B2710 Trans is Shot

M. Sullivan · Oct 25, 2000

Just found out they have to replace the hydro on my 2000 B2710, 53 hours total use--I'm just sick. They say the tractor basically gets dismantled and reassembled--don't even want it back. After 2 hours from fluid/filter changes the filter and screens have brass and steel in them. While the dealer and service are great, just won't go back-together with factory quality control, and where in the system is it all full of crap to fail other components or the next trans.... Hence my confidence in a relatively trouble-free 20 year machine (which is why I bought it!) is zero. Dealer's going to see what Kubota wil do...... Off to write my monthly payment and cut the grass/leaves with my 15 y/o sears rider..... Got the only lemon in the orange grove.

hayden · Oct 25, 2000

Wow, that really stinks. Good luck getting satisfaction on it.

Peter

ejb · Oct 25, 2000

Too bad about the tractor, but it strikes me funny that you are worried that it "just won't go back-together with factory quality control"....wasn't it that factory quality control that allowed this too happen in the first place?

Don't despair..you'll gradually have your confidence restored after you've had it back for a while...good luck.

Bird · Oct 25, 2000

I can understand your feelings about that tractor right now. I bought a new car in 1993 and while it was in warranty, had to have a complete new clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, etc. supposedly because someone on an assembly line left out a couple of bolts. But the dealer loaned me a car, did the job promptly, and that car ran another hundred thousand miles with no complaints, and the only reason I got rid of it even then was because my wife rolled it and totalled it./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif If your dealer has a competent mechanic, the tractor should be good as new when he finishes with it.

Bird

Anonymous Poster · Oct 25, 2000

M.Sullivan,I'm sorry to here of your trouble,we have a 2710 with about 200 hrs. on it,with absolutley NO problems.Try to keep the faith that all things usually have a way of working out.I'm sure your dealer and Kubota will repair or replace your tractor.If I were in your position,I would ask my dealer for a "loaner" while yours is in the shop.I think a case such as this is more reason to at least try to buy from a local dealer,remember;tractors are mechanical and will break down on occasion,having that dealer close by could save a lot of grief.Good luck.

MChalkley · Oct 25, 2000

I'll just repeat what the others have said, but this is a situation where repetition for emphasis is perhaps important.

I'm sorry for the trouble you're having. Keep in mind, though, as best you can, that these things do happen from time to time, no matter what precautions are taken. That's not much consolation to you at this moment, I suspect, but it will be when you get it back and it's working perfectly. There's a reason why those who have lots of experience with equipment say "If it lasts a month, it'll last a lifetime." That applies to quality equipment only, of course - buy junk and your odds of it lasting a month aren't all that great but your odds of it lasting a lifetime are almost non-existent.

At any rate, you bought quality equipment, but had the rare misfortune of getting a lemon. That sort of thing does happen, unfortunately. Kubota will stand behind it completely - I'm sure of that. And when you do get it back, and have occasion to use it a few hours, you'll slowly forget.

Please keep us informed of what happens. We're all interested. For one thing, we all know it's likely to happen to us sooner or later, if it hasn't already, and we'd appreciate your being sympathetic with us, too. It all helps.

MarkC

Kelvin · Oct 25, 2000

Kinda reminds me of the situation with my Dodge Caravan a few years ago. I took it in for an oil change while it was still under the extended warranty; they found a water leak and wanted to know if I wanted them to fix it using the $25 deductable. I approved.

When I went to pick the van up after work, I was told that it wouldn't be ready until the next day (they had the engine was out of the vehicle). For the same $25 deductable they went ahead and replaced the crankshaft (still not sure why). My wife won't let me get rid of it and so it is approaching 180K miles. No engine problems or any other major problems.

Summary: Don't sweat them working on it. Hopefully, they are fully qualified to fix it, and if so, it'll be better than new!

Kelvin

Anonymous Poster · Oct 26, 2000

Just replaced a hydro on a B2710. Input shaft was leaking,
while in the process of replacing the seal noticed charge pump was damaged, most likely from contamination. I can't stress enough when cleaning the suction filter to make sure and clear the debris from the line after the screen is pulled out. I'm not saying this is definetly the cause of the failure but it certainly can contribute. As far as your fear of residual contamination the dealer should flush the cooler and reservoir. All the filters in your system will be working for you from this point on. I would still recommend a fluid and filter change and screen cleaning in about 25 hours after this repair just to catch what residual
debris you will have.

Mikemas · Oct 26, 2000

I could think of a worse case scenario for your situation. You could be past three years of ownership and out of factory warranty. I would much rather have a failure in the early stages under warranty, than be footing the bill for a new hydro. Don't worry about your tractor never being the same. A conscientious, factory trained technician can perform as good as, if not better work than what was done during the initial build.

Kubmech,
Can you give more info on flushing the lines? Air, solvent, procedure?

Thanks,

Mike

M. Sullivan · Oct 26, 2000

Appreciate the support and encouragement here--even more sick about it this morning. Definitely do not want it back. As an auto engineer know full well it will not be the same. If anyone could do it, would be the dealer I bought from.....most impressive shop I've ever seen incl. many auto services shops (I've been in top ones around the country). Service manager even said they have never done one....not that it matters much.

Bottom line they don't have the ability to ensure factory alignment perfectly. Ditto torque specs and assembly 'cleanliness' or processes/sequences-any manufacturing or QC person would agree. Residual stresses will be left that will lead to non-production intent loading and wear on bearings, seals, etc. to some level. How much, who knows....when will it fail, again who knows.... Parts removed will get scratches/dirt. Sealant residual and application wont match. Bolts likely never intended for removal will be. Corrosion start points for all.

Metal in the system will never be completely removed, and always a timebomb ticking in my mind. Based on the amount they said they found, can't see how other components haven't already been affected to some degree.

I leave a $30k car outside so the tractor can stay in the garage. For the most part it's cleaner than when I bought it-just take care of my stuff that way. Also why I bought new v. used-so I knew what I was getting and control use/maintenance. Would have never considered one with a replaced trans, at (virtually!) any price. Overbought and have to protect the investment--never know if/when I will have to sell it (likely once the surface rust starts!). Definitely cannot risk keeping it past the warranty......only choice is to replace it. Just frustrated……

Thanks again.