High Pitch Noise In Kubota

Spaceman · Dec 10, 2008

I posted this once in the Owning?Operating section. RonJHall suggested it might be the half shaft, but no it wasn't. Perhaps this is the more proper forum to post to.
I have a 1995 Kubota 2100 4WD hydrostatic tractor with 600hrs. When going forward, I hear a high pitched slightly pulsating noise which appears to be coming from the left front somewhere. I thought it might be something dragging in the wheel somewhere, but it doesn't do it in reverse.
Also, the noise doesn't really start until it gets going a couple miles per hour or more. The noise is getting louder as time goes on.
Is this something normal which comes with age? Maybe a hydralic valve somewhere, or is it a sign of something serious and on its way to an expensive repair? Performance hasn't degraded at all.
Thanks all in advance for the help. This is a great place to get advice/ideas. I'm a real newbie at tractoring, but I've gotten the bug big time. Wife is already complaining about all the implements I want to buy. When I really want to tweak her, I tell her I need a bigger one with a heated/air conditioned cab!

Squeak n Itch · Dec 10, 2008

Does this noise happen when the tractor is cold (50 degrees or less). I think my 'Bota makes this noise and has something to do with the engine being fully warm doing the summer months. Never seems to be around in the winter months. Never figured it out.

Spaceman · Dec 11, 2008

Had to think about that for a minute. Yes it makes it all the time. I find it really strange it only does it in forward. Kind of makes me think something is wrong in the tranni. Previous owner kept up on all the fluid changes. One thing I haven't checked yet is the transmission fluid level. I had a crack at the fitting of one of the power steering lines. The line was a straight shot to the power steering pump, leaving no room for flex and it cracked right at the nut on the power steering box. Kubota fixed that with the design of the new replacement line. I'm wondering if I over filled it and that causes the noise. The only in forward gear thing really has me.

hdbikercouple · Dec 11, 2008

could this be in the trans axle? how does your diff. lock work ? does it engage and disengage right? my diff. lock broke and I did not know it till it was too late. 1900.00 plus. to rebiult the transaxle,and that was with me removing it and taking it to the dealer.He wanted $3600.00 to do it all.

john_bud · Dec 11, 2008

You got the parking brake on?

jinman · Dec 13, 2008

If you turn hard left and right does the noise change or disappear? IF you have a FEL, does it change with a load? Also, look at all your hydraulic lines and anywhere there might be metal-to-metal vibration. At the right speed, harmonics from vibrations can sound just like a high pitched squeal. Metal hydraulic lines that are not in rubber dampers and touching metal or other lines are notorious for making noise.

art · Dec 13, 2008

Does it do it in both ranges?

dynasim · Dec 15, 2008

It could be air sucking into the system, too. Although, if it was that, you ought to hear it going both ways.

Good luck
Chris

Spaceman · Dec 16, 2008

OK guys, I found the problem and I'm almost too embarrassed to tell you what it was. I got the Bota out and warmed it up for 15 minutes. I tried both ranges, did hard rights and lefts, checked the parking brakes, the differential lock and operating the FEL. Then I started going over it looking for that metal to metal contact. I went over all the lines on the left side, right side and under the hood.
I then started crawling around underneath. I had just found a pin in the clutch lever which when shaken, sounded like it could make a similar noise, when a small oil drip on the main bearing on the engine where the driveshaft runs out caught my eye. Upon closer examination, I spotted a stick about 3/8 diameter and about 8 inches long jammed between the upper frame and rubbing against the knuckle on the driveshaft. Removed the stick and lo and behold, noise disappeared! I can稚 figure out why it only did it in forward since the driveshaft doesn稚 change direction.
Please don稚 laugh too hard, but glad I could provide some kind of amusement to you experienced guys. Now that I致e proved my newbie-ness, I have two more questions. Regarding engine oil, the manual says to use 10-30. What kind do you recommend? Is there a difference between what goes in my truck (gasoline) verses a diesel?
Next question. How long can I expect the bearing with the leak to last? The tractor has lost about a 1/16 on the dipstick since I bought it. I致e put less than 20hrs on it and the hour meter only has 600.
Thanks again for your time and efforts. Its good to have a place with experienced folks with valuable information