B8200 - Creeping slowly

[MichaelAL]

Hi All,

I've been searching these forums and see a lot of similar issues, but was hoping somebody could help me zero in on a fix for my particular issue. I have a 1988 (I *think* that is the year) B8200 HST with the 4WD option, and after I take my foot off the forward HST pedal it continues to creep very slowly. If I hit the reverse pedal 2 or 3 times I can get it to stop and stay still, but it is just getting very annoying and I don't want to spend another whole season doing that. Notably, this does not happen with the reverse pedal; that returns to normal/neutral every time.

Yesterday, I turned the engine off and played with the pedal to try to follow all the linkages, but it is a real problem trying to see all the parts. This tractor has just one small plate on the top of the housing (basically between your knees) that I can remove, which allows me to see the inside three-way connector plate that the pedal operates, but everything else that those three way connections go to is happening inside the steel housing (outside of view) and I can see no way to access it well enough to figure out what's happening without taking the whole darn tractor apart.

I am going to go mess with things some more later today and will try to post some pictures, but in the meantime if anybody knows this machine and has solved this issue before I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks all,

-Michael

 

[Motion]

Does it do in both 2WD and 4WD? Not sure what could cause the problem internally. Turn the tractor off remove the key and put it in your pocket, get underneath and have someone move the treadle and ensure that any external pivots that are connected to the treadle are clean and move freely. If you choose to lubricate these points be careful on the product used.

 

[MichaelAL]

Does it do in both 2WD and 4WD? Not sure what could cause the problem internally. Turn the tractor off remove the key and put it in your pocket, get underneath and have someone move the treadle and ensure that any external pivots that are connected to the treadle are clean and move freely. If you choose to lubricate these points be careful on the product used.

Thank you,

I have a mid-mount mowing deck mounted on it now, so I would have to pull that off to be able to get under there. I will investigate whether it would even be worth doing that.

If I were to lubricate some points in the linkages, what product would be ideal? I have a tube of NLGI #2 en route and I have a grease gun for it. Is there something better? I am guessing you will tell me that WD-40 and/or 3 in 1 oil are more detrimental than helpful?!?!

Thanks,

-Michael

 

[Motion]

I wouldn't use anything thick that would gum up and collect dirt, WD40, PB Blaster, Kroil penetrant. If perhaps that's you problem it'll be on more thing to keep an eye on. As always, don't rely on the HST, engage the brake! Additionally are you keeping up with your fluid changes? Check your maintenance schedule , it may be time for adjustments.

 

[RCW]

I think the Workshop Manuals (WSM) for HST tractors commonly have instructions for adjusting "creep" out of the linkage...

Maybe try here for a WSM:

http://kubotabooks.com/

 

[MichaelAL]

I think the Workshop Manuals (WSM) for HST tractors commonly have instructions for adjusting "creep" out of the linkage...

Maybe try here for a WSM:

http://kubotabooks.com/

This is a great suggestion. Thank you. Lots of sites will give you the owners manual for free, but the WSM apparently will cost you. This site has one for only $20, which seems like money well spent for this and future complications...

-Michael

 

[MichaelAL]

I just picked up a Workshop manual, so that will be my bedtime reading tonight! I am also posting a few picture I took here. You cannot really see much of the mechanism here, but you get a sense for the pedal and access points. After I took these, (and on another commenters advice) I removed the mid-mount mower deck and was able to crawl under the tractor and see up there much better. I see the 'V-plate' and roller mechanism that many others have referenced as being how the HST 'finds' neutral. I cleaned a bunch of gunk off that, but still having the issue. The project continues....

 

[RCW]

Sometimes the damper can be finicky on an HST. It's shown in second picture.

Try a parts diagram...agree to legal the put in B8200 and pick HST 4WD. May give you a good idea how it all hooks together.

Kubota Tractor Corporation - Illustrated Parts List

- K-PAD - Parts Lists - Illustrated Parts Lists - diagrams

apps.kubotausa.com

The linkages are the last 2 diagrams under Speed Change Lever.

 

[MichaelAL]

Eureka!

This issue is resolved, but for the benefit of any others that are looking for a solution (or for myself in 10 years when I have to do this again), here is how it went.

After doing more research online I was able to find a post where somebody had the same issue with a B7100. It turns out the HST system on that and my B8200 are nearly identical. They key I was missing is the neutral adjuster. In the picture attached, you have to pop-off the black rubber hatch to expose that part.

I made sure the tractor was in 2WD, blocked the front tires, and jacked the rear ones (only the rear right tire is connected to the drive, so that's the one you really need to get off the ground). Then I loosened that retaining nut, started the engine and used a flathead screwdriver to move that slotted circle one way and the other until the rear right tire stopped moving in neutral. Tighten that nut up, and you are done! 20-30 minute fix if you know what you are doing. 4-5 hours if you don't!

Thanks for your help everybody, it will be wonderful not having to deal with this anymore.

 

[RCW]

Michael - super! Glad to hear you got it fixed!