B3030 Front Axle pivot adjustment

[number two]

Howdy:About a month ago I decided it was time to make the 400 hour front axle pivot adjustment on our B3030 tractor.

So,I followed the operators manual procedure which calls for loosening the pivot adjusting screw locknut(17mm wrench),tighten the adjusting screw to 15 lb/ft(14mm socket),back off the adjusting screw 1/6 of a turn,then retighten the adjusting screw locknut.

It took nearly three full turns of the adjusting screw to reach 15 lb/ft on the torque wrench.
When I backed off the adjusting screw that one hex,some axle lube ran down from the pivot area.
I thought it odd,but the procedure was followed exactly.

Needless to say,we've had very few tractor duties since then,until this weeks snow of course!
One of the few times I used the tractor,I noticed the dribble of axle lube below the pivot area.
Hmmm!

I then decided to check the WSM for instructions.
Hey,who needs a WSM for Kubotas-they don't break!
Lo and behold,the WSM calls for almost the same procedure,except it does not say to back off the adjusting screw after the 15 lb/ft of torque has been reached.

I than retorqued the adjusting screw to 15 lb/ft and simply retightened the locknut without backing off the adjusting screw.I have run the tractor a few hours since and I haven't noticed any leaks,however the garage floor under the tractor has snow on it now.

Any comments or explanations appreciated.
And Seasons Greetings everyone!

 

[von-mil]

I'll be nearing 400 hours later this year so I too would like to know which method is correct - the operator's manual or the workshop manual version. I'll probably ask the local dealer to get their take on it. My guess is that they will say if it leaks after turning it back 1/6th, then tighten back most of that 1/6th and lock it.

 

[EddieL]

I just finished adjusting my L3000. The WSM said to "tighten until it stops, then back off 1/16 turn." It tightened about 1/16, I backed it off 1/16 and retighened the lock nut.
This doesn't help you at all but I thought that was pretty good for 412 hours of wear.

 

[number two]

Thanks for the comments gentlemen!

von-mil:hopefully by the time you're ready for adjustment,I will have results on leakage to report back'


EddieL:Yes,I'd agree that virtually no wear at 400 hours is awesome!


Thanks again for reading!