Re: Moving a GR2100 - how to find the bypass button
I have had a Kubota GR2100 for several years and I do like it, but it has some design weaknesses. First I've had a front wheel break off on the cutting bed. The shaft holding the wheel snapped. When I went to buy a replacement I discovered the newer shafts are much thicker. Evidently Kubota discovered the wheel shafts are not strong enough and the later 2100-series mowers use the larger shaft and, no, the new shaft cannot be retrofitted to the GR2100! The latest problem is that sometimes the GR2100 will not start. The starter relay will click, but the starter will not engage. Sounds as if the battery is near-dead. It isn't. After a while, turning the key will engage the starter. This brings me to the main reason for my post. Kubota states in the manual that the GR2100 SHOULD NOT BE TOWED. They don't emphasize this enough. I believe that if you try to tow/drag the mower you will damage the transmission.......unless you disengage it. The User Manual does not mention this or how to do it. My research has uncovered the "secret" which it to depress the bypass button. Others have posted on this forum that they have trouble finding this bypass. I've attached a photo taken from the lower rear of the mower with the bypass button circled. This has got to be the dumbest design I've ever seen! To move the mover with the engine off, one has to depress the button. Questions is how can you press the button and move the mover at the same time? I've jury-rigged two short 3/8-inch dowels that I've whittled down to force the button up and, hopefully hold it in place. (I haven't actually tried to move the mower this way yet.)
Can anyone suggest a *decent and secure* method of holding the button up - it pushes up, not down - with a more secure method than the one I've devised? Surely, Kubota repair shops have devised a better method. Any and all suggestions greatly received!