Kubota B21 TLB complete driveline rebuild

[dfkrug]

I went back to my service manual and it lists the standard bucket at 220#,
then later in the same table says the TL420 weighs 650#. It does not say
with or without the bkt. Hmmm.

Anyway, you integrated TLB guys (L35, L48, etc) may appreciate the next
part of my B21 rebuild:

I love the very nice suspension seat that spins around so the operator can
drive or use the hoe. It releases and lifts up and around, locking into place
in 2 possible positions. When I got my B21 the seat was very sloppy and
would rock side-to-side. I took it apart and discovered that there are 2
spring-loaded pins and a locking mechanism to do this job. There is a dense
piece of plastic acting as the friction surface. Its rivets had worn off and
it was displaced. See first photo. I did not see an easy way to attach a
new piece of dense plastic as the fastener would wear off like the original.
So I welded in four 1/8" thick strips of steel. Works great.

 

[curtisfarmer]

Very impressive thread and work. I have L48, so watching your project showcases the heavy duty construction of the B21/L35/L48.

Good job!!

p.s. Way to complicated for me. Modern tractors are just so darned complimicated, I look under my machine and see LOTS of stuff that looks difficult to get at/fix/replace.

 

[dfkrug]

Very impressive thread and work. I have L48, so watching your project showcases the heavy duty construction of the B21/L35/L48.

Good job!!

p.s. Way to complicated for me. Modern tractors are just so darned complimicated, I look under my machine and see LOTS of stuff that looks difficult to get at/fix/replace.

.....and this B21 is soooo much more complicated than the JD955s I have
completely rebuilt before, for example. It makes sense the integrated
TLBs cost so much more than "regular" CUTs.

I still plan to replace the warn bushings on the HST pedal.

Now if I could only figure an easy way to put the FOPS back on without
a helper......

Thx, Curtis

 

[machmeter62]

DAVE: Once again, I reviewed all your photos and progress reports, and also reviewed the project you brought home. When you stated.....you were looking for a challenge, many that have reviewed this site, might consider that an "understatement!"

What does the future hold for the B21; is it going to be sold to the highest bidder eventually, or become a partner in your tractor stable? You will have a lot of options with a popular tractor. It's rebirth is just beginning!

Have you kept any time sheets for the hours devoted to the complete project; both for the teardown and rebuild? The research for parts, and studying the manuals for re-assembly must be time consuming too; when you mentioned many of the parts were in a pile on purchase of the tractor?
The photos have been very interesting.
LEE

 

[dfkrug]

What does the future hold for the B21; is it going to be sold to the highest bidder eventually, or become a partner in your tractor stable? You will have a lot of options with a popular tractor. It's rebirth is just beginning!

Have you kept any time sheets for the hours devoted to the complete project; both for the teardown and rebuild? The research for parts, and studying the manuals for re-assembly must be time consuming too; when you mentioned many of the parts were in a pile on purchase of the tractor?
The photos have been very interesting.
LEE

Thx, Lee

I will experiment with this tractor, esp the 4n1, to see if I want to get that
kind of bkt for my Kioti (my main machine). I will sell it this spring, most likely.
I will also probably weld a thumb onto the b/h and compare its productivity
to my Kioti-mounted hoe.

No, I certainly have not kept account of the hours spent; that would take the
fun out of it.

 

[dfkrug]

Well, not much happened on the B21 since early Dec. I just got
it out to install the FOPS/ROPS and mount the backhoe. The hoe
was very fast and easy, cuz now the hydraulics are working. The
FOPS was tough, as the photo shows. My Kioti could barely lift the
structure to clear the mounting points.

 

[dfkrug]

Well, between all the rain (and snow), I finished up with installing
the 4-in-1 bucket. What a neat tool. I might just have to get one for
my Kioti.

 

[machmeter62]

DAVE: The B21 now has a healthy look! I like the looks of that 4n1 bucket! Is that lip on the topside of the bucket standard, or do you think it was a previous add on? That is one of the shortcomings of my L35 with the self-leveling; it tends to jerk, or acting too fast, reaching that mode spilling material, no matter how slow you lift it, which your lip would prevent, I think?

Has the lifting capacity of the loader been a disappointment, because of the increase weight, or any other negatives against the tractor?

Thanx for the up-date....
LEE

 

[machmeter62]

DAVE: The B21 now has a healthy look! I like the looks of that 4n1 bucket! Is that lip on the topside of the bucket standard, or do you think it was a previous add on? That is one of the shortcomings of my L35 with the self-leveling; it tends to jerk, or acting too fast, reaching that mode spilling material, no matter how slow you lift it, which your lip would prevent, I think?

Has the lifting capacity of the loader been a disappointment, because of the increase weight, or any other negatives against the tractor?

Thanx for the up-date....
LEE

I think you could now add to your bottom line testimonial: "now I get to build/{FIX} anything!"

 

[dfkrug]

DAVE: The B21 now has a healthy look! I like the looks of that 4n1 bucket! Is that lip on the topside of the bucket standard, or do you think it was a previous add on? That is one of the shortcomings of my L35 with the self-leveling; it tends to jerk, or acting too fast, reaching that mode spilling material, no matter how slow you lift it, which your lip would prevent, I think?

Has the lifting capacity of the loader been a disappointment, because of the increase weight, or any other negatives against the tractor?

Thanx for the up-date....
LEE

There IS a spill guard welded on the top lip of the bkt. This seems to be an
option sold with some 4-in-1s. The prev owner also had 1/2" steel plates
welded onto the inside of the sides of the jaw. Also note the zig-zag
wear surface welded beads added in various places. The prev owner had
one accident that dented the hood....that is prob what got them to add the
spill guard and there was a stainless steel protective plate that I have not
reinstalled.

I have minimal time learning the coordination of this 4-in-1, but initally I
am not impressed with the self-leveling bkt. The weight IS huge for such a
small tractor, so the net lifting capacity is less than any other tractor I have
owned or operated.