Why do the gears grind on my new L3400

[hwkeever]

I just bought a new 2010 L3400 FEL 4WD PS Standard trans and the trans gears grind when shifting in a range or FWD/Reverse.
I have pushed the clutch in partially, fully, half way etc and nothing works.
I know the dealer will fix it but I was wondering what can cause this on a new unit. Anyone else had this problem? thanks Harry

 

[milkman636]

Check the owners manual for your clutch pedal free play adjustment. A likely cause is excessive free play, which will cause gears to still be spinning while you are trying to shift.

Are you stopping to shift or doing it on a roll?

 

[Chilly807]

I have an '09 3400 DT, same transmission as yours. What I've found is that with an unsynchronized transmission you can't shift on the fly without double clutching. Upward shifts on the fly are no problem if you double clutch, downward isn't always so good.

Mine also grinds under this condition.. you slow to a stop, depress the clutch, then put the shuttle lever in neutral. Then let the clutch out and idle for a few seconds for whatever reason, then depress the clutch and try to move the shuttle lever back into gear, it grinds almost every time.

The cure for that is to push the clutch in, increase the engine speed to about 1400-1500 rpm very briefly with the foot throttle, then as it comes back to idle, gently re-engage the shuttle lever in either forward or reverse gears. Works every time for me.

My clutch is perfectly adjusted, I've checked it a couple times. I think it's just the nature of the beast.

Sean

 

[hwkeever]

I have only had this tractor two weeks so I am still getting used to it.
I had a 1998 L2350 before and with a little bit of finesse the gears never were a problem. I use the same technique so I expected the new tractor to be even smoother. The manual states .8 to 1.2 in and I am measuring 1.25 from home position to first sign of pedal pressure. Am I checking it the right way? The book isnt very clear on the procedure.
The warranty will take care of it but I am curious why it might be out of adjustment. The dealer is sending someone over to check it on saturday to see if its me or the tractor. They implied that some people have problems with the clutch/ shuttle shift system. I have driven lots of clutches and Im pretty smooth so I dont think its me.
Thanks for any info you can provide. Harry

 

[hwkeever]

Thanks for the info. That sounds just like my problem. I will try the shift technique you suggest. Maybe I am being picky but I expected a bit better of a 2010 Kubota. thanks Harry

 

[Chilly807]

It's not you, Harry.

Or at worst, it's you and me both

The newer Kubotas may not be as good as the old ones were, although I hope I'm wrong.

I've driven standards for the past 30 years, but they've all been synchronized transmissions, which is the difference.

It took a little bit of experimenting with mine to find the sweet spot. I remembered driving something else years ago (can't remember what it was exactly now) but it was the same way.

Let us know what the dealer tech has to say, it should be interesting. If he just switches between forward and reverse without letting the clutch up, it won't grind, I can guarantee that.

It's when you let it idle with the clutch out in neutral, then go to re-engage that it will grind, at least in my case.

Sean

 

[k0ua]

Sean, what you describe is exactly how my B7500DT worked, I found that 1400 1500 sweet spot, and could shift without grinding, but if I didnt pay attention.... Well anyway no problems with my L3400HST, it is pretty smooth:thumbsup:

James K0UA

 

[hwkeever]

Sounds like my problem. My manual doesnt say to press the clutch when shifting the shuttle. Do you shift from forward to reverse w/o pressing the clutch and is that sop for the tractor? I have been clutching to change directions because I thought I needed to.
Please advise. thanks Harry

 

[wykubotaguy]

I have a 2008 L3400 with shuttle shift and manual trans. It will grind only if you are moving for the shuttle shift. Which is exactly what the owners manual states it will do. Shifting the four speed I can up shift (2-3,3-4 etc) like a large truck w/no synchro. Both the shuttle and 4 speed only have to be pushed to the first stage of the clutch. I would have to say there is something wrong with your clutch.

 

[Chilly807]

Hmm... I think you'll need the clutch.

The newer gear-drive L3400s don't have a true "shuttle" shift, simply a range selector.

Some of the early ones had a GST or Glide Shift Transmission, I haven't run one of those so I don't know if you needed a clutch or not.

As far as I know all they make now are either HST or DT models. If yours has the 1-2-3-4 shifter on top of the tranny as well as the Hi-low-reverse under your left hand (DT model) you definitely need the clutch when changing directions.

Sean