Weird Sound on my M6800 Tractor

[RRF19]

When I start my tractor, initially everything sounds fine, however once I move the lever to the left of the steering column (I believe that is called the shuttle shifter) from neutral to either forward or reverse and then return the lever back to neutral there is a brief grinding noise that occurs. It sounds really bad but quickly goes away. Other than that, the tractor operates in forward and reverse with no issues. I have tried shifting the high and low shifter and the shifter on the floor to see if there is any difference, but the brief grinding noise happened when returning back to neutral no matter what configuration of shifters I used. Never owned a Kubota before and would appreciate any help diagnosing this issue. Thanks.

 

[TheOldHokie]

When I start my tractor, initially everything sounds fine, however once I move the lever to the left of the steering column (I believe that is called the shuttle shifter) from neutral to either forward or reverse and then return the lever back to neutral there is a brief grinding noise that occurs. It sounds really bad but quickly goes away. Other than that, the tractor operates in forward and reverse with no issues. I have tried shifting the high and low shifter and the shifter on the floor to see if there is any difference, but the brief grinding noise happened when returning back to neutral no matter what configuration of shifters I used. Never owned a Kubota before and would appreciate any help diagnosing this issue. Thanks.

Are you shifting without using the clutch and does the grinding noise go away once the tractor warms up?

Dan

 

[GreensvilleJay]

OUCH... 'grinding gears' is a BAD thing !
A quiklook says there's TWO type of clutch for an M6800 ,so you should post which you have.
those that have an M6800 can help best.

 

[RRF19]

Are you shifting without using the clutch and does the grinding noise go away once the tractor warms up?

Dan

I am almost 100% sure that I used the clutch in at least one of the times I "experimented" with it. But I definitely know that I have heard the sound with the floor shifter and the Low/High shifters in neutral. Regarding Warming Up: I didn't notice a difference after it got slightly warmed up, just haven't used it much since discovering the issue the other day.

 

[RRF19]

OUCH... 'grinding gears' is a BAD thing !
A quiklook says there's TWO type of clutch for an M6800 ,so you should post which you have.
those that have an M6800 can help best.

Any idea as to how I can figure out which clutch type I have?

 

[TheOldHokie]

Any idea as to how I can figure out which clutch type I have?

You indicated you have a shuttle shift. Which clutch are we talking about?

Dan

 

[RRF19]

You indicated you have a shuttle shift. Which clutch are we talking about?

Dan

Actually, that is a good point, I don't think it is a shuttle shift. I think it is a forward reverse shifter, but on the side of the tractor it says Shuttle Hydraulic, so I mistakenly call it a shuttle shift.
This tractor has a normal foot clutch, a 4-speed shifter, and a low/N/high gear selector, along with the F/N/R lever described above. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

there you go !!!
This tractor has a normal foot clutch,

depress foot clutch, THEN move lever, release floor clutch
please report back what happens..

 

[TheOldHokie]

Actually, that is a good point, I don't think it is a shuttle shift. I think it is a forward reverse shifter, but on the side of the tractor it says Shuttle Hydraulic, so I mistakenly call it a shuttle shift.
This tractor has a normal foot clutch, a 4-speed shifter, and a low/N/high gear selector, along with the F/N/R lever described above. Sorry for the confusion.

You are describing a hydraulic shuttle shift. The column shifter operates a hydraulically actuated reverser and the gearbox can be synchronized or unsynchronized. I dont know the specifics of your particular tractor to say exactly how ots supposed to work.

I suggest you read the section in the Operators Manual that describes the operation of the shuttle shifter. The grinding noise is likely caused by unsynchronized engagement of the reverser gears and you need to make sure you are following the rules on how to shift them.

Dan

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Give me the serial number and I will tell you all the details.

Noises are a whole heck of a lot easier to tell if we can hear them.

I'll bet it's the throw-out bearing your hearing.

Take a video of it making the noise and post it on you tube and give us a link to hear it.
If you can do that send me a PM and I'll have you email or text it to me, then I'll post it for you.