Hard shift after tractor works for an hr or less

Kubterdude

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Equipment
2004 L3130, Woods-frame mt backhoe, finish mowers, bush hog, other stuff
Jul 29, 2020
3
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1
Powhatan Va
I have a 2004 L3130 that has 650 working hrs on it and over the last 18-24 months it is hard to shift easily between forward and reverse. There is no power loss, no clutch smell all fluids are very clean, just changed motor yesterday. Does this sound like clutch?
 

BruceP

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G5200H
Aug 7, 2016
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373
63
Richmond, Vermont, USA
I wonder if the xMission fluid is getting hot and thinning out? Perhaps you could try changing the gear-oil?

Also, check if there is an 'adjustment' for the clutch actuation.
 
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North Idaho Wolfman

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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
34,013
9,222
113
Sandpoint, ID
Need more information, like the exact model of tractor, there are several sub models.
 

Kubterdude

New member

Equipment
2004 L3130, Woods-frame mt backhoe, finish mowers, bush hog, other stuff
Jul 29, 2020
3
0
1
Powhatan Va
Need more information, like the exact model of tractor, there are several sub models.
It's the GSL L3130 DT. It is the base model, not HST
Need more information, like the exact model of tractor, there are several sub models.
It's the base model for 2004 4wd GST- DT L3130, with a Long split bucket. I looked at my hrs this morning and I'm at 771, getting close to another transmission filter/ fluid change.
My local Kubota dealer sold out 2 yrs back to a big corp company and they are getting over $100/5gal of trans fluid. With filter, that is over $290 for parts alone(11 gals & filter). I need to find an very good equivalent fluid, living on a small wallet these days, any info is more than greatly appreciated!
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
34,013
9,222
113
Sandpoint, ID
This is why I ask, I suspected it was a GST.
Do you push the clutch when you shuttle?
With a GST you do not need to use the clutch to shuttle forwards or backwards.
Does it have any issues moving in high range like in 5,6,7,8 ?
Especially with a PTO load on it?

It's very unlikely that it's a clutch issue, that has very little to do with shuttle operations.
Inspect the shuttle linkage under the dash as dry (unlubed) fitting on the shuttle linkage will make it hard to shift.

Onto the fluid issue, Mystik JT5 is a very good alternative to Kubota fluid, I have a GST and have used Mystik JT5 for many a year with zero fluid issues in hot and very cold.
 
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Kubterdude

New member

Equipment
2004 L3130, Woods-frame mt backhoe, finish mowers, bush hog, other stuff
Jul 29, 2020
3
0
1
Powhatan Va
This is why I ask, I suspected it was a GST.
Do you push the clutch when you shuttle?
With a GST you do not need to use the clutch to shuttle forwards or backwards.
Does it have any issues moving in high range like in 5,6,7,8 ?
Especially with a PTO load on it?

It's very unlikely that it's a clutch issue, that has very little to do with shuttle operations.
Inspect the shuttle linkage under the dash as dry (unlubed) fitting on the shuttle linkage will make it hard to shift.

Onto the fluid issue, Mystik JT5 is a very good alternative to Kubota fluid, I have a GST and have used Mystik JT5 for many a year with zero fluid issues in hot and very cold.
Hey Wolfman, Good info there and yes I've always used the clutch between shifts, for fear of potential damage. My dealer gave no instruction/info on the tractor when I bought her new in '04, but I take care of my stuff...in fact, I'mstill running the original battery it came with in 04!!!! Pretty amazing.
I speed shift my old Triumph motorcycles but that's a whole different story, lol.
Thanks also on the different trans oil choices. I do have a local Tractor Supply store that has a Shell Rotella trans oil that states 6 or so major brands, JD, Massey F etc., that there oil is compatible with and it lists Kubota as one. It's $59.99 per 5 gallon bucket. Think that's my only option in this town. I hear both sides for/against Shell, but I worked for them decades ago and like their products then.
What's your take on the Shell Rotella line of products?
Thank you much for your input, much appreciated!
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
34,013
9,222
113
Sandpoint, ID
Go out and try shuttling without using the clutch, it will work perfectly, no gear grind, no operational or system damaging possible.
They are meant to shuttle without using the clutch, it will seriously lengthen the time for mechanical clutch replacement.

If you give me the exact name of the trans oil I'll look at the specs.
GST's are really picky when it comes to fluid and operation, to thick and they will stumble all over the place.
I like shell products and if they have a good compatible fluid that would be great.
 
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