Kubota L235

Yesterday, a red light popped up on my small instrument panel. I have one labeled OIL and the other CHG. My immediate thought was an oil change was being called for. The oil was definitely dirty so I changed the oil and filter but the CHG light remains on. Have searched the internet trying to find what that indicator actually means. Perhaps the alternator although I am not having any battery issues. This tractor is 29 years newer than my Ford Jubilee and I haven't figured it all out yet. What does the CHG light indicator? Thank you.

As per Google bard:


The CHG light indicator on a Kubota L235 tractor is used to indicate the condition of the battery. When the light is on, it means that the battery is not being charged properly, and this could be due to a number of reasons.

The most common causes of the CHG light coming on are:

Low battery voltage: If the battery voltage is too low, the alternator may not be able to generate enough power to charge the battery. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as a dead battery, a loose battery connection, or a faulty alternator.
Faulty alternator: If the alternator is faulty, it will not be able to generate power at all, and the battery will not be able to charge.
Corroded battery terminals: If the battery terminals are corroded, they can create resistance in the circuit, which can prevent the alternator from charging the battery properly.
If the CHG light comes on, you should:

Check the battery voltage: Use a voltmeter to check the battery voltage. A healthy battery should have a voltage of at least 12.6 volts. If the voltage is lower than 12.6 volts, you need to charge the battery.
Check the battery connections: Make sure that the battery connections are tight and clean. If they are corroded, you need to clean them off with a wire brush and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
Check the alternator: If the battery is properly charged and the battery connections are clean, the problem may be with the alternator. You should take the tractor to a qualified mechanic to have the alternator checked and repaired if necessary.
To prevent the CHG light from coming on, you should:

Keep the battery terminals clean and tight.
Use a trickle charger to keep the battery charged when the tractor is not in use.
Inspect the alternator regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Have the alternator serviced by a qualified mechanic at least once a year.
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your Kubota L235 tractor in good working condition and prevent the CHG light from coming on.

Thank you very much for a fast and thorough answer. Have a great day.

Well the oil light isnt to tell you an oil change is needed. Its telling low oil pressure. The charge light is telling you it isnt charging. If battery, alternator, and connections are good and it still isnt charging I would look at the regulator. I have a Kubota B8200 which is slightly smaller and of roughly the same vintage as your tractor. My regulator was bad. Changed it and all has been good. Mine was located on the back side of the dash and not very easy to get to.

The alternator on these is really more of a dynamo than alternator. More issues with failed regulators than dynamo issues. What exactly is a yearly service on an alternator ? Not being smart, just curious.

To others, it may be difficult to sway a way of thinking when you have known the real purpose for years. I can see how he could take CHG to equal CHANGE the oil, even though most of us know how humorous that is on a 1985 tractor. However something built after 2000 or slightly before could very well have an oil change service indicator.
To TM others have your charging problem covered, I would suggest you acquire an operators manual for this tractor. The money spend on the manual could very well save you thousands on a repair caused by ignored maintenance items. See link, I will also add one for the Jubilee if you feel so inclined.
YT offered Kubota L235 manual

Jubilee op man

Another common cause is loose belt.

I'm with showcrop. Start with the simple things like checking the battery voltage and the belt for being loose then move on to more involved things like regulator and such after all the preliminary things are checked like described by 300JK

Thanks. I agree.

Thanks. Third thing I checked and did tightened it up.

Thanks for the reply and the links. The Jubilee was manufactured back when we had real gauges and not idiot lights. Still have them in some vehicles like my boat. I had all the specs on the Kubota but they don't address functionality. This is the first diesel I've had and I put about $1200 into it at a local Kubota dealership about two weeks ago. They changed the fluids but certainly not the oil. Anyway, it's a powerful performer and will last the rest of my days.

Thank you for your input. I did give myself a duh for not recognizing that idiot light was related to the charging system - maybe two duh. Saving the voltage regulator for last especially if located where your B series tractor is.