Kubota f2100e starting to have clutch issue

[cjwilson78154]

Fairly recent purchase about a year ago. Great machine. Recently starting to have a problem adjusting clutch. It was starting to grind a bit engaging the deck blades. Adjusted it to spec from manual. Worked great for next session of mowing. Went out to drive it again today and same problem. I can start the machine with deck engaged and it will mow. There are still threads on the turnbuckle, so I can adjust again. Just wondering if I am up against a clutch replacement, or some other problem. Would love to hear from experts here. Love the machine and am a Kubota fan now.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yes you're probably going to need to split it and put a clutch in it.

 

[cjwilson78154]

Thanks Wolfman, although not what I wanted to hear. How hard is it to split and do a clutch on this machine?

 

[cjwilson78154]

I was also wondering about shortening the clutch rod. With it adjusted all the way in, there are still an inch of threads showing on both sides of the turnbuckle.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I was also wondering about shortening the clutch rod. With it adjusted all the way in, there are still an inch of threads showing on both sides of the turnbuckle.

You can try.

 

[cjwilson78154]

Hey Idaho or anyone else, I shortened the clutch rod a bit and it made no difference. So I am gonna split the machine and replace the clutch. Have never done a Kubota clutch, but have done a couple on other larger machines. I have a manual, but am not a fan of the minimal instruction it offers. It would probably work for those of you that are experts but I need a bit more handholding. Can anyone recommend a book or writeup that is well written that I can purchase somewhere? I have the deck off and am ready do go, just need guidance.

 

[cjwilson78154]

Well I got the clutch out and on a bench yesterday. Attaching a few pics so folks here can see the condition. pretty worn. 3 of the 4 springs were laying in the flywheel center once clutch was out. I don't think they were bouncing around in there. They just fell out as I was loosening the clutch. I would love to hear thoughts on the issue. Just worn? Or is something else at play? I'm not a clutch expert. And this is the first Kubota I have ever torn open.

 

[Chanceywd]

Another good call Wolfman!
That certainly needed replacement.

I'm wondering if I have one of these jobs in my future with my 8N.
It seems to grind gears sometimes, I adjusted but about at the end of that.
I replaced it about 18 yrs ago because of a leaking transmission seal and it is always stored inside.
So mine shouldn't be that rusty!

Bill

 

[Russell King]

A clutch and pressure plate should not really get that rusty. But they can from sitting outside, getting condensation, being driven into water, not having a clear drain port…

Since you probably don’t know the tractor’s history you won’t really know. It may have been used in the rice fields on the coast??

Clean up the rust inside the housing and on the flywheel center. Paint the housing interior so it will help prevent future rust. Replace the entire clutch assembly (clutch plate, pressure plate, throw out bearing, pilot bushing in flywheel). Replace the seals you can get to if you want to while you are there. Clean out the drain port so if water is there it will drip out. Store it indoors if possible, block the clutch pedal down if you store it for a few weeks without use (keeps the clutch plate and pressure plate from rusting together).

Use it as intended until you need another clutch. Don’t feather the clutch when using the FEL if it is a gear drive.