B2650 Float issues

[Bparsons]

Hello, I have a B2650 tractor currently with a snow plow attachment. Last year when I was plowing and pushed the control lever into the float mode, the control lever went limp. I had just finished plowing so I pulled it into my shop and discovered that the pivot pin on the bracket on top of the loader control valve had snapped off. I called the local dealer here in High River, Alberta and was quoted a price of $85 Canadian, but the bracket had been discontinued and upgraded by a new bracket, some fittings and 2 new hydraulic lines to the tune of over $650. I drilled out the broken pin and put in a shoulder bolt for 50 cents and my problem was solved.
Recently after a heavy snowfall I had a similar incident. The weather was extremely cold and after about 1/2 hour of plowing, the lever became very stiff going into the float mode. I finished plowing and put on my snow blower to get rid of some of the piles and windrows that I had created. After about 15 minutes of blowing snow, I noticed that my hydraulic functions were sticking. I had no problem lifting the snow blower, but it was very slow going down. I thought maybe it was due to the extreme cold weather so I brought my tractor into the shop and left it for the night.
This morning I did a more thorough inspection and everything seems to be ok. Without the tractor started, I moved the lever to the left and right and it returned to centre. However, the lift, lower function sticks in one position or the other and does not return to centre.
Has anyone had this issue before and what should I check before I load it up and take it off to the dealer?
Thanks, Bill

 

[Dave_eng]

What hydraulc fuilds and filters are you using. Others who have deviated from the /super UDT or I think it is called premium UDT in Canada, have reported erratic operation in temp extremes .

Do you follow Kubota's extensive warm up regime. This is for the benefit of the transmission and hydraulic system not the engine. Up to 30minutes at high idle (around 1,500 rpm)

The float function on a hydraulic valve is achieved using ball bearings and springs in a metal cap at the end of the valve spool. These caps collect condensation and don't get warmed up in very cold weather. Look for a small drain hole although it may not be there. Try sheltering the cap to encourage it to warm up. You could try warming the float cap with a hot air gun when the symproms start. This will show if temp extremes are responsible,

Dave

 

[TheOldHokie]

Hello, I have a B2650 tractor currently with a snow plow attachment. Last year when I was plowing and pushed the control lever into the float mode, the control lever went limp. I had just finished plowing so I pulled it into my shop and discovered that the pivot pin on the bracket on top of the loader control valve had snapped off. I called the local dealer here in High River, Alberta and was quoted a price of $85 Canadian, but the bracket had been discontinued and upgraded by a new bracket, some fittings and 2 new hydraulic lines to the tune of over $650. I drilled out the broken pin and put in a shoulder bolt for 50 cents and my problem was solved.
Recently after a heavy snowfall I had a similar incident. The weather was extremely cold and after about 1/2 hour of plowing, the lever became very stiff going into the float mode. I finished plowing and put on my snow blower to get rid of some of the piles and windrows that I had created. After about 15 minutes of blowing snow, I noticed that my hydraulic functions were sticking. I had no problem lifting the snow blower, but it was very slow going down. I thought maybe it was due to the extreme cold weather so I brought my tractor into the shop and left it for the night.
This morning I did a more thorough inspection and everything seems to be ok. Without the tractor started, I moved the lever to the left and right and it returned to centre. However, the lift, lower function sticks in one position or the other and does not return to centre.
Has anyone had this issue before and what should I check before I load it up and take it off to the dealer?
Thanks, Bill

First thought is a broken spring in the valve.

Dan

 

[Bparsons]

What hydraulc fuilds and filters are you using. Others who have deviated from the /super UDT or I think it is called premium UDT in Canada, have reported erratic operation in temp extremes .

Do you follow Kubota's extensive warm up regime. This is for the benefit of the transmission and hydraulic system not the engine. Up to 30minutes at high idle (around 1,500 rpm)
View attachment 96482
The float function on a hydraulic valve is achieved using ball bearings and springs in a metal cap at the end of the valve spool. These caps collect condensation and don't get warmed up in very cold weather. Look for a small drain hole although it may not be there. Try sheltering the cap to encourage it to warm up. You could try warming the float cap with a hot air gun when the symproms start. This will show if temp extremes are responsible,

Dave

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the suggestions.
I do use the Kubota filters but I use Case Hytran Ultra Hydraulic fluid. I work at the Case dealer and that fluid is compatible with the Kubota hydraulic fluid. I don’t let my tractor warm up that long as specified. It sits in a heated shop when not in use.
As you suggested, I did take a hair dryer and put it on the hydraulic valve caps the day after I had my issue to see if I could do away with any condensation. I left it on high for about 15 minutes. I started the tractor and let it run for a few minutes and then pulled back on the lever so that I could move it outside and the lever went limp. I pulled off my seat and discovered that there was no movement in the cable at the valve end. I removed the cable and realized that it was broken inside its housing. I replaced this same cable last year. Is this a common failure? Am I doing something wrong, or am I just operating the tractor when it’s too cold?

 

[Dave_eng]

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the suggestions.
I do use the Kubota filters but I use Case Hytran Ultra Hydraulic fluid. I work at the Case dealer and that fluid is compatible with the Kubota hydraulic fluid. I don’t let my tractor warm up that long as specified. It sits in a heated shop when not in use.
As you suggested, I did take a hair dryer and put it on the hydraulic valve caps the day after I had my issue to see if I could do away with any condensation. I left it on high for about 15 minutes. I started the tractor and let it run for a few minutes and then pulled back on the lever so that I could move it outside and the lever went limp. I pulled off my seat and discovered that there was no movement in the cable at the valve end. I removed the cable and realized that it was broken inside its housing. I replaced this same cable last year. Is this a common failure? Am I doing something wrong, or am I just operating the tractor when it’s too cold?

The Kubota cables seems to be very high tech with the goal of keeping moisture out. However, should moisture get in you have an annoying problem.
I have had moderate success buying a large horse size syringe and injecting gas line antifreeze through the rubber seals.My tractor has a cab and I remove an interior panel to allow warm cab air to get to part of the control cable for the 3 pt hitch which is where my problems occur.
Dave

 

[Bparsons]

First thought is a broken spring in the valve.

Dan

Hi Dan, not a broken spring. It was a cable that had broken inside the housing.

 

[Bparsons]

The Kubota cables seems to be very high tech with the goal of keeping moisture out. However, should moisture get in you have an annoying problem.
I have had moderate success buying a large horse size syringe and injecting gas line antifreeze through the rubber seals.My tractor has a cab and I remove an interior panel to allow warm cab air to get to part of the control cable for the 3 pt hitch which is where my problems occur.
Dave

Good idea. I ordered a new cable at the local dealer for $401 Canadian. In the meantime I had an old retired mechanic that I used to work with, weld it up for me. I put it back together and all works well. I am surprised how little I have to push it to get it to float. I had to push the old cable twice as far. Maybe it was broken or stretched for a long time. Thanks for your help. Keep it orange