I have a B7100 with a creeper gear on it. I have scoured for any literature about the creeper and have had little luck. Does anyone have any information they can share. Even if you have pictures of the original decals. Mine are too gone to see. Thanks in advance.
Creeper gear
- Thread starter nave.lb
- Start date
I’m not certain what sort of literature you want…. Do you mean repair or service manual information..?? or operating info?
My Owners Manual simply describes the reduced speeds obtained by using creeper and suggests it for use when needing high torque or power at extremely slow speeds. Think of it as what we used to call “grandmaw” gear when operating in 4WD. I believe rice farmers might frequently find it useful…. but all I know about rice is how to cook and eat itl
My Owners Manual simply describes the reduced speeds obtained by using creeper and suggests it for use when needing high torque or power at extremely slow speeds. Think of it as what we used to call “grandmaw” gear when operating in 4WD. I believe rice farmers might frequently find it useful…. but all I know about rice is how to cook and eat itl
Creeper gearbox was installed on gear tractors that came equipped with a trencher (or one was added later). The B7100 back in the day was a popular 'Rental Yard' tractor rigged with a trencher. But the 'Creeper Gear' is still an uncommon item to see.
It provides reduced tractor speed in any of the normal gears forward or reverse. My understanding is that is has its own high and low range. The hydraulic lines are not pressurized but simply provide drain back from the hydro system in order to lubricate the gears since they sit above the normal gear set which is oil bathed.
It provides reduced tractor speed in any of the normal gears forward or reverse. My understanding is that is has its own high and low range. The hydraulic lines are not pressurized but simply provide drain back from the hydro system in order to lubricate the gears since they sit above the normal gear set which is oil bathed.
Any literature on the creeper gearbox I would be interested in seeing. I figured out how it operates. That was pretty straightforward. But literature seems nonexistent. In all the threads I’ve searched and the Google searching. I have found nothing printed showing anything about it. Anything service related or any type of operations manual I would be interested in seeing. Or if somebody has a gearbox that has decals that are still legible. Some pictures of those would be great. I’m just curious as much as anything. Im also wondering if I will damage the gearbox if im operating the tractor under normal use.
Kubota suggests using it for high torque? I was curious. I think alot of creeper gears are not supposed to be used in high torque applications because the gear reduction becomes a weak point. But these seem to be well built. Im a little surprised at the nonexistent literature and information on there creeper gearboxes. Is there a model or manufacturer # for them?
All the creeper gear sets I've seen on newer tractors than yours expressly warn against using it for anything that would subject it to torque loads (pushing, pulling, loading on trailer, etc).
They are to be used only to attenuate tractor speed from what I know about them.
Its NOT a 'granny gear' for added torque.
I don't know of any current literature on it....though surely some existed at one time. Doubtless a 'dealer' only publication.
I think the sticker/decal had the info on it (high/low range and the suggested speeds in each gear).
Here are two screen shots of the Owners Manual of my tractor regarding “creep” use. (Note that they specifically state that high torque results from use of creep.)
Interesting.
So Kubota concurs that high torque forces ( a by-product of compound gearing) are already at work and warns against using the tractor in ways that will contribute to the strain.
In other words, the creeper gears are the weak point and the purpose of them is to provide for slower forward/reverse motion of the tractor, NOT to provide additional bulldozer like torque (to be used indiscriminately).
In essence they are saying in certain applications, the creeper gears are useful, but let the tractor do the work and the creeper gears move you SLOWLY along. (which is what lets the tractor do its work without bogging or undue strain).
GreensvilleJay
Well-known member
Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Any 'creeper' gear can cause a LOT of damage to the drive train when misused.
A-C G's are kinda 'famous' for shearing off the splines of the rear axle shaft when operators ABUSE the tractor, typically trying to move an UNMOVABLE object......
A-C G's are kinda 'famous' for shearing off the splines of the rear axle shaft when operators ABUSE the tractor, typically trying to move an UNMOVABLE object......
Maybe I am reading it a little different…Seems to me that the cautioning to protect the brakes and transmissions…and I think the tasks they are recommending it generally minimize shifting (and change of FWD/REV) and brakes.
No effort to 'protect' the brakes. They are simply saying the torque developed will overpower the brakes (if brakes are left on or the clutch not first depressed) AND that the extra strain that places upon the gears is something to be avoided.
Again, the purpose and idea for the creeper is to provide very slow tractor speed(s). It was NOT to create torque (potentially too much torque is the issue here) and the cautions set forth.
In so many words, they are saying: Let the tractor do its work. We (Kubota) have provided a means for that 'work' to be done at slow speeds....so the tractor CAN perform what is being asked of it...while not breaking anything.
Thank you for adding to the post. That follows my thinking about creeper gears. I have read in a few places that these in particular are overbuilt. But im not much for abusing things and I dont think ill push it.
Wow, this is cool. I did not realize this box existed for a B7100.
I have used a trencher with my b6100 but it has its own axle and hydraulic drive motor for creeper speed (tractor stays in neutral) so it is pretty universal other than requiring hydraulic flow (but not valve, the valve is onboard).
A b7100 isn't heavy enough to use any more gear reduction than it's got. It will already sit and spin all 4 tires in 4-lo at a fairly low throttle. They just aren't heavy enough to use 'more gear' for pushing or pulling.
I can absolutely understand why you wouldn't want to try and push or pull too hard with the creeper on a larger tractor!
But the other thing to consider is how the creeper is implemented here. It is essentially bolting down in place of the transmission's top cover. If it is using a chain down to a sprocket in the stock trans, that would be cool but doubtful because then you'd likely have to tear down the original trans to install said sprocket.
If it is simply engaging one of the stock gears, which is more likely, then any torque across those gears creates a spreading force which is trying to push that whole creeper assembly off the top of the trans. You likely could not make the stock attachment points, or the creeper housing itself, strong enough to deal with very much spreading force across those two gears, to avoid damage.
Compare that to many other tractors' creeper gear sets which are installed 'in-line' with the stock trans, within the frame/tunnel, which would be far more likely to damage the downstream components than to break themselves open or off their mounts. The way this one is mounted is relatively fragile compared to that.
Thanks for posting about this!
I have used a trencher with my b6100 but it has its own axle and hydraulic drive motor for creeper speed (tractor stays in neutral) so it is pretty universal other than requiring hydraulic flow (but not valve, the valve is onboard).
A b7100 isn't heavy enough to use any more gear reduction than it's got. It will already sit and spin all 4 tires in 4-lo at a fairly low throttle. They just aren't heavy enough to use 'more gear' for pushing or pulling.
I can absolutely understand why you wouldn't want to try and push or pull too hard with the creeper on a larger tractor!
But the other thing to consider is how the creeper is implemented here. It is essentially bolting down in place of the transmission's top cover. If it is using a chain down to a sprocket in the stock trans, that would be cool but doubtful because then you'd likely have to tear down the original trans to install said sprocket.
If it is simply engaging one of the stock gears, which is more likely, then any torque across those gears creates a spreading force which is trying to push that whole creeper assembly off the top of the trans. You likely could not make the stock attachment points, or the creeper housing itself, strong enough to deal with very much spreading force across those two gears, to avoid damage.
Compare that to many other tractors' creeper gear sets which are installed 'in-line' with the stock trans, within the frame/tunnel, which would be far more likely to damage the downstream components than to break themselves open or off their mounts. The way this one is mounted is relatively fragile compared to that.
Thanks for posting about this!
