B7100 3 ph

[Tig]

Let me start by thanking everyone at TBN. Although this is my first post, you have answered so many questions while I was searching for, checking out and buying a tractor. All I had to do was seach the forums.
Now I have a specific question about my tractor. First a little background. I just took delivery of my first tractor, a B7100HST-D. It took the dealer a month to prep this tractor for me. From what I can see all they did was change the turfs for ags, the engine oil and filter were changed and the coolant replaced. Other than that most of the maintenence is long overdue. Air, fuel, hydraulic filters and tranny/hydraulic and front end oils all need to be changed. Other mechanical issues but they are obvious to me so I wont go into detail. Suffice it to say my confidence in them is a bit low. I called the service manager and they are sending someone out.
Here's the question. I have a 342 lb box scaper on my 3 ph, which has a capacity of 400 lbs. If I try to feather it up slowly it squeals loudly. When it does move, it jerks and jumps.

I spoke to the service manager, he says that's the way it is when you get close to capacity. I realize that this tractor does not have a very sophisticated 3 ph but does that seem seem like normal operation for this tractor and load? Keep in mind there is a rookie at controls.
Based on what I have read in the forums I am hoping that the filter and fluid change will make it work smoother and quieter. By the way, the FEL works great. Seems smooth and powerfull. Even with my rookie touch.
Thanks.

 

[claggsgarage756]

It is normal to hear a sqeaul when you get close to its max load. This sound comes from the pressure relief valve. Also, once you change the transmission oil i bet that it'll quit whining at you.

 

[Thomas]

Good morning Tig.
Congrats on your first...those B7100 are working little mules,and its to bad they didn't come w/power steering.

claggsgarage...given some good advice...change filter & check engine belt for cracks.,also check under seat for black handle (knob)and on top of the handle (knob) might be arrow,make sure handle valve turn open all the way...hyd line to 3pth...opps what year the B7100??

Do you have counter balance on the front when useing box scraper.

 

[Tig]

Thanks guys for the comments and advice. I forgot to mention if you click on the picture in my first post it will launch a video with sound of the 3 ph in motion. The squeel seems a bit muffled in the video but it can still be clearly heard. I'm relieved that this seems like normal operation and is not a sign of a real problem.
As for the age the s/n is 68xxx, so I think that makes it early 90s.
Valve is open. Belt looks new, although I will check the tension carefully. It may be a touch loose.
I haven't used the box scaper yet. How much counter balance will I need? I have 4wd and a loader.

 

[Thomas]

Since you have frontend loader that should be enough conter balance.

I have 95 year model(B7100HST) also operator manuel plus frontend loader,sooo if there some quick info your looking for I'll do my best to help...just one other thingy,make sure the rear tires nuts are good and tight.

 

[Egon]

There is some adjustment on the three point hitch lift hight. It's the little thingy on the rod that can be slid back and forth and tightened in place.

On mine the lift action is not smooth and anything between full up or full down is blue air time.

If the three point is overloaded it will squeal.

Do not adjust the fan belt too tight as it may be hard on the dynamo bearings.

Make sure the rad and oil cleaner are free of debri so it doesn't heat up.

They are a sturdy little mule and will work hard.

Things to watch for:
Rear wheels coming loose on the axle [ there is a new hub that prevents this]
Lower loader pins loosing the cotter pin and falling out. I replaced mine with a bolt and nylon lock nut.
Bucket can use a little stiffening up.
Carry a 12mm wrench as some people like to check the bottom of the fuel tank for debri on a regular basis.

 

[wushaw]

Like as said it will squeal when you get close to the rated capacity, I can make my little 16hp mitsubishi squeal if I hook up to my disk which weighs 663lbs, I know the turning brakes work really good when the ft. tires are airborne

 

[Thomas]

...also try suicide knob,but keep tight grib tho if bucket fill or traveling over rough ground.

 

[charlz]

Sounds just like my b7100 3pt when it is heavily loaded or if it is all the way up and you try to raise it some more

Charles

 

[Raddad]

Who told you the lift is 400#. I have a 1985 B7100 gear trans. tractor and I think the lift is closer to 1000#. I have used a 72 inch Land Pride rake with gauge wheels and with my son sitting on the rake it lifts it fine. 500#s. When it's at the top it squeels when it hits it's limit and it never jerks as it raises up. Something is wrong with your tractor.

 

[ozzie tractor]

Who told you the lift is 400#. I have a 1985 B7100 gear trans. tractor and I think the lift is closer to 1000#. I have used a 72 inch Land Pride rake with gauge wheels and with my son sitting on the rake it lifts it fine. 500#s. When it's at the top it squeels when it hits it's limit and it never jerks as it raises up. Something is wrong with your tractor.

sorry but i am going to disagree, i looked at the video and this machine seems to operate exactly the same as every other B7100 i have ever seen (dunno how many, hundereds i suppose). they squeal if u move the control lever a little bit as it resticts the flow of oil, causing the relief valve to open (thats what the noise is. it means the valve is still working, dont panic its a good thing). push the lever quickly into the lift position, then quickly into the hold position, half way = noise... dropping RPM a bit will take some of the jerkyness out of it as it reduces oil flow.
you cant kill a B7100 with a stick, tough as nails, as mentioned watch the rear wheels and keep the radiator clean (no there is no water pump)

 

[Tig]

Thanks guys, the consensus is reassuring.
Thanks for the manual info offer, Thomas. I had the dealer include manuals with the sale. I also have the 300B loader owners manual if anyone needs info. I wasn't considering a suicide knob but the more I think aboout it it may be may be very handy when using a rear mounted snowblower.
Egon. You make a good point about the dynamo bearings. I think I'l leave the belt alone.
I'll inspect the rad and oil cooler closely this evening.
I have the older wheels. The ag rims were swaped off an eraly 80s model and new tires were put on. I'll keep an eye on them as well as the other items mentioned. Is there a drain plug or sediment trap in the fuel tank? I did not see this mentioned in the owners manual.
Raddad, it could be that the lift smooths out under greater load. The 3 point lift capacity is stated as 400 lbs in my owners manual. I don't doubt that it can lift much more. It seems to toss the box blade in the air. I am looking at purchasing a 425 lb snowblower. Maybe I could even go heavier.....
I am reassured by your observations of the video, Ozzie. That tellls me this is an operator issue and not a mechanical one.
Right now I have contacted the dealer to correct some things that were missed or done wrong. When I bargained for the tractor my biggest point was that the tractor be prepped carefully and all maintenance up todate. The dealer explained that tractors were delivered "field ready" so this issue was automatic. Here is my list, tell me if I am being too picky.
These first two the dealer is taking care of.
Head light bulb and bulb holder missing. Dealer will replace.
Adjustable lift arm too long to level the 3 ph. This was specifically replaced because the old one was seized and broken. Dealer will correct but is not happy about it.
Tranny filter has over 750 hours on it. I requested that the filter and fluids be replaced as stated in the operators manual. This service interval also includes front end oil. I am unclear where the dealer stands on the fluid change.
Air filter is very dirty and stained. I knocked a cup of dirt off of it. I'd like a new one.
The implement lock chain was removed during the dealer prep. It is missing and the dealer has never heard of such a thing as a lock chain. I took pictures of the tractor the first day I saw it. I sent the dealer a picture and a scan from the owners manual to clarify.
For these next two items I am getting quite picky but they relate to servicability of the tractor.
The lower pivot pin grease fittings are missing on the bucket. So this can't be easily greased.
The steering is toe out and can't be easily adjusted because of a bent tie rod end.
It took them a month to prep the tractor. During that time they changed the rims and tires, oil and filter, fuel filter and coolant.
I also have removed and reinstaled the left 3 ph lift arm. It was clearly put on backwards and was binding at the top as well as twisting the lower link. The differential lock was seized in the on position. I was able to free this up with a bit of oil. It seems to work fine now.
While I waited a month for the tractor I went to see the dealer 3 times to see how it was going. I did not want to be a pest. Over all, I love this tractor but the dealer really made me feel insignificant. If they balk at any of the items I listed then I would rather do them myself with what materials they are willing to provide. I'd rather not send it back to that shop for an indefinite period of time.

 

[charlz]

Adjustable lift arm too long to level the 3 ph. This was specifically replaced because the old one was seized and broken. Dealer will correct but is not happy about it.

How long is your 'fixed' lift arm? I ask because on my b7100 the brandnew lift arms (purchased by previous owner) appear to be way too long, either that or my quadrant arms have been adjusted down to avoid hitting the backhoe seat adapter and I am unable to use standard lift arms (the tractor came with chains and clevis' that I believe were used in place of lift arms). However, in your video you appear to get plenty of lift on that implement without the quadrant arms coming up 'too far'.

Mine measures about 16" from the center of the top bolt to the center of the pin that goes through the lower lift arm.

Thanks,
Charles

 

[Tig]

Hi Charlz
The original fixed lift arm is 14 5/8" center to center of the pivot pins as measured on the PTO side of the link. Same measurement on the new adjustable link, shortened as much as possible is 15 1/4 on the PTO side. Dealer swears he ordered the right part. Last part they ordered was also wrong and the Kubota rep finally had to show them which part to order. Seems the specs have changed over the years and it's not obvious which part to order.

 

[Egon]

Mine does not have a trap in the fuel tank but I do make a habit of regulary inspecting the inside bottom of the tank when empty. Please note that this procedure is best done close to home as the diesel can can get heavy on a long carry.

My three point lift operates smoothly going fully down or fully up. Trying to hit an intermediary position is awkward at best.

 

[ZackaryMac]

For all it's worth, I have a B6100HST-E and the hydraulics sound just as you describe. Try to lift a load on the 3ph (like the 4' Lucknow blower) slowly, and it squeals. With over 2300 hours on the clock, it works great.
I recently added auxilary hydraulics for the front plow, and they don't squeal at all, due to a different relief valve, built into the valve.