3-Point Hitch GRINDING sound when auger binds???

mcs3372 · Feb 17, 2012

I am new in the tractor world.... and purchased a used L2800. Just got a new auger and have not yet used PTO until today. When engaged everything seems to work ok, then when it starts down about a foot into the ground and binds a little( easy digging ground) it starts a grinding sound??? I immediately dis-engaged and it stopped. I hope I didn't buy a bad tractor?? Everything is attached right as far as I can see.

Any info?? PLEASE:confused2:

mjw357 · Feb 17, 2012

Depends on where the grinding sound is coming from. Could be the auger scraping against a rock, or could be a clutch designed to break loose when things get too rough.

mcs3372 · Feb 17, 2012

Ground is very easy digging and almost no rocks... Had a friend dig holes before I got tractor and he had no prob with smaller Kubota. I never heard this sound when he was digging? Sounds like not engaged all the way.. grinding in pto shaft area and auger stops turning.????

mjw357 · Feb 17, 2012

Could be PTO shaft is too short, is pulling out as you lower the auger.

Chilly807 · Feb 17, 2012

If you have the HST version of the L2800, there's a good chance the cable that engages the PTO is not adjusted correctly. If it isn't, it's possible that the PTO isn't fully engaged and grinds. A friend had the same trouble with his L3400.

Sean

mcs3372 · Feb 17, 2012

Thank you all for help!!! I tried the cable adjustment with the help of (TEG.. a tractor by net elite member). I think the cams for the PTO are bad??? To all of you who try to help and give input to others..... You have no idea how much you really help others !!!! I thank you all for everything..it is nice to know people are willing to help others and don't excpect a payoff to lend a helping hand. Thank you all again, mary

teg · Mar 25, 2012

Mcs3372, How did this turn out for you? Love to hear "the rest of the story".

mcs3372 · Mar 25, 2012

Well we went to local dealer, he quoted me 900 bucks or so just to open up, and tell me whats wrong.. I am nervous about this place because I have heard horror stories on final costs... What are your thoughts on this estimate? I do have a guy that works on heavy equipment, but is not familiar with Kubota. He is not to sure if he wants to get into it or not? Does the service manual give details on how to change the cams? The guy that sold me the broken tractor has not returned my call as of yet... Don't expect a call either...? What are your thoughts?? How much would you put into the tractor?

teg · Mar 25, 2012

I asked my dealer how much it would cost and he said right around $1k to upgrade to the new cams. I heard another person quoted $1200. I would get a price quote on replacing them - NO diagnostics... and see what they say.

For everyone's sake, these are 2004-early 2006 - I can post Serial number later for the L2800 if anyone is interested - they have been posted on TBN before - I don't know anything about the L3400. They are the weaker ratcheting ones. EDIT: pre-55198

I do have the Service Manual and I need to start reading it over... so I don't know at this time how well documented it is. As for if it's worth it... it's cheaper than selling a broken tractor and buying something else, they are good tractors.