kubota L35

[dnj12345]

Hi I have a kubota L35 it has 1300hrs on it. When I drive it on long trams maybe half a mile the front wheels lock up. I have to put it in reverse and drive it home in four wheel drive. Any ideas what the problem is? Thanks in advance.

 

[irwin]

It's time to find out now!

It sounds like something is loose or broken, and I suspect more damage is inevitable should you keep using it.

If you're going to do the repairs yourself please take pictures and post them for us. Good luck.

 

[dnj12345]

It only has done it twice when I use it around the yard it never happens thanks for your help

 

[kennyd]

I am thinking bad bearings?

 

[RoyJackson]

Were you driving in 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive when it locks up? Sounds like axle wind up (in 4 wheel drive). This is quite possible, especially if you're driving on hard pavement.
I've never experienced it on my tractor (but other then a little work on the road when plowing snow, this machine never sees hard pavement).
I suggest you ensure you were in 2 wheel drive (maybe the selector lever was in the wrong position). If this happens again, and you have a front end loader, stop the tractor, lift the front end (so the front wheels are off the pavement) then lower it and see if that corrects the "lock up". If it does, I think your tractor's 4 wheel drive is engaged or engaging during the transport.
Kenny's thoughts about bad bearings is possible too, but I would think that would show up during any movement, but dnj12345 writes this never happens while operating in his yard (off road).

 

[dnj12345]

I bought the tractor off of the gas company. I never use it on the road. When this happened I was in a field. The tractor was in two wheel drive I made sure when it happened the second time. Do you think it will be a very expensive fix? Thanks for the help.

 

[art]

You have an issue in one of your front hubs it only takes one!

 

[dnj12345]

Thanks for the info is that a hard repair?

 

[kennyd]

Thanks for the info is that a hard repair?

We don't quite know what's wrong yet...

 

[AKfish]

Thanks for the info is that a hard repair?

There's one thing that certain -- it'll be harder to repair if you keep using the tractor!

Block the front wheels up with jackstands and lift the rear-end up with a good floor jack.
Put the transmission in high gear. Range selector in high range. Shift into 4WD. Spin the front wheels by hand. Listen for "bad" noises.

Disengage 4WD. Put the transmission and the range selector in neutral. Spin the front wheels by hand. Listen for "bad" noises.

This can help you to determine if the problem is in one of the front wheel assemblies (planetary gears or bearings) or in the 4WD transmission.

AKfish

 

[irwin]

There's one thing that certain -- it'll be harder to repair if you keep using the tractor!

Block the front wheels up with jackstands and lift the rear-end up with a good floor jack.
Put the transmission in high gear. Range selector in high range. Shift into 4WD. Spin the front wheels by hand. Listen for "bad" noises.

Disengage 4WD. Put the transmission and the range selector in neutral. Spin the front wheels by hand. Listen for "bad" noises.

This can help you to determine if the problem is in one of the front wheel assemblies (planetary gears or bearings) or in the 4WD transmission.

AKfish

I would do what AKfish recommends right away... replacing a gear, bearing or a shaft is one thing...replacing the whole front end assembly (or something more serious!) is a whole nuther level of $$$$$.
(I didn't see where you said you checked the gear oil in the front differencial?)

 

[dnj12345]

when I spin the front wheels it makes a clicking sound like a tooth of a gear is missing. The sound is coming fron the center of the axle. Is 1300 hrs a lot of hours for this tractor? I think it was well maintained. Thanks for all your help.

 

[AKfish]

when I spin the front wheels it makes a clicking sound like a tooth of a gear is missing. The sound is coming fron the center of the axle. Is 1300 hrs a lot of hours for this tractor? I think it was well maintained. Thanks for all your help.

That's not alot of hours for that tractor. They're a beast! Commercial operator's (with hired help) can dish out the abuse, though.

Well, that's where the ring gear and pinion gear are located... And, that's a more detailed repair (more $$$).

I'd try one more diagnostic attempt to isolate the problem while you've got the front end off the ground -- block one front wheel -- to keep it from rotating. And spin the opposite wheel by hand. Listen for those tell-tale, "bad" sounds. Do this for both sides. That will help to ensure that the wheel assemblies are not the issue and the problem is really in the "pumpkin" - differential housing.

AKfish

 

[irwin]

when I spin the front wheels it makes a clicking sound like a tooth of a gear is missing. The sound is coming fron the center of the axle. Is 1300 hrs a lot of hours for this tractor? I think it was well maintained. Thanks for all your help.

What's your mechanical ability? Do you have a repair manual?

Repairing the front differential on this machine is possible for someone that has handyman level talent..

Must do: diagnose problem (this will most likely involve some disassembly)
Must have: the repair manual...(good to have: a parts manual.)
Must have: a clean area to work.
Must have: basic mechanical ability, along with basic tools.

 

[dnj12345]

It makes the same sound even when I spin the wheels by themselves. Thanks for all your help

 

[MarkV]

You already know there is a problem in the front end. While you still can remove the backhoe and eliminate that 1/2 ton of weight. It will be much safer getting it off the ground to fix.

I saw a year old B21 with a bad front differential. It was used commercially by multiple operators, never taken out of 4 wd and mostly used on paved surfaces. It is starting to sound like it may be expensive. Sorry.

MarkV

 

[dnj12345]

what manual should I buy that would tell me how to remove the differential? Thanks for your help

 

[AKfish]

Generally, there are at least 3 manuals for a particular tractor, etc.

Owner's manual, Technical Repair manual and the Part's manual.

Having all 3 is not a bad idea...

But, in this case, you will need the repair manual and/or the part's manual.

AKfish

 

[dex3361]

what manual should I buy that would tell me how to remove the differential? Thanks for your help

Do you have the parts manuals for the L35?

 

[dnj12345]

I just ordered one yesterday it should be here in a few days. I'll keep you guys posted on my progress. I'll try to take pics Thanks for all your help.