hydrostatic transmission

[csr0831]

Tim,
Thank you for being concerned enough to question it. The after market loader I have is not hooked into the hydraulics of the tractor. It lifts and dumps using electric actuators....designed for very light stuff (<200 lbs). The tractor is a GR 2100 (Kubota). Thanks.

Chris

 

[Rockfist]

Hi Chris -

So you bought the Johnny Bucket. I've been thinking about one for my GR2100. What are your impressions of it so far?

 

[csr0831]

Yep I got the bucket. Seems to be well made and designed. They did send the wrong front plate...the hole for the exhaust was cut in the wrong place. Turns out that they had not seen this model tractor with teh exhaust routed the way it was. I have one of the ealier model machines, so maybe Kubota made a production line change somewhere along the line...wouln't be unheard of. Anyway, they sent me a new plate and this one had the hole on the right side but the plate was too wide. Talked to 'em again and they sent ANOTHER plate, this time the hole was on the right side and the plate fit, but the hole was too high. Forth time they got it right. I really like it. As many have said, it is NOT a front end loader, but it serves my purposes well. I am more worried about the transmission in the GR holding up then I am about the Bucket. I have an older four wheel Gravely...I may get one for that too. I KNOW the transmission in that will hold up. : )

 

[Rockfist]

Funny thing about the front plate. You know, I think the GR2000 exhaust is routed differently than that of the 2100. I'll bet that yours is the first JB to be fit to a 2100. Thanks for blazing the trail for the rest of us!

I too, am concerned about the transmission. I just finished the 50 hr service, and chose to drain the transmission (instead of just change the filter, as the manual suggests). I was relieved to find no significant metal shavings in the screen. I've read about guys finding pretty large chunks of metal there, especially in the early production units.

I understand that this machine has a unique transmission, which may not be as robust as some when it comes to heavy pushing or pulling. However, it is a tractor, ******, and most components are fairly heavy duty (frame, engine). I pulled up a couple shrubs with mine the other day and all went well. I did have to tug on one of them a couple times to get it loose, though. I expect the machine to do at least moderate real work, above and beyond hauling me around as it mows the grass.

By the way: my neighbor has a slope on his property that's just about 30 degrees (I measured it). It's not long, only about 20 feet or so, but the GR2100 climbs it with ease. I can even stop part way up and get started again with no problem. Going down is no problem either - I think the transmission brakes all 4 wheels. There is no skidding or sliding.