Loud squeal when engaging PTO under load

[Lewiston]

Greetings,

My L5030GST w/ 500 hours is making a large squeal (mid tractor) when I engage the PTO with an implement attached. I've tried both a rotary and flail mower. It does not make this sound if nothing is attached.

This began after I rough cutting field (grass and weeds) for 2-3 hours.

I'm the second owner. Maintenance seems to have been performed based on the markings on the tractor and filters. Tranny fluid is clean. I don't believe the PO changed it at 400 hours and have purchased the filter and fluid do it this week.

I know there are many opinions on how to engage the pto. My method is have tractor idling and slowly move lever until it engages. Once engaged move lever the rest of the way, place tractor in gear, increase RPMs.

Thoughts on the noise?

Thanks,
Rik


Update: The noise is not there when the tractor is cold.

 

[kuboman]

Greetings,

My L5030GST w/ 500 hours is making a large squeal (mid tractor) when I engage the PTO with an implement attached. I've tried both a rotary and flail mower. It does not make this sound if nothing is attached.

This began after I rough cutting field (grass and weeds) for 2-3 hours.

I'm the second owner. Maintenance seems to have been performed based on the markings on the tractor and filters. Tranny fluid is clean. I don't believe the PO changed it at 400 hours and have purchased the filter and fluid do it this week.

I know there are many opinions on how to engage the pto. My method is have tractor idling and slowly move lever until it engages. Once engaged move lever the rest of the way, place tractor in gear, increase RPMs.

Thoughts on the noise?

Thanks,
Rik


Update: The noise is not there when the tractor is cold.

Since I think it is a wet clutch then it is not likely the clutches slipping. At least I have never heard a wet clutch squeal. Best bet is oil bypassing as you engage the clutch. Try engaging it a little faster and see if it still makes the noise.

 

[5030]

All medium frame and large frame Kubota's have a wet clutch on the PTO output. It needs to be engaged at idle but abruptly, that is, from the disengaged position to the engaged position quickly. It plainly states that in your owner's manual.

As long as the engine/pump is running, there is pressure in the clutch pack. I suspect the squeal is the slow engagement and slipping of the clutch pack.

 

[repete]

Make sure that it is not a squeak coming from the driven item. Some pumps and devices require that they be held from rotating by the tractor itself.

When I use my backhoe there can sometimes be a squeak from the pump against the guard as there are no chain restraints used.

 

[Lewiston]

Thanks everyone for you help.
I now believe it was a combination of the fluid being hot and my having to engage the mower more than usual. I'll be changing the fluid this weekend even though it is clear and smells clean.

Just for the record my operator's manual instructs to slowly engage the pto while the engine is at idle.
Rik