Bought a B21, have a few questions

[SixMilesSouth]

So I've been looking for a B21 for a little while now and just brought it home yesterday. Now, before we get into how happy I am, I have a few questions. It's my first tractor and I'm not sure how everything works. The machine doesn't have the owners manual (will have to pick that up).

The only two issues I've found are:
Hydro pedal does not center itself, meaning it will not stop moving until you manually put it to center. Could just need lubing the pivot mechanism?

It's hard to shift into different ranges at times. There's a grinding noise and the lever is hard to move. If I clutch again, then it will usually go right in without noise or hesitation. Is this problem connected to the first? I'm really hoping it's not a problem with the shift forks. This machines should shift without the clutch, right?

I'm excited to get started using it, but want to know what's what before I jump in.

Thanks!

6Miles

 

[bruceatlam]

I have a B20 --- I always use the clutch when shifting from range to range. And, like you, I sometimes have a little difficulty and need to double clutch. I find it best to shift while "rolling" a bit ---- mine has behaved like that since the day I bought it six years ago.

Yes --- grease the hydro pedal before you get too excited. There should be a zerk under the center pivot.

 

[Carl_NH]

Congrats on your new machine. I have had a B21 since 2000 (new) and they are a tough little TLB - I have moved a lot of rock and logs, grading etc. I am attaching the manuals for the Loader and Bachoe in PDF here also but the tractor manual is 3.7 MB so PM me and I will email to you.

To your issues - if your hydro pedal doesnt return to center I beleive there is a spring on this to return to nuetral, also grease as Bruce mentioned. This is the other reason you are having trouble shifting since the hydro pedal is engaged the swash plate on the hydro is pumping fluid causing the shifting /grinding - I would correct that right away.

Some other tips (once you get the hydro pedal return working) - sometimes it doesnt like to go in gear, so depress the hydro pedal with the clutch out and release, I almost always depress the clutch when putting in mid range or changing a range so not to grind the gears, but if it still doesnt engage depress the hydro pedal a bit and it should go in.

Hydro Fluids change - there are two hydro filters and one strainer and it holds 7.5 Gal SUDT so go to walmart and get two 30 or 40 quart storage containers - like $3 ea and drain the front in the tranny case then the rear plug under the rear case is another drain plug. The strainer looks hard to get at but I find its easier to remove the wheel when doing the fluids and you can access everything a lot easier. The reason to check the strainer is if there has been a lot of gear grinding you can assess how much by looking at the strainer.

Backhoe - get a thumb - I have a mecahnical one and wouldnt be without it - you can find them on ebay and around the net if you look - I have a bolt on one.


Backhoe removal - pretty simple but takes some practice, park on a flat area, put the outriggers down with very little pressure, lower the boom and curl the dipper in, then remove the pins on the moving rods, then if the handles are still tight lower/raise the outriggers til they free up. I also grease these rods (fluid film) to make them easy to move. Once you have the two release pins all the way back install the retainer clips and then lift the outriggers and that should drop the top off the pins and move the hoe as well. I usually put blocks of wood under the hoe swing cylinder area. If this process seems puzzling read the manual before you take the hoe off.


Last - grease everything - and if the pins are sloppy on the loader or BH you can get replacement bushings and pins - they are easy to change.

Then have fun digging holes and moving stuff - and by the way post some pics of your machine.

 

[troutsqueezer]

There is a zerk on the return spring for sure. That area needs to be clear of built-up sludge. Even so, the pedals will tend to return to center position sometimes with just a little offset, enough to make the tractor creep. A slight tap will bring them to center.

If the spring falls off or needs replacing some folks use a plasma cutter to cut a square hole in the floor over the spring to gain access. Otherwise it is a real pain, having to dismantle more than you would expect just for a spring.

Shifting mine at first was tricky too but after awhile you get the hang of it. Just be sure never to shift when the tractor is on a slope, it might get away from you.

I always use the clutch to shift.

 

[Ken45101]

Yes, use the clutch to shift, that's what it is there for. Yes, sometimes you can get away without using the clutch but I doubt that is wise.

You can shift on a hill....just make sure your foot is on the brake pedal!!

Ken

 

[SixMilesSouth]

Great advice from all, I took a look at the pedal this morning before heading to work and it seems to move freely, but just kind of lazy. In addition to the spring, is there a damper on the linkage? The movement of the pedal feels like it's moving through a thick fluid (molasses?). Smooth, but not in any hurry. I'll have to get in there next weekend and see what the deal is.

I'll post some photos soon.

 

[Carl_NH]

Smooth like thick molasses is exactly like mine works but it returns to neutral quickly. The dampener as Kubota calls is is P/N 32721-43350 and if you search on TBN you will find other threads about this topic for other models.

The B21 per the manual doesnt have a spring that I can see, only the dampener and looking at mine it is as the manual picture on page 174 of the B21 Manual.

 

[troutsqueezer]

The B21 per the manual doesnt have a spring that I can see, only the dampener and looking at mine it is as the manual picture on page 174 of the B21 Manual.

There's one there, I've seen it.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/186580-b21-drive-pedal-problem.html

If you look closely at this pic from a B21 tear down thread on this site, you can see it.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ta-b21-tractor-loader-backhoe-zg_rejoined.jpg

 

[SixMilesSouth]

Thanks Carl, looks like I have some reading to do.

 

[Carl_NH]

Dennis,

Yes - you are right there is a spring inside the frame that appears to be a bear to get at. Attached are the pics you posted - and an updated word doc showing the spring. I went out and looked at mine and could see the spring inside the frame. When I moved the hydro pedal it didnt move but assume it must be a tension spring.

The dampener is shown too. Is ths internal spring what you refer and not the dampener?

Thanks and good luck with this 6MiSouth..

Carl