PTO Problems

[mjn798]

I have a BX 2360 that is having some PTO issues. The tractor runs fine...forward and reverse and the bucket works. The problem I'm having is with the lower and rear PTO's. They don't run at full speed...they turn slowly when engaged, but not fast enough to cut grass.

I took it to our Kubota dealer who told me that the "PTO" was bad and would need to be replaced...to the tune of about $2600. Not having the cash and being pretty handy with a wrench, I decided to "break the tractor in half" and fix it myself. I downloaded the Service Manual for my tractor and proceeded to tear it down.

I got the Transaxle out and opened it up, but can't find any problems with the PTO gears (or any gears). A buddy of mine said it could be something with the hydraulic system not getting enough pressure to engage the PTO shafts at full throttle. Is there a separate hydraulic system for the PTO? Because the bucket works fine. I pulled the high pressure valves out of the center section of the oil cooler and they look fine. I couldn't find any bad seal or gaskets...I will replace them with new ones when I re-assemble the unit.

The PTO Clutch Assy "looks" OK...but I'm not the expert...and I'm reluctant to pull it apart without the clutch spring compressor tool.

What am I missing? What can I check for?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Mike

 

[Bulldog]

Did it just start this all at once or was it over a period of time?

Has it been service, fluid, filters?

If so was it acting up before the change?

How many hrs on the machine?

 

[mjn798]

I had a post hole digger hooked up to the rear PTO when the problems started.

I serviced the engine last year with filters, oil and coolant. I did not service the transaxle. When I drained it, it came out clean.

I have about 160 hours on the tractor.

Did it just start this all at once or was it over a period of time?

Has it been service, fluid, filters?

If so was it acting up before the change?

How many hrs on the machine?

 

[Bulldog]

That sure seems awful new to be having pto problems.
It may be a flow problem or maybe the pto control is out of adjustment and wasn't fully engaging it. All the specs I've found list it with live independent pto so it should have a clutch pack. If you still have the hyd filter you might cut it open to see if it has clutch material in it.
A friend of mine bought a used M9000 and found out the pto was weak. It turned out the clutch pack was worn out but everything else on the tractor was fine.

 

[Shadow]

You really should have done pressure and flow tests on the system before you tore it apart, now you're relying on just your eyesight to show you what's wrong. Obviously, there's nothing wrong with the gears, if there were, you wouldn't have any movement of the shaft, or it would make a horrendous noise. I would inspect the clutch pack and seals on the shaft, and replace what is necessary. Then, reassemble, and do pressure and flow tests to make sure it's within spec. If you have low pressure to that clutch pack, it could be causing it to slip and burn it up. Test after you assemble to make sure you don't have to go in there again.