Gr2100 problem

[mpt1123]

Hello:

While mowing my lawn over the weekend my GR2100 started to bog down and lose power. I disengaged the mower deck and it started to straighten out. The engine appears to be running fine. I let it sit for a while, started mowing again and it did the same thing after 2-3 minutes. It never stalls, just acts like it's going to stall.

In the interest of full disclosure, I changed the HST filter and fluid, and the fuel filters, about 3 weeks ago. Since then I've mowed the lawn 3 times without problems.

I did notice some very small filings in the strainer but I'm not sure it was significant. I figured that was what the strainer was designed to do - and it was doing it.

I've seen some comments on the web about problems with the GR2100 at about 200 hours. Apparently Kubota is extending the warranty on the GR2100 HST to 4 years because of problems. Mine has 190 hours and will be 4 years old in 2 weeks.

The local dealership picked it up today. I won't know for a couple of days what the problem is. I'd appreciate it if anyone has any thoughts or suggestions.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[mtrain]

It's probable just some contaminated fuel.

 

[mpt1123]

I guess it could be, but the motor straightens out after I disengage the mower deck and then runs fine.

I checked the mower deck and the belt is good. I even greased the pulley's just in case the bearings might be binding up and causing the motor to stall.

What's the difference between the HST and the PTO for the mower deck? Do they both run off the same gear case?

Thanks.

 

[mtrain]

What's the difference between the HST and the PTO for the mower deck? Do they both run off the same gear case?

Thanks.

Yes they get the oil from the same gear case. The transmission problems we have seen in regards to the GR series have not been related to any power complaints but we have seen an awful lot of contaminated fuel issues lately. Others on this forum will surely disagree with me from some of the threads I've read.

 

[mpt1123]

How do you diagnose a contaminated fuel problem? Empty the tank, refill it, and see if the problem clears?

Seems like there should be some way to test the fuel in the tank that would tell me if the fuel is bad.

 

[mtrain]

When you remove the fuel filter, take it to a clean container and dump the contents into the container and the debris or water will be evident in the container. You might have to shake the filter to get the fuel out of the filter. If you have a bad contaimination, you should drain the tank and replace with clean fuel. If the tank is contaminated, the filters will just keep plugging up.

 

[dodge man]

Keep in mind that when you turn off the mower, you are taking a large load of the engine, thus using alot less fuel. Mine was acting in a similar manner this last winter, and it was a plugged fuel filter.

 

[tractorguy76]

I will bet that it is a transmission issue. The old GR style transaxles had bushings instead of bearings. The filings you found are common when changing the oil. The oil was probably a grayish color. These transmissions were riddled with problems. If the oil level dropped below the PTO clutch the thrust washers would blow apart. I hope that it is not a TM related issue but given the history I would not be surprised. You are covered under the 4 year extended warranty on the TM though so that is a relief.

 

[mpt1123]

Not sure what you mean by TM?

 

[mpt1123]

Dealer says that the fuel cap was not venting properly and needed to be replaced. They also say they found a pinched fuel line and fixed that too. Says it's good to go. I get it back tomorrow. I'll let you know. Sounds fishy but hey, anything is possible.