GC2300 PTO Power Loss

kmbusse · Jul 8, 2011

I posted same question on another area of the forum but this area is more applicable.
I am experiencing a significant power loss from both the 2000 and 540 PTO, but only after about 45 to 60 minutes. The first hour or so, it seems to work fine, the belly mount mower walks through anything, but after some time it starts to bog down and slow. Same with rototiller. Once it cools, it operates fine for another 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. Does this sound like a hydraulic pump problem or a PTO slip clutch problem? Why would it lose power only after it gets hot (assuming that is the problem)? Would this repair be something one could tackle on their own.
Any opinions would would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Kerry

DMW · Jul 8, 2011

How long has the existing hydro fluid been in the tractor? Additive package may be used up, allowing the hydro fluid to thin out too much as it heats up.

Dennis

kmbusse · Jul 9, 2011

I just changed the hydraulic fluid about 10 hours ago, used the recommended Permatran. Still have same problem. What additive package are you talking about. i can't find anything in my manual about that?
Thanks for your reply

DMW · Jul 9, 2011

Tractor hydraulic fluid (Permatran etc.) is a base oil mixed with an additive package to make it into a hydro oil. During operation of the tractor, the additives get used up and the lubricating effectiveness of the oil decreases.

Excessive heat can also affect the hydro oil. Is the cooling fan on the driveshaft intact?

Any name brand tractor hydraulic fluid that meets the manual's specs will be resistant to normal operating temperatures. The cheaper off-brands may not work as well. The hydrostatic transmissions of a subcompact utility tractor (scut) are more sensitive to high operating temperatures than the larger tractors.

Dennis

irvingj · Jul 9, 2011

I agree it sounds like something to do with running hot.... the 2300 did not come with a temp gauge; did you add one, or have you any idea if it is in fact running hot? The HST fan would be the first thing I'd look at, then the radiator to see if it's clogged. Where are you located? Is it a typically hot/humid locale?

kmbusse · Jul 9, 2011

I'll check the fan. No, no temperture guage added. I am just outside of Edmonton, Alberta, so heat and humidity is lower than most everywhere else. If the fan is OK, oil is good, could the seals in the pump start to leak after the oil gets hot? If it is internal, would it most likely be the pump or the PTO clutch

madhatter · Jul 9, 2011

I agree, seems to be a heat issue as it gets worse as it warms up so that would lead to a fan issue. I had some broken blades on mine after some brush mowing. And sorry to say, a bit of a #@$$# to change.

Don87 · Jul 10, 2011

madhatter said:
I agree, seems to be a heat issue as it gets worse as it warms up so that would lead to a fan issue. I had some broken blades on mine after some brush mowing. And sorry to say, a bit of a #@$$# to change.

It's my understanding that the engine must be pulled to change the fan on a Kubota..........now that's a #@$$# to change.

brian p1 · Jul 12, 2011

Had the same problem but my temp light came on (GC2310). But you can't see it in the sunlight. Fortunately no damage but that's when i discovered the pull out screen behind the rad...

As to the fan on the driveshaft, i went down to the nearest metal shop and bought a piece of perforated metal and made a 6"' by 16" shield. It was crazy how many times the tall grass got wrapped around the fan and dealer didn't have a good solution.