Kubota L2850D GST changing gears issues

[brent1griffiths]

Hi All

I am new to this site and have already found some valuable information. My problem and reason for joining is as follows:
I am attempting to save the life of a little Kubota tractor (L2850D GST 2200hrs) that is owned by my girlfriends non-mechanically minded family, they have used it for odd jobs on their lifestyle property over roughly 10 years and have done little to it maintenance wise in that time. I intend to give it a full service but prior to this I wish to find out what its main problem is. I suspect that the clutch may be stuffed. This as far as I know is the single dry clutch model with Glide Shift Transmission. Apparently ever since they purchased the tractor second hand it has always had a problem with changing between forward and reverse and upon finally getting the tractor out of either forward or reverse and engaging the newly selected gear and releasing the clutch, there is a moment of a good few seconds before the tractor will launch into motion. Does this sound like clutch, release bearing or something wrong with the trans? It could well be the trans as upon my inspection, i found the trans oil has been critically low and I suspect for a fairly long time as the ram seals on the front end loader are weeping severel and I have read that the GST trans makes use of hydraulic components to change gears etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Baby Grand]

Welcome aboard!
That sounds like a nice tractor - it's a shame that maintenance appears to have been spotty. I have a 2007 L with GST and the F/R shuttle shifts much more smoothly if you come to a complete stop before you throw the shuttle lever. It does hesitate for about a second when the reduction gears are shifted, so that's normal. My advice is to go ahead and do the complete maintenance that you described and see if new filters and a transmission sump full of fresh hydraulic oil don't change it's behavior.

-Jim

 

[brent1griffiths]

Thanks. I had figured this would be the way to go. Be warned I may be a while on this, as I have all of the panels off etc because they all require rust removal but I will keep you posted with progress. I think from what I have found out already that it would be wise to attempt to get all of the mechanical, service issues sorted out first and if this works out, then spend some time sorting out the cosmetics. It is almost a restoration project. Thanks again

Brent