kubota... to be or not to be

coachgeo · Post by **coachgeo** » Wed Dec 16, 2009 3:38 pm

I have run into a fellow that is into garden tractor pulling. He's knowledgeable on building up Kubota engines. He's got a few rebuilt for sale.

Model 850 3cyl 23hp peak, 21 constant in stock form. 700 bucks

Model 850 (same engine) + High performance IP tunable to 30hp and up to in the 60's. but it is thousand dollars more

Anyone know any more about Kubota's?

Physical plant size seems close to that of the Lombardini Heicko used. So does the weight.

Anyone know any more about Kubota's?

Post by **Crazymanneil** » Wed Dec 16, 2009 8:57 pm

Coach,

No experience of the engine myself, info seems light on the ground but did some googling and found this -

(trying to resist a "top gear" tv programme style reference

)

http://en.yenibiz.com/images_db_2/D850-cotes_.jpg

and

http://www.tractorsmart.com/KubotaEngin ... ations.htm

Fingers crossed for you!

N

coachgeo · Post by **coachgeo** » Wed Dec 16, 2009 10:22 pm

Thanx that is the first drawings of the 850 I've seen and I searched for hours.

still can't find a weight on them though. Locomotovebreath seems to think they were rather heavy beast compared to say the Briggs/Diahatsu.

toyotaracer9 · Post by **toyotaracer9** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 12:02 am

I am running the d722 , it is a little heavy but it makes very usable power . I am having problems with my comet clutch slipping because the torque is so great . I have a turbo so I would say the power is 30-35hp , if I had to do it again I would def have gone with a harley 5 or 6 speed manual I just didnt realize the power this engine was capable of making . With that said , I think it is a good choice if you plan to do speeds above 75 . Mine will do 87mph . One other thing , I put my engine on rubber mounts but it runs so smooth I think the rubber wasnt necesary .

TedV · Post by **TedV** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:35 pm

hhmm I'm interested in the weight of these too.

the extra $1K might be worth it. diesel power is in the pump and injectors, if the long block can take the extra stress. but could hurt the fuel economy unless he is real good with the pump.

coachgeo · Post by **coachgeo** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 8:11 pm

saw it said the dry weight of the Kubota engine is 183lbs.

The Lombardini/Kohler Heicko used is listed at 187lb

The Briggs/Diahatsu is listed at 196lb

hmmmm seems contrary to what other's mentions have been. Swore I've seen it said a few times the Kubota's where the heavier of the bunch of triple diesels and the Briggs the lightest..

these figures speak different? or they are measured different? (like fly wheel on some and no fly wheel on others?)

coachgeo · Post by **coachgeo** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 10:14 pm

BTW- the newer Super Mini Kubota diesels are listed at 150lb dry weight. Just several thousand dollars more. Guess for several thousand dollars I can do strength and conditioning with my athletes to help me to prepare to handle the heavier weight.

coachgeo · Post by **coachgeo** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:02 am

Well I'm going to go with this Kubota with the larger IP. Just seems it is checking the right boxes to work for this project; including that it is IDI which fits my veg oil fuel goals better than the DI Briggs.

It's a HUGE gamble in my life situation to take this on. Damn diesel bug is going to get me in trouble.

coachgeo · Post by **coachgeo** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 3:43 pm

rest of pics

coachgeo · Post by **coachgeo** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 3:48 pm

ok so I lied... this one is the last of the pics

smokyjoe · Post by **smokyjoe** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 3:15 am

Cool find! Keep us posted how your project goes! Are you putting this into your Tigger? I am interested in what you do for a tranny, as I have a Kubota 3 cyl 950 that I was going to put into a Honda shaftie with a Comet but after reading posts about the thing slipping with a smaller Kubota it scares me- wish there was a readily available 4 or 5 speed with a right angle chain drive- yea I know losses and such but I can dream! I don't like a high, wide bike so mounting "sideways" is out for me. I'd like to build something like a modern version of the old Indian 4 cylinder bike.

coachgeo · Post by **coachgeo** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 6:17 am

Tiger is already a Tripple Side sitting engined bike so the Kubota is not really any different in that aspect.

Tranny.... Im using an Ultima Six speed.

Here is the Build thread with more detail on Tranny etc.

OilyPhil · Post by **OilyPhil** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 2:04 pm

Hi, Im using a D950 which I have mated to a BMW clutch, this only needed minimal machining to fit the Kubota crank (and the holes almost align (the kubota has asymetric holes to ensure the flywheel will only fit one way, nothing a judicious amount of filing didnt cure) The BMW starter motor can also be used and will fit under the exhaust in a similar place to the original kubota starter. BMW clutches come in heavy (early) and light (later) types, having had mine running with just the flywheel attached and nearly stalling when throttled off, but is OK when the full clutch installed I would recommend the early type (mine is the early type).
For flywheel housing I am using the rear of the BMW crank which has been machined down to fit, mated to an alluminium plate. I am currently debating if I should pay someone to weld them together or If I can justify buying a TIG welder.

Phil

coachgeo · Post by **coachgeo** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:52 am

OilyPhil wrote:Hi, Im using a D950 which I have mated to a BMW clutch,... The BMW starter motor can also be used and will fit under the exhaust in a similar place to the original kubota starter. ..

hmmmm... is the MBW starter lighter than Kubota? What model BMW? Think the 850 I'll have and the 950 might be the same.

For flywheel housing I am using the rear of the BMW crank which has been machined down to fit...

Mine comes with an SAE bellhousing but Im hoping I can lighten the total weight some by going to some other kind of bellhousing doing something like your doing.

using 3"belt drive with dry clutch

coachgeo · Post by **coachgeo** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 1:51 am

IP info going on this engine

Fresh rebuild (June 2009) high performance injection pump and injectors for Kubota engines D750, D850 and D950. Professional injection shop (paperwork to show) modified the pump and injectors for a turbocharged D950. The pump features 7.5mm plungers,(stock 5mm) new delivery valves, gaskets and O-rings. Then all parts were calibrated to equal flow. Delivery valves are not cut but could be if more flow (fuel) is wanted. Full fuel is 106cc's currently (stock 32cc's). Injectors are stock bodies with small mods to inside. Edge filter is still in them but can be removed for more flow. Opening pressure has been upped to 145 bar for more atomization of fuel. I do not know what stock was. What you see here is what you will get. Please ask any questions. Sold as is in fresh condition. Invoice for the work was $1193.52 I had one done at Columbus Diesel for about the same money.

. He is going to dial it down some for me to better match the non turbo application.

toyotaracer9 · Post by **toyotaracer9** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:42 am

Hey coach , do you already have the ultima box ? if so I could you give me the dimensions ? I really wish I had known the power this thing was going to make I would have tried to fit one in , this 94c is just not able to hold the power . Now with that said are you planning on building for power or for economy ? I say turbo that thing !

coachgeo · Post by **coachgeo** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 7:47 pm

think my goals for the bike are in my build thread linked earlier but just in case.. goal is economic on/off road travel capable of highway speeds w/ acceptable acceleration. Speed and acceleration is part of safety. If you accelerate slower than typical and move slower than typical you become a sitting duck on the road.

Don't have the Ultima near by. There is tons of stuff on the net about them though so you might even find drawings if you search for a while.

toyotaracer9 · Post by **toyotaracer9** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 1:11 am

sorry for not seeing the thread , the format of this forum is unlike any other that I am a member of and it makes it hard for me to keep track of what is going on .

coachgeo · Post by **coachgeo** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 3:46 pm

toyotaracer9 wrote:sorry for not seeing the thread ,

No biggy. Not sure I explained it over there anyway.

the format of this forum is unlike any other that I am a member of and it makes it hard for me to keep track of what is going on .

I moderate hmmm. 3 technical bulletin boards and do a lot of organizing of threads etc with a keen eye to stimulating conversations AND user friendly reading of information to aid those newly interested in a topic(s).

With that in mind.... I like the lay out of this forum. us users just got to make sure we put links in our own threads to referencing other discussions about our bikes.

With that being said... would be nice to have the default link format on this board stand out better. The slight color change of the text when you do a link like this seems to not get noticed to well.

OilyPhil · Post by **OilyPhil** » Fri Jan 01, 2010 2:41 pm

hmmmm... is the MBW starter lighter than Kubota? What model BMW?

Yes the motor is lighter (mine is from a R75) but has successfully started it in my test rig, If it proves unreliable there are uprated motors available for BMWs (I think they are based on toyota truck motors) from a company in the UK called motorworks. Ist pic shows starter motor attached to alluminium adapter plate.

Second pic shows machined rear section of BMW crankcase to act as flywhel cover, sections in red still to be removed . Rear extension left in place as it allows easier alinment in the frame.

Phil.

henneberg · Post by **henneberg** » Sat Dec 15, 2012 8:53 am

Hi Phil,

Have you got more pictures of your build

Regards, Erik

OilyPhil · Post by **OilyPhil** » Mon Dec 17, 2012 12:46 pm

Hi Erik, I've now finished the adapter to mount the engine/gearbox,

, I'm currently making the front section of the frame to accomodate the radiator.

Coachego, I know its an old thread but if it is any use the 850 has a weight of 82.6kg (182.1lbs) according to the spec sheet Ive got.

Phil

ps anyone know how to sort out the date on a camera?

XLerate · Post by **XLerate** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 5:22 am

Depends on the make, model and year of camera....

Mouse · Post by **Mouse** » Sun Dec 20, 2015 9:49 pm

Hi,
I've got a Z482 twin Kubota in a R65 frame and love it.
I was wondering how you were going to get the three cylinder engine into the same frame then saw your frame mods.

I've had mine on the road for about three years or so and learnt that the Kubota diesels are reliable work horses.
My first engine was from a junk heap and despite that served me well for 10s of thousands of miles so if you do need to work on them all the parts are available.

I'll be watching this space for progress.

DieselBike.net

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