B26 3 Point Hitch Broken?

[kubotamilt]

I recently purchase a 2008 kubota b26 with about 1200 hrs on it. It’s previous owner was an electrical contractor, and as far as I can tell, it was almost exclusively used for the backhoe. There is plenty of paint on the loader bucket, but the pin on the backhoe bucket is worn out. I thought that it had never had a three pt hitch installed on it, but I found some brackets indicating otherwise. Anyway, I took the backhoe off and I was going to install the three point hitch kit that I bought through messicks, when I discovered that the three point hitch lift arms move freely by hand. Lift them up, they drop. The lift arm control lever has no effect on them whatsoever. I think I’m looking at either a blown seal in the lift arm cylinder, or more likely, a broken part on the lift arm assembly inside the transmission since there is no
(I mean ZERO) resistance up or down. I cleaned the connection in the hydraulic hoses just to make sure that wasn’t an issue. Any recommendations for further diagnosing? What is involved in getting access to the lift arm cylinder? I have done the classic bx24 hst fan replacement on several occcasions, and I am in the process of rebuilding the engine for my L6060, so I am not afraid of a project. But I have never had to deal with this problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[kubotamilt]

Based on this image, I can imagine that it could be as simple as the pin 060 having broken, or the part 050 having broken.

here is the link in case anyone else wants to see the diagram.

Kubota Tractor B26 J31000 Hydraulic Piston/Lift Arm

Shop online for OEM J31000 Hydraulic Piston/Lift Arm parts that fit your Kubota Tractor B26, search all our OEM Parts or call at 888-458-2682

shop.kubotausa.com

 

[TheOldHokie]

I recently purchase a 2008 kubota b26 with about 1200 hrs on it. It’s previous owner was an electrical contractor, and as far as I can tell, it was almost exclusively used for the backhoe. There is plenty of paint on the loader bucket, but the pin on the backhoe bucket is worn out. I thought that it had never had a three pt hitch installed on it, but I found some brackets indicating otherwise. Anyway, I took the backhoe off and I was going to install the three point hitch kit that I bought through messicks, when I discovered that the three point hitch lift arms move freely by hand. Lift them up, they drop. The lift arm control lever has no effect on them whatsoever. I think I’m looking at either a blown seal in the lift arm cylinder, or more likely, a broken part on the lift arm assembly inside the transmission since there is no
(I mean ZERO) resistance up or down. I cleaned the connection in the hydraulic hoses just to make sure that wasn’t an issue. Any recommendations for further diagnosing? What is involved in getting access to the lift arm cylinder? I have done the classic bx24 hst fan replacement on several occcasions, and I am in the process of rebuilding the engine for my L6060, so I am not afraid of a project. But I have never had to deal with this problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Nothing unusual in the lift arm movement. First thoight is the backhoe hydraulics are not properly looped together.

Dan

 

[BAP]

If your tractor has the flow control knob below your seat just above the floor board, make sure that it is not turned off. That is to adjust the speed of the 3 point hitch and if turned in all the way will shut it off.

 

[kubotamilt]

Hokie, good to hear that the lift arm movement is normal, that’s a bit reassuring.

BAP, is there a way to mess up the hydraulic lines? From my experience with other Kubota’s, it’s always pretty idiot proof. Like I said, I even cleaned the fitting and I pushed and pulled after they were together to make sure that they really were connected.

I also looked at the linkages from the control arm down to the transmission, and everything seems intact. I don’t have another tractor to compare it to obviously, but nothing stood out.

thanks for the help so far!

 

[TheOldHokie]

Hokie, good to hear that the lift arm movement is normal, that’s a bit reassuring.

BAP, is there a way to mess up the hydraulic lines? From my experience with other Kubota’s, it’s always pretty idiot proof. Like I said, I even cleaned the fitting and I pushed and pulled after they were together to make sure that they really were connected.

I also looked at the linkages from the control arm down to the transmission, and everything seems intact. I don’t have another tractor to compare it to obviously, but nothing stood out.

thanks for the help so far!

The chances of the 3pt going totally kaput is not real high. I would advise against tearing it apart before you do some diagnostics.

Yes you can mess up the hydraulic lines when you disconnect the backhoe. The supply and return must be looped together. Is your loader working correctly when the backhoe disconnected? Do you have the draft control option on that machine?

Dan

 

[kubotamilt]

That’s what I thought, seems like the 3pt should at least give me slow movement if the seal is bad.

And I did loop them, those are the connections that I cleaned. I will double check tonight. The loader is working correctly without the backhoe, and I am not familiar with the draft control option, what is that?

 

[TheOldHokie]

That’s what I thought, seems like the 3pt should at least give me slow movement if the seal is bad.

And I did loop them, those are the connections that I cleaned. I will double check tonight. The loader is working correctly without the backhoe, and I am not familiar with the draft control option, what is that?

Sorry - I don't think there is a draft control option on a B26. Got you mixed up with the guy asking about an L3200. First item of business would seem to be confirming that loop back circuit is working.

Dan

 

[kubotamilt]

Sorry - I don't think there is a draft control option on a B26. Got you mixed up with the guy asking about an L3200. First item of business would seem to be confirming that loop back circuit is working.

Dan

how do i confirm that other than by using the loader?

 

[woodman55]

A few pictures are always a big help.

 

[TheOldHokie]

how do i confirm that other than by using the loader?

From looking at teh parts diagrams not much could go wrong. About the only thing that could screw up is the quick coupler. You could unscrew the male tip from the steel pipe and check for flow throught the coupler. Just stick the end in the hydraulic filler and start the tractor - should get a steady stream of oil.

If you have oil then next suspect would be the valve and/or position control linkage.

Dan

 

[kubotamilt]

From looking at teh parts diagrams not much could go wrong. About the only thing that could screw up is the quick coupler. You could unscrew the male tip from the steel pipe and check for flow throught the coupler. Just stick the end in the hydraulic filler and start the tractor - should get a steady stream of oil.

If you have oil then next suspect would be the valve and/or position control linkage.

Dan

Okay, I’ll do that tonight. And I’ll see if I can get some decent photos too

 

[TheOldHokie]

Okay, I’ll do that tonight. And I’ll see if I can get some decent photos too

While you are at it verify the position control feedback linkage is connected. I am wondering if the previous owner had to worry about numb nuts operators and decided to disconnect the 3pt to make it GI proof.

Dan

 

[fried1765]

While you are at it verify the position control feedback linkage is connected. I am wondering if the previous owner had to worry about numb nuts operators and decided to disconnect the 3pt to make it GI proof.

Dan

I TRULY just love to read through these trouble shooting posts!
OTT is a GREAT place!

 

[kubotamilt]

Sounds like I have some chores for tonight! I also picked up some hydraulic fluid. I forgot to mention that the fluid was a little low. It’s still on the dip stick, but I’m going to make sure it’s full just to check that box.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Drop speed knob under the seat, turn it counterclockwise.
should really not effect it if the three point is not up. but some models do lock it if closed.
Check that the three point control lever is actually connected to the three point valve linkage.
I've seen people disconnect the linkage to eliminate issues with using the three point when the BH is on.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

hmmmm.. from the OP...
...
I’m looking at either a blown seal in the lift arm cylinder, or more likely, a broken part on the lift arm assembly inside the transmission since there is no
(I mean ZERO) resistance up or down.
....

I suspect either '060' that connects '040' to '050' may be broken. mechanically it's the only thing I see that disconnects the lift arms from the ram, thus causing 'ZERO resistance up and down'.
If it was a bad seal ,you should be able to 'feel' SOME resistance on way or maybe both

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Do you have the manual for the backhoe? Some tractors have a bypass valve that bypasses flow to the 3PH when a BH is mounted. Looks like a screwdriver slot near the top of the axle, i think. I don't know if your machine has one.

 

[kubotamilt]

That knob only controls the implement drop speed as far as I know. I’ll quadruple check that it is open, but I can’t imagine that’s the issue. As far as linkages being connected, I looked at them all last night and they looked like they were all doing their job properly. I will recheck this evening though with better light and take pictures. It is interesting though, when I open the hyd. Fluid fill hole, I can see the three point mechanism (although not the lift cylinder itself), and I see zero movement, and get no sound like anything is trying to move. I imagine if it was a blow seal to the extent that there is no movement in the three point, that I should at least hear or see fluid splashing. This makes me think that it is more linkage related. Really hoping this one just fixes itself…gotta love those self healing vehicles!

 

[kubotamilt]

I don’t have the manual unfortunately, but the backhoe ran just fine, so I would think that there is fluid going through the lines.