B2710 Trans is Shot

WVBill · Oct 26, 2000

I agree with you. You bought a new tractor not a re conditioned one. Once they put it back together, that's the best they could call it "reconditioned". I would demand a replacement.

Just my 2 cents.....

Anonymous Poster · Oct 26, 2000

The line from the charge pump to the cooler and back to the HST filter should be flushed. Remove cooler and run solvent through it till clear and blow out with air. The lines to and from the cooler can be flushed with brake clean and air.
This should clear out any major deposits left behind by the failure. The trans case can be cleaned out while the HST is removed. The main thing is not to leave the majority of the deposits behind to clog the filters, at this point the filters will do the job. The small amount of particles left behind should be harmless. But the filters should be changed/cleaned in a relatively short time after the repair to ensure all debris have been removed.
A few words on the concerns of torques and alignment...
Most kubota torque specs have a range of 10-20 ft lbs. The tolerances really are'nt that tight. Most mechanics with any degree of experience can feel if the torque wrench is not applying the correct torque most likely within this range. I know I have sent my torque wrench out for calibration before when it does'nt feel right and have been correct both times. As far as alignment, should'nt be a problem do to the use of stake bolts where the front of the frame bolts into the HST ie. rear section of tractor. Most manuals give a specific procedure for the amount and placement of sealant (however kubota does'nt specify) experience and good judgment usually prevail. Although the process of replacing the HST on this model tractor is fairly involved, it is a fairly straight forward repair. The HST is replaced as a complete factory assembled component with alignment pins to assure proper alignment with the diff/trans case. Do I disagree with the concerns of having a relatively new piece of equipment go through this kind of repair early in it's service life? No way. Do you have a "pro" working on your machine? I hope so.

PaulB · Oct 26, 2000

M. Sullivan - Not that my opinion (or anyone but yours) matters in this case, but I would not take the tractor back. I would start off polite and rational, and progress up the ladder to irritating and finally downright aggressive until I got a brand new unit. Talk to Japan directly if you need to. Even if the tractor is 100% perfect when the repair is finished, it will always bug you, and detract from your enjoyment of the unit. Kubota should show you, after spending $15,000, half the concern Rick at RandB shows us after we spend $40.

bsauter · Oct 27, 2000

M. Sullivan,

I would tell them to keep the tractor. You should have it replaced with that few hours on it. Or give you a reasonable charge for time useage. I had my B2910 replaced by Kubota after complaining about steering problems and lack of comfort. I had 22 hours on it and they took it back. Dealer talked to division president. Kubota said to make it right with me. They certainly were willing to support me and got a life customer for their effort. I did not even ask for it to be done. I thought I would take a bath on just trading it off and the dealer and Kubota did this on their own and offered it to me. Talk about great customer support!!! I would think that if they did that for me they would do it for you with a Major Repair such as that. Good luck.

Brad, Kubota L3010HST, loader, R4 tires
Pictures at http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=179207&a=9183978

M. Sullivan · Oct 30, 2000

Re: B2710 Trans is Shot - Update

Update: Kubota will replace the tractor with a nominal charge (around $10 per hour used) per my dealer per the regional manager. Seems like a very fair resolution to me.

He's calling them back re. the loader--they planned to put it on the new machine. Still very concerned about putting the old loader/valve/lines back on after all the junk flowing through it. Will pay to get a new one if I have to (same rationale as previous post). Is there anything inherent in that part of the system that would 99.99% prevent ANY debris from getting into the valve or loader circuit?? Just cannot see risking it at all, and flushing is not 99.99% effective.

Assuming this all works out, as it appears it will, hats off to a GREAT company. Reaffirms one of the main reasons I bought it--based on my research they have their act together. Premium product demands premium service, and they deliver, period. My guess they will actually sell an L4610 to a green friend waffling between that and a JD4600 when I tell him how it worked out.

Will post final resolution.

glennmac · Oct 30, 2000

Re: B2710 Trans is Shot - Update

MSullivan, are you going to replace it with another 2710. I think a 2910 is worth the price difference, which should be slightly less than $1K.

hayden · Oct 30, 2000

Re: B2710 Trans is Shot - Update

The bucket is usually what takes all the wear in a loader. Offer to move the old bucket to your replacement tractor and they can put the new bucket on your old machine. That way all the hydraulic components are new on your new machine, but they get a clean new looking bucket on the rebuilt machine so they can more easily sell it.

Should work for everyone.

Anonymous Poster · Oct 30, 2000

Re: B2710 Trans is Shot - Update

M.Sullivan,Sounds like very good news,I was sure that Kubota would take care of you,and resolve any issuses that you might have.Once again,good luck,and keep us posted.

bsauter · Oct 31, 2000

Re: B2710 Trans is Shot - Update

M. Sullivan, I am glad they did that for you. It is refreshing to deal with a company that cares when things don't go the way they should. Way to go Kubota!

Brad, Kubota L3010HST, loader, R4 tires
Pictures at http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=179207&a=9183978

M. Sullivan · Nov 5, 2000

Re: B2710 Trans is Shot - Back In Business

Delivered the new one yesterday! Hit a minor snag in that the $567 usage charge ballooned to $1300 to replace the loader--dealer had to do it as a trade. Told him to do it, and I would sort out with Kubota later. Just felt the loader charge was nowhere near proportional to the tractor charge--but that was all they authorized the dealer to do. Called a Kubota regional manager and left a message. As I was writing him a letter the next day, got a call from the dealer saying Kubota wants to make me happy! Total cost $680. Couldn't be happier.

Interesting to contrast to John Deere. Got ripped-off on service for $1000 for a trans leak on a JD455 that was never totally repaired at D&G Equipment in Mason, Mi. (bought it used with the leak!). Numerous calls to JD corporate fell on deaf (and stupid) ears. The logic was so clear-cut that their responses/excuses were absurd: They diagnosed, then I brought it back 3 times leaking a little less each time, then on the fourth the new service manager said it was "something new". One JD rep. even said she was embarrassed to give me the canned response: Dealers are indepenedent business people and JD stands behind their dealers (now you know what that little marketing phrase really means at JD!). Couldn't even get past a manager level customer service rep., who was quite rude as well. Could just tell they spend their days disappointing customers by the attitudes I encountered top to bottom. At any rate, polar opposite approach at Kubota imo. Gee, interesting that Kubota doesn't have to advertise for their sales. Hmmm, wonder why--happy customers who are treated reasonably tell others?? Naw, I'm sure they would do better if they started selling cost reduced crap stamped lawn mowers and put them on TV running around in front of a 200hp piece of ag equipment. Enough JD bashing--for today.

Hats-off to Kubota, and my dealer: Aldermans in Lennon, Mi. (www.Aldermans.com). As with the original purchase, Tim Alderman did everything he said he would and then some. Not sure how much he's expanding his i-net business, but he's worth a check if you're looking for great service and support.