F2000 - Won't Move

[malcolm]

F2000 front mower, diesel, 4wd, with HST. Everything works as it should ( blades turn, deck goes up and down, steering moves easily) except for HST. Twice, the unit was working fine and then suddenly stopped. No forward or reverse. Leave overnight and seems to go. I changed fluid (used UDT) and filter. The third time it stopped, it didn't go again. No forward, no reverse. Tried adjusting linkage to compensate for wear (3500 hrs on unit). Didn't help. When foot control is pushed, the engine seems to slow slightly. Drive shaft from engine is rotating.

HELP.

[rbcsaver]

F2000 front mower, diesel, 4wd, with HST. Everything works as it should ( blades turn, deck goes up and down, steering moves easily) except for HST. Twice, the unit was working fine and then suddenly stopped. No forward or reverse. Leave overnight and seems to go. I changed fluid (used UDT) and filter. The third time it stopped, it didn't go again. No forward, no reverse. Tried adjusting linkage to compensate for wear (3500 hrs on unit). Didn't help. When foot control is pushed, the engine seems to slow slightly. Drive shaft from engine is rotating.
HELP.

Sounds like the clutch is shot??
Steve

[malcolm]

I talked with local Kubota service today. They said that the F2000 has two seperate pumping systems, one for mower lift and one for drive. They believe drive side is worn or damaged so that mower will not move. They said parts alone would be $1500. And then I still have a mower with 3600 hrs.

Does anyone know-
What Kubota told me is true?
Can this pump be fixed for less?
Is it an easy fix?
Is it really the pump?
Thanks for any help.
Malcolm

[Service Dept Vic]

Malcolm, Did you change the spin on filter? If so, did you remove and clean the HST Pump suction line filter also?

It's often forgotten and can be the source of an oil starvation that manifests itself in "no go".

The HST suction filter is located on the RH side of the HST pump. Look for a large oil line terminating at the pump with a banjo fitting. The suction filter/screen is on that banjo fitting.

Removing it will dump all the transmission oil so be prepared for that.

Once removed, you can clean it with varsol or other solvent and re-install it. Inspect it for any holes or tears in the mesh, replace it if you see any damage.

There is also a seperate screen/filter for the balance of the tractors hydraulic system, and it should be removed and cleaned as well.

Your F2000 has 3 hydraulic oil filters. One spin on canister, and two sump screens. I'll bet the sump screens are caked in crap!

[malcolm]

Vic
I took out both screens. Both seemed very clean. No debris on screen. Is the next thing the pump? If so, what is a average cost for parts (I can do labor)?
thanks
Malcolm

[Service Dept Vic]

Malcolm,

Great to hear that you investigated those screens! The HST unit is not available as a complete unit. With Kubota, you order every single nut, bolt and washer seperate.

Think of the HST pump this way: it's an automatic transmission. You have to ask yourself if you'd feel comfortable overhauling the automatic in your pick-up truck.