B7100 3-point hitch lifting issues

[smileycorgifarm]

Hi all,
Spent quite a bit of time lurking on here trying to find a solution with no luck. So I figured it was time to post.

I recently bought a few acres that came with a B7100 with a front loader and a manual transmission. The tractor is pretty beat up, but has handled the mowing and rototilling projects I have had. Just bought and auger (Woods TPD25) to help plant some trees and replace the fence post. Once the auger was hooked up I noticed the hydraulics were slugish for the 3 point lift. Ran it this moring and it drilled down great, only issue was the 3 point didn't want to lift. The auger was only 6" or so in the ground. Ended up using rock bar to leaverage the auger bit out of the hole and the 3 point was very slow and jumpy when lifting, even when at ground level and a clean bit. Ran it back to the barn and then did the following:

Topped off hydralic fluid that was 1/2 a quart low.

Ran tractor at idle and ran bucket up and down several times in case there was any air in the lines.

Problem got worse and the auger bit would not even lift off the ground from the 3 point. Shortly after the bucket hydralics became very sluggish. Found some info online suggesting it could be a dirty suction filter. Drained hydraulic fluid, removed suction filter and flushed some fluid through the gear box. The suction filter was dirty, but not as bad as expected. The filter was cleaned and reinstalled. New hydraulic fluid was added and hydraulic system ran through motions at idle. Bucket functions were better than normal, and the 3 point was a little better, but not good enough to lift the auger out of an empty hole.

Couple other things I noticed. If the 3 point if left in up position the auger will shake if I operate the bucket lift. Also the auger is only 200lbs or so and with the 3 point lever on up position if I lift the auger boom it will slowly drop when I let go. I do not hear any whining noises or unusual noises when operating it.

I am new to Kubotas and working on tractors, so any help or insight is appriciated.

 

[Dwarner]

It's fairly easy to remove the 3 pt piston under the seat and install a new seal.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

First: Go to Kubotabooks.com and download the three part WSM (service manual) for it.
You sound like you have multiple issues, like feed back being out of adjustment, and compromised seals on the lift piston, could even have relief valve issues or pump problems.

 

[smileycorgifarm]

Thanks for the pointers. It worked slightly better tonight and lifted the auger up, but struggled. I'll get the manuel and start checking the simple things. Do you think checking hydralic pressure would be a good next step?
thanks

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Every bit of information you can get will help you get to the bottom of the issues.

 

[BilgeHead]

I have a 1630 FEL on a B7100. On the FEL control valve the center spring is sloppy so I have to push it to the center sometimes. Recently I discovered the 3 point lift quits if the control is off center a little. There's a spot where I can hear the engine change but the bucket doesn't curl, just hear a slight load on the hydraulics. It's been a mystery for awhile as to why my 3 point would quit lifting then suddenly start working again.
I believe the feed comes from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic block, routes through the FEL control valve assembly, then goes back to the hydraulic block and on to the 3 pt lift.
Normally, if the FEL is operating, the control valve shuts off hydraulic flow to the 3 pt lift. When the FEL control is in neutral hydraulic flows through it to power other implements.

 

[torch]

The FEL relief valve setting can also limit the 3ph lift cylinder pressure. Something to think about when checking pressures.

Another possibility is the lift arms. My B7100 has two holes in each arm, one closer to the tractor than the other. If the link is attached at the hole closer to the tractor, the arm will have a greater range of travel, but less lifting force. The hole further out from the tractor provides more lifting power, but at the cost of some travel.