B7100D (1981) Xmission growl, 2nd gear

[JRHill]

Hi folks - my 1st post here:

I've had the above referenced Kubota for many years. The hour meter was broken when I bought it so I have no idea how many hours are on it but its a bunch. I've been dreading the day but it has happened. The unit has always growled quite noisily in 2nd gear and with a long day yesterday with the backhoe, it has gotten suddenly worse. Hydro oil is good condition and full.

I've tried getting a perspective from exploded views before splitting the unit and the tear down but to no advantage. Before I start planning the time for this project I thought to ask if this is something someone else has encountered?

The only other repair needed on this was a clutch/PP/pilot bearing eight years ago. Other than that, just the usual electrical wiring and charging issues. Been a great 'lil work horse.

TIA,
JRH

 

[sitdwnandhngon]

I gather it's growling in reverse also? Or at least beginning to whine.

I have done this fix, and quite frankly, it sucks. The problem on mine was a plain worn out gear, the gear that runs 2nd also meshes with the PTO shaft and reverse, it gets a lot of work, especially if it's used mowing.

The sucky part is that it is essentially in the exact middle of the transmission.

Drain the transmission oil and pop the top cover, check in there with a flashlight and I bet you will find a chewed up gear in the middle of the center shaft, in the front half of the transmission, double check with the parts diagrams at Kubotabooks.com to make sure you are looking at the correct gear, they can be ordered online, I think it was like $150.

I had to split the tractor, and then pull off the transmission, it takes a bit of time to do this, and a set of chain falls helps a lot. Once you have the transmission on the bench you have to start tearing it apart from the back to the front, and there is blind case bearings that are a real treat to pull, you just have to take your time with a set of puller, I had to make custom arms for mine.

Once you have the gear swapped, reverse the steps and put it all back together. I think I had about 10-11 hours wrapped up into it, including two trips to the tool store. Working and sounding great ever since, just a pain right in the sack to do.

I'm not entirely positive, but I think I had to swap out part# 66204-14630.

 

[JRHill]

I gather it's growling in reverse also? Or at least beginning to whine.

Thank you, sir, for the reply. Yes, reverse is growling but not like 2nd gear. And no problem or concern with PTO operation which I use a lot. So this will definitely be a winter time project. I hope I can coax it thru the work season.... And frankly, I should probably freshen up the engine.

Again, TY for the reply so I can plan for the down time.

Best,
JRH

 

[Lil Foot]

My B7100 does the same thing, not bad, just louder than the other gears. I try to avoid using 2nd, and plan on tackling it when I split the tractor for a clutch someday. I figure that is inevitable with 1350+ hrs and the track record for maintenance & care of the previous two owners. Hopefully it will hold out until I'm ready to dive in.

 

[sitdwnandhngon]

My B7100 does the same thing, not bad, just louder than the other gears. I try to avoid using 2nd, and plan on tackling it when I split the tractor for a clutch someday. I figure that is inevitable with 1350+ hrs and the track record for maintenance & care of the previous two owners. Hopefully it will hold out until I'm ready to dive in.

I called a few salvage places looking for that gear, and two people told me it was one of the most popular pieces they sell. Although these little tractors are tough as nails, that particular gear is a bit of a design flaw. It's just a lot of stress on it in nearly every type of work, plus 2nd is the most commonly used gear in both high and low range.