F mower squeaking?

[Sigarms]

I probably put 3-5 hours a week on my F3080. Some of it's pretty rough ground, rarely ever mow in the higher speed range (pretty much stays on the "turtle").

I swear I hear the back end squealing sometimes and I'm not sure if it's just me or a potential problem.

I grease the machine on all of it's grease points religiously, never going past 5 hours without doing the whole machine.

Looking in the manual, there are only two points that need oiling, the seat adjuster and the throttle cable.

Am I missing something??

I almost feel like just taking some oil to all the metal contact points (joints) and be done with it.

Just wondering if it's just me or not.

 

[Pete6114]

I don't want to hear this! Just bought a F-Series mower....
What i noticed when i test drove it at the dealer is, 1) the engine cover latch seems "loose" and needs adjustment. 2) the black plastic fender thingys on both sides squeak a bit till the RPM is increased.
In your case, i'd take a good look at the engine cover for movement/hinges, asuming that that noise is behind you and not the rear of the deck...

 

[Moosetracker]

Don't want to hear this either, I'm about to pull the trigger on an F2690 with RD 60" mower and snow blower.

 

[Dan W]

Don't want to hear this either, I'm about to pull the trigger on an F2690 with RD 60" mower and snow blower.

Hello Gents,
As with most equipment, there are plenty of metal to metal contact points on the mower deck and the lift arm systems on the F tractors. I find that mine gets a few squeaks especially after I power wash it, but as recommended in the operators manual, its a good idea to put some 50 or 75 weight gear oil in a squirt can (or spray can of chain lube oil works best) and lube up as many of the connection points as you can. Squeaks are a fact of life unfortunately but they can be almost eliminated with an oil can... my 2 cents' worth.
You will enjoy your new investments as you become familiar with the machines, I feel the F series is truly a superior machine...

Dan

 

[Sigarms]

Dan

Thanks for the reply.

When you mention operators manual, are you refering to the deck or mower manual, and what area in the manual (page number)? I ask only because I had to of miss it.

Common sense tells me to lube, and although I feel like an idiot for asking such a simple question, because I didn't see anything mentioned in writing, why I felt compelled to ask.

 

[Pete6114]

When you said "back end squealing", i assume it's in the back of the machine (behind you), but as we all know, sound travels.
does it only squeal while driving or does it do it when stationary too? does it squeal when turning or driving straight?
You need to figure out when it makes noise.
Check the engine cover,
Check the wheel bearings

 

[sandalwood]

Dan

Thanks for the reply.

When you mention operators manual, are you refering to the deck or mower manual, and what area in the manual (page number)? I ask only because I had to of miss it.

Common sense tells me to lube, and although I feel like an idiot for asking such a simple question, because I didn't see anything mentioned in writing, why I felt compelled to ask.

Not sure if this is what you were looking for?

 

[Sigarms]

Not sure if this is what you were looking for?

No, I have that.

I don't see anything in either manual about general "oiling and lubricating" metal parts (on the mower) other than mentioned per my first post (seat adjuster and throttle cable).

 

[jcummins]

Being hard of hearing does have it's advantages. What's a squeak?

 

[Pete6114]

Being hard of hearing does have it's advantages. What's a squeak?

Ever hear the sound your walled makes when you open it?

 

[Dan W]

Dan

Thanks for the reply.

When you mention operators manual, are you refering to the deck or mower manual, and what area in the manual (page number)? I ask only because I had to of miss it.

Common sense tells me to lube, and although I feel like an idiot for asking such a simple question, because I didn't see anything mentioned in writing, why I felt compelled to ask.

I hope I'm not dreaming this up Pete, I've been known to do that from time to time...I'll try to find the statement.... nevertheless "oiling" is something I've done throughout my mechanical career, I consider this as a" mechanical best practices" category. Any equipment I own that has a metal to metal contact points, I apply oil or grease to. This is not only to limit squeaks but reduces metal wear as well. This lube is in addition to the identified grease points that "sandalwood" provided in his message.

Same applies for the end of season storage, I make it a point to wahs everything, paint-up all damaged surfaces and oil spray everything. I realize this might sound overkill to some, but I like all my tools and equipment looking like new.

I also use "crown" on all hydraulic hose fillings. You'll be thankful that you did when it comes time to replace a blown hose. 5 or 10 years down the road.

But, back to the point, I read this oil thing somewhere recently, so I'll try to get the chapter & verse...

Dan

 

[Sigarms]

I hope I'm not dreaming this up Pete, I've been known to do that from time to time...I'll try to find the statement.... nevertheless "oiling" is something I've done throughout my mechanical career, I consider this as a" mechanical best practices" category. Any equipment I own that has a metal to metal contact points, I apply oil or grease to. This is not only to limit squeaks but reduces metal wear as well. This lube is in addition to the identified grease points that "sandalwood" provided in his message.

Same applies for the end of season storage, I make it a point to wahs everything, paint-up all damaged surfaces and oil spray everything. I realize this might sound overkill to some, but I like all my tools and equipment looking like new.

I also use "crown" on all hydraulic hose fillings. You'll be thankful that you did when it comes time to replace a blown hose. 5 or 10 years down the road.

But, back to the point, I read this oil thing somewhere recently, so I'll try to get the chapter & verse...

Dan

Thanks Dan.

Myself never being mechanically inclined, I've always relied on instructions when it comes to procedures (I can read and follow instructions, which has helped me in my life).

Thing is, as dumb as I am, it only makes sense to oil metal on metal parts that come into contact with each other. I've never been afraid to ask a stupid question

Being that this mower cost more than any vehicle I've bought, I want to make sure LOL

 

[Moosetracker]

Thanks Dan for the oiling advice and the use of "crown" on hydraulic fittings. I hadn't thought about the latter.

I'll be pulling the trigger this week on an F2690 either with the Ottawa dealer on his competitor in Winchester. I would have liked a little more power than the F2690, particularly for snow blowing, but that doesn't appear to be possible at the moment, unless one goes with JD.

Both local dealers told me they wouldn't sell the F3990 until the DPF issue is resolved.

 

[Pete6114]

I also use "crown" on all hydraulic hose fillings. You'll be thankful that you did when it comes time to replace a blown hose. 5 or 10 years down the road.
Dan

What is this "crown" stuff Dan? (I use Fluid Film a lot)
Fluid Film® | Corrosion Preventative, Lubricant and Rust Inhibitor

 

[Dan W]

What is this "crown" stuff Dan? (I use Fluid Film a lot)
Fluid Film® | Corrosion Preventative, Lubricant and Rust Inhibitor

Sorry Pete,
Crown is a popular undercoating product, used a lot in the car industry. It has great penetrating properties, many truck plants use it, and Cat sprays all of their equipment with this stuff, (especially hose fittings) military likes it too...
I think it's about 6 or 7 dollars a can.

Dan

 

[jcummins]

Googling...it apparently is Krown. But I don't understand how this product relates to lubing for squeaks.

 

[Dan W]

Googling...it apparently is Krown. But I don't understand how this product relates to lubing for squeaks.

That's right, I stand corrected, it's with a K, thanks Jcummins.
This Krown stuff is a rust inhibitor and has great lube properties as well... what I was getting at with spraying the fittings is that in our northern climate, things seize up over time, so a bit of preventative maintenance goes a long way to assist with future repairs.... it's like putting never-seize compound on nut & bolt threads when bolting up components that will be exposed to the elements...

Dan

 

[Sigarms]

Was it just me or do they mention oiling metal on metal parts in the operators manual????? Just like to know where I missed it.

 

[Dan W]

That's a good question Sigrams, I know I've read this recommendation many times over the years, but I'm 99% sure it's the Kubota manuals, not just for F series but for any machine... now where did I see it?

Dan

 

[johncar]

Can't say I am a fan of squeaks and rattles either. I have to hunt them down but in general I try and lube all contact points, linkages etc regularly .
Using the appropriate lube can help but on most of the misc metal to metal I think and I prefer to use a light lube like INOX or Lanox which is pretty common here in Australia but WD40 should be OK too. I just avoid having anything to sticky that will attract dirt, dust and grit so that it doesn't turn into a grinding paste.
I do have a bit of a clattering sound when the cutting deck is engaged though, still yet to track it down, just hope it is not in the transmission.