Leaking gear boxes on mower decks

[JasonW]

No, the intial change is at 50 hrs, and every 100 afterwards. Much more frequent than my previous 2120 Which I believe was every 200 with no 50 hour change.
They also want the gearbox level checked every 50 hrs.
Indicates to me they are aware of a problem.
Still spec'ing UDT2.
They're also pushing more frequent changes on a lot of other filters and fluids. Possibly a way to increase revenue ???

If you look at the owners manual there are many items that are supposed to be checked/replaced more often than seems necessary. This is across all models.

To me 50H is a long time on 5oz of oil in a gearbox to last.

 

[TJP440]

Or maybe longevity.

Possibly?
I feel that the quality the Japanese were known for is slipping a bit. This is based on several experiences outside of Kubota.
In my engineering career I worked both with and for the Japanese. Yokogawa as a supplier of automated analysis equipment and Canon in their Semiconductor equipment division. During this time I was fortunate to have attended several weeks of Kaizen seminars.
Trust me when I say the types of experiences I've had in the last 5 or so years with some well known Japanese companies/products would absolutely not have been acceptable or tolerated.
They would pursue problems to the microscopic level. Sometimes irritatingly so. That is not a derogatory comment but rather a compliment to them. It is how they achieved the success they did.
They say "History repeats itself". I'm wondering if the mid 70's Detroit mentality is beginning to set in with them?
Back to original topic 🫢

 

[TJP440]

If you look at the owners manual there are many items that are supposed to be checked/replaced more often than seems necessary. This is across all models.

To me 50H is a long time on 5oz of oil in a gearbox to last.

I can't say I agree or disagree as there are many variables involved. My b3200 calls for 90w in the mower deck and it has never leaked. Don't recall the qty. I believe it calls for changing at 200 hrs.
Ill have to look at its vent system as it has mowed the same property many times before purchasing the first GR.

 

[whitetiger]

Now, if we just knew where the GR line is manufactured and where that Peerless gearbox came from.
Hint: they are not from Japan.

 

[dcongie]

Wanted to up date this. The above mod worked well on level ground but would still puke a bit of fluid going down STEEP hills and possibly when mowing with the R side of the deck substantially lower (mowing a hill sideways). I have devised what I believe will resolve the issue permanently but need to test it a bit more to be sure. Will update

Can you provide an update? I have this issue on my GR-2020 and would like to get it corrected.

Thanks

 

[TJP440]

Can you provide an update? I have this issue on my GR-2020 and would like to get it corrected.

Thanks

I am still confirming what I believe will be the final fix.
I found just a small amount of oil in the filter I was using, but think it may have been residual from the REV 1 version. I didn't have a new one on hand so I cleaned it as best as possible and re- used it.
The deck however is as dry as the mojave after six - 3 hour mowing's .
I just received a new filter but have not had a chance to mow with it. By the 23rd or so I will have mowed 2 more times. Will try to post then. Or post again and I'll respond with the status

 

[dcongie]

I am still confirming what I believe will be the final fix.
I found just a small amount of oil in the filter I was using, but think it may have been residual from the REV 1 version. I didn't have a new one on hand so I cleaned it as best as possible and re- used it.
The deck however is as dry as the mojave after six - 3 hour mowing's .
I just received a new filter but have not had a chance to mow with it. By the 23rd or so I will have mowed 2 more times. Will try to post then. Or post again and I'll respond with the status

Thanks for the update. I am going to try this next time I mow. There is enough clearance in the area to raise the deck all the way up without hitting anything.