the most movement and stress during attachment changes. Neglecting these grease points can lead to difficult attachment changes, unsafe connections, and eventual mechanism failure requiring costly replacements.
2. Loader Arm Grease Points
Proper greasing of the loader arms is essential for smooth operation and longevity:
- Boom Pivot Points: 2 zerks where the loader arms connect to the tractor frame. These bearings support the entire weight of the loader and attachment, making them critical lubrication points.
- Bucket Tilt Cylinders: 1 zerk per cylinder at the rod end. These fittings protect the cylinder pins that experience both rotational and linear forces during operation.
- Loader Frame Connections: 2 additional zerks located where the loader frame mounts to the tractor body. These stabilize the entire loader assembly and prevent frame stress.
The loader arms operate under constant load conditions, making proper lubrication essential for preventing premature wear and ensuring smooth operation throughout the full range of motion.
Step-by-Step Greasing Procedure
Developing an efficient greasing routine will save you time while ensuring no critical points are missed. The entire process should take less than 15 minutes once you’re familiar with all zerk locations, making it an easy maintenance task to perform regularly.
Supplies Needed:
- Quality grease gun with flexible hose
- NLGI #2 lithium grease (recommended by Kubota)
- Clean rags or shop towels
- Flashlight for locating hidden zerks
- LockNLube grease gun adapter (affiliate link)
- Small wire brush for cleaning clogged fittings
Recommended Frequency:
- Normal conditions: Every 10 hours of operation (approximately weekly for regular users)
- Dusty/muddy conditions: After each use to prevent contaminant intrusion
- Minimal use: At least monthly, regardless of usage hours
- Following pressure washing: Immediately after cleaning to displace water
Detailed Greasing Process:
- 1
Position the loader at a comfortable working height with all attachments removed for best access to the SSQA plate. - 2
Clean all zerks thoroughly before greasing to prevent introducing contaminants into the joint. Use a small wire brush if necessary to remove caked-on dirt. - 3
Attach grease gun to each zerk at a 90-degree angle for proper engagement. The LockNLube adapter is particularly helpful for hard-to-reach zerks and preventing grease blowback. - 4
Pump until you see new grease emerging from the joint (typically 2-3 pumps). The appearance of fresh grease indicates old grease and contaminants are being purged. - 5
Cycle the component through its range of motion after greasing to distribute lubricant throughout the bearing surfaces. - 6
Wipe away excess grease to prevent attracting dirt and debris, which can accelerate wear over time.
Pro Tip: Double-Greasing in Dusty Conditions
Experienced LX3310 owners recommend “double-greasing” SSQA pins in extremely dusty conditions. The first greasing application pushes out contaminants, while the second greasing provides fresh lubrication. This two-step technique significantly extends pivot point life and prevents premature wear in challenging environments.
Hydraulic Quick-Attach Troubleshooting
The Kubota LX3310 hydraulic quick attach system can develop several common issues that proper maintenance helps prevent. Here’s how to address the most frequent problems:
Preventative maintenance is far less expensive than repairs. A consistent greasing schedule helps avoid most hydraulic quick-attach problems before they develop into costly issues requiring replacement parts or downtime.
Maintenance Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Dealer Service
Understanding the financial benefits of performing your own maintenance can help motivate a regular service schedule. The table below compares typical costs for common maintenance tasks:
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | DIY Cost | Dealer Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grease SSQA/loader | Every 10 hrs | $2 (grease) | $120+/service | $118+ |
| Hydraulic filter | 50 hrs | $45 (filter) | $200+ | $155+ |
| Engine oil/filter | 50 hrs | $60 (OEM) | $150+ | $90+ |
| Replace hydraulic coupler O-rings | Annually | $15 (parts) | $85+ | $70+ |
| Annual maintenance package | Yearly | $180 (all supplies) | $550+ | $370+ |
Real Owner Savings
A case study of LX3310 owners showed they avoided $380 in dealer fees by performing regular greasing monthly and replacing filters at the recommended 50-hour intervals. Over five years of ownership, this DIY approach saved these owners approximately $3,800 in maintenance costs while maintaining excellent equipment condition and resale value.
Expert Tips from Experienced Kubota LX3310 Owners
Owners who have maintained their LX3310 loaders for years have developed valuable insights into optimal maintenance practices. Here are their top recommendations:
Maintenance Schedule Tip
“Double-grease” SSQA pins in dusty conditions to push out contaminants and provide fresh lubrication. This technique is particularly important after operating in muddy or sandy conditions.
Hydraulic System Tip
Always check hydraulic fluid levels after filter changes to prevent potentially damaging air locks. Run all functions slowly through their full range of motion to purge air from the system after maintenance.
Preventative Maintenance Tip
Inspect zerks monthly and replace any clogged fittings immediately to avoid expensive joint damage. A seized or damaged zerk prevents proper lubrication and costs only pennies to replace compared to the components it protects.
Seasonal Maintenance Tip
Before winter storage, perform a thorough greasing of all points to prevent moisture accumulation in bearings during inactive periods. This simple step prevents “morning stiffness” when returning to service and protects against corrosion.
Conclusion: Maximize Your LX3310 Loader Lifespan
By following this comprehensive greasing guide for your Kubota LX3310 loader, you can:
- Save $120+ per service by performing maintenance yourself
- Significantly extend the lifespan of your loader components
- Prevent costly repairs from worn pivot points and hydraulic issues
- Maintain optimal performance of your SSQA system
- Preserve resale value through documented maintenance
- Reduce downtime during critical operational periods
Regular greasing of all zerks and pivot points is the most cost-effective preventative maintenance you can perform on your Kubota LX3310. By investing just 15 minutes per week in this simple maintenance task, you’ll protect your equipment investment for years to come while ensuring reliable operation when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I grease my Kubota LX3310 loader?
For optimal performance, grease all loader zerks every 10 hours of operation. In dusty or muddy conditions, more frequent greasing is recommended. At minimum, grease all points monthly even with minimal use. Consistent lubrication is critical for preventing expensive repairs and ensuring smooth operation.
What type of grease is best for Kubota LX3310 loaders?
Kubota recommends using NLGI #2 lithium grease for all loader pivot points and zerks. This grease provides excellent water resistance and performs well across a wide temperature range. Avoid mixing different grease types, as incompatible formulations can break down and fail to provide adequate protection.
Why do my hydraulic couplers leak on my LX3310?
Leaking hydraulic couplers are typically caused by worn O-rings or debris preventing proper seating. Replace O-rings annually (Part #Kubota-15231-57630) and clean coupler faces regularly to prevent leaks. When connecting hydraulic lines, always wipe both male and female coupler faces to prevent contamination that can damage sealing surfaces.
Can I use aftermarket filters for my 50-hour maintenance?
While OEM filters are recommended by Kubota, quality aftermarket filters can be used. However, ensure they meet or exceed OEM specifications to maintain warranty coverage and proper system protection. Many experienced owners report good results with premium aftermarket filters, though they generally avoid the lowest-cost options that may compromise filtration quality.