New Tractor Noise, NO idea.... Any ideas?

[OrangePower]

Who has heard a mower deck spindle bearing going bad? Keep that in mind.....

Started my tractor and let it idle for about 3-5 minutes. All of a sudden it went from normal running sound to an added bad spindle bearing sound. I wasnt sure if I was hearing things because it blended in so well (rythm and all, not a sperate distinct pattern) but the tractor def seemed noisier. Then, as I walked up to it, it went away and my newest fears started.

I PROMISE I am not a hypochondriac, just the opposite in fact, but, I see and hear what I see and hear. Is this another coolant issue/theory, call ghost busters or.........???

I only have a FEL and backhoe on her.

The belt is actually SO tight on it, I was actually thinking about loosening it. Its not doing anything but recharging the batter after using starter voltage, so, I dont think it being so tight is good for the bearings when it is spinning 95% of the time in free lance mode.

Temp outside is around 36f.

Does seem to do it on the cold side. Actually did it this morning, but, at a diff time. Cant remember the setting the first time as I brushed it off. a week or 2 later, it did it after the tractor ran for 3 minutes. Did this for about 30 seconds, stopped for 5 minutes, did it again for a minute and then stopped. This morning at 38f , it did it after 3 seconds of starting, lasted for 10 seconds and never re appeared.

I have been using the tractor non stop in the cold every weekend. Has 255 hours on it and just started doing it.

and as a side note, the tractor extra vibrates along with the added noise when it does this.

Any ideas what it may be?

 

[kubotafreak]

Have you greased it lately? Drive shaft included...

 

[Dave_eng]

Could you please provide more details.
For example, from your description I do not know if the mower is running( I think you mention the mower as a comparison only) what the outside temp is, what hydraulic equipment is on the tractor. Loader, backhoe, grapple etc.
Hydraulic systems pumping through relief valves can produce weird noises. A quick coupling becoming partially disconnected starts blocking flow with noise one of the outcomes.

Dave

 

[kubotafreak]

I think I read that right the second time… mower bearing “sound”… I would check belt tension on the engine.

 

[RCW]

OP - - just to be sure.....following kubotafreak....

You hear the "sound" of a bad mower bearing, but the mower is not attached?

Also, you hear this from the engine, and not when the mid-PTO is engaged?

I'm with 'freak...check belt tension, and maybe an alternator starting to bind up...

 

[GreensvilleJay]

might be an alternator bearing. Only thing I can think of that resembles a bad spindle noise.
3-5 minutes is interesting time.... about the same as alternator recharging the battery. An alternator working hard will add extra load to the engine.
might also be fan belt tension. How many hrs on it ?

 

[RCW]

3-5 minutes is interesting time.... about the same as alternator recharging the battery. An alternator working hard will add extra load to the engine.

Jay - - -true a working alternator can be a little noisy too.

I might just loosen/take belt off the alt and spin it by hand....listen with a redneck stethoscope...(a screwdriver in the ear)....

 

[OrangePower]

Hey all...... I only have a FEL and backhoe on her.

The belt is actually SO tight on it, I was actually thinking about loosening it. Its not doing anything but recharging the batter after using starter voltage, so, I dont think it being so tight is good for the bearings when it is spinning 95% of the time in free lance mode.

Temp outside is around 36f.

Does seem to do it on the cold side. Actually did it this morning, but, at a diff time. Cant remember the setting the first time as I brushed it off. a week or 2 later, it did it after the tractor ran for 3 minutes. Did this for about 30 seconds, stopped for 5 minutes, did it again for a minute and then stopped. This morning at 38f , it did it after 3 seconds of starting, lasted for 10 seconds and never re appeared.

I have been using the tractor non stop in the cold every weekend. Has 255 hours on it and just started doing it.

and as a side note, the tractor extra vibrates along with the added noise when it does this.

 

[hagrid]

and as a side note, the tractor extra vibrates along with the added noise when it does this.

Dealership time. Stop operating the tractor.

 

[jimh406]

Is the PTO engaged? I don't know about a Kubota deck, but most spindle bearings aren't greased and mounts generally break or bearings wear out.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Sounds like a propeller shaft issue.
If it's greaseable, Grease it.
If not greaseable and it's under warranty, get it in and have it checked out.

 

[OrangePower]

Dealership time. Stop operating the tractor.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

 

[bronc71]

I’d run it without any belt. If still has noise, it’s not water pump or alternator. Obviously not got an extended period of time.

 

[Yooper]

After running it, shut it down and feel the bearings for heat. This won’t work on the water pump though.