Kubota M9540 Loss of power

[SpecieTechie]

Hi All.

I have a Kubota 9540D which I was using to mow a paddock. After 1 - 2 hours, I thought I I could smell a faint burning smell which seemed to coincide with shifting the hydraulic shuttle between forward and reverse. A few seconds after this the tractor lost power with PTO speed dropping from 540 down to under 400. I shut off the PTO and tractor regained power briefly before again losing power. Shut tractor down and about 30 minutes later tractor started fine and drove from the paddock without drama. Checked and cleaned water seperator. First thoughts were fuel / fuel lines, but this doesn't explain the burning smell?

Thanks

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Your going to have to give more information as there are 22 sub models of the M9540.
Either the serial Number or the exact sub model will help get you more info.

 

[SpecieTechie]

Your going to have to give more information as there are 22 sub models of the M9540.
Either the serial Number or the exact sub model will help get you more info.

Sorry... it's an M9540D. Does that help?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Sorry... it's an M9540D. Does that help?

Yep that's what I though.
You sir / madam are more than likely in need of a new clutch.
Have you tried adjusting the clutch linkage?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Actually I'll retract the needing a new clutch, it wouldn't have slowed the PTO.
The PTO is direct powered bypassing the travel clutch.

When was the last fluid and filter change?
What you could have had going on is debri / chaff in the radiator, or on top of the motor / transmission causing the smell.
Could be a fuel issue or an overheat issue?

 

[SpecieTechie]

Actually I'll retract the needing a new clutch, it wouldn't have slowed the PTO.
The PTO is direct powered bypassing the travel clutch.

When was the last fluid and filter change?
What you could have had going on is debri / chaff in the radiator, or on top of the motor / transmission causing the smell.
Could be a fuel issue or an overheat issue?

Just to clarify, the loss of power was to the whole tractor, and occurred both when the PTO was on and when it was off.

Radiator is clean and no debris in the radiator or engine bay.

All fluid levels are okay.

Would PTO clutch failure cause these symptoms?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

It could but that's very rare and really wouldn't explain smell, unless it was really low on hydraulic fluid.
The smell could have been the mechanical clutch slipping?
If it lost RPM and gained RPM quickly under a load I could see it slipping the clutch.

 

[SpecieTechie]

It could but that's very rare and really wouldn't explain smell, unless it was really low on hydraulic fluid.
The smell could have been the mechanical clutch slipping?
If it lost RPM and gained RPM quickly under a load I could see it slipping the clutch.

Thanks for your answers. A couple more questions if I may...

1. If it is the clutch, should I expect to see the same issue regardless of whether or not I have the PTO engaged?

2. If the clutch is on the way out, is there going to be anymore damage if I keep using the tractor. At present the issue has only occurred twice so it would be hard to demonstrate what is happening to the dealer.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks for your answers. A couple more questions if I may...

1. If it is the clutch, should I expect to see the same issue regardless of whether or not I have the PTO engaged?

2. If the clutch is on the way out, is there going to be anymore damage if I keep using the tractor. At present the issue has only occurred twice so it would be hard to demonstrate what is happening to the dealer.

It's very possible you had fuel contamination and it won't reoccur.
I personally would treat the tanks and any stored fuel with SOLTRON (NOT Startron) and STANADYNE.

If it is the mechanical clutch on the way out, you'll start to notice a loss of power in higher gears.

Your not going to hurt it to keep running it, But if it gets bad, get it fixed ASAP so it doesn't leave you hanging.