JD4200 w/72"MMM:Lift Problems

[Scotty370]

I purchased a JD4200 w/72" MMM. I immediateley removed the mower, and equipted the tractor with FEL & BH. This weekend I decided to mount and use the mower for the first time. I've all the mounting hardware, as it was on the tractor when purchased. Everything went well on the mounting, but I can't get the thing to lift! Mid-PTO shaft works fine. Thing runs like a top! But for this lifting problem! And, "yes" I installed the two rear lift yokes to the rear portion of the deck. Here's what I "Do" know! On my left rear rocker, for the TPH lift arm, there is a 3"dia disk this has a hole in the middle and a rod on the perimeter, that 'dives' under to seat mount to ???! This thing has a pin in it so that it definately drives the rod 'to and fro' but I: a) Have no idea was hold this disc to the the rocker arm, or b) where this arm goes after it disappears under the seat! One thing of note. The mowing level adjustment knob (by left footrest) was 'cranked' tight in the highest cutting setting. I'm in the process of loosening that up, and am wondering if the PO had this lifting problem, and just cranked the thing tight, and never moved it! Any help is appreciated! ~Scotty
Edit: I found after research that that cam/plate/rod, is a 'feed back' and not part of the lift linkage

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Don't know about on a JD 4200 but on my JD3320 the MMM lift / lower is controlled by the 3rd SCV. The lever is either to the right or left of the 3 PTH lever to the right when sitting on the seat. On mine there are also two hydraulic couplings to the right / behind the seat. If someone has unplugged the hoses the lift won't work.

 

[Scotty370]

CS- I'm more confused than ever! After looking at the Tech Manual, I can find no linkage that goes to the bracket mounted underneath that would let it raise/lower. Three things I've done since purchase: 1) Installed Backhoe 2) Installed loader, 3) Installed 3rd SCV. Could this mower possiably be lifted by the joystick of the FEL? and because I've got the FEL on the tractor, it's taking the fluid power away from some lift arm mechanism underneath?

 

[kennyd]

The PO could have used the joystick to raise/lower the MMM, and now I assume you are using your 3rd SCV?

There should be 1 (one) cylinder on your deck with about 4' hoses on it...these need to plug into your 3rd SCV to raise/lower the deck, the big knob just set's the cutting height.

 

[Scotty370]

Perhaps I wasn't clear. There are no hydraulics associated with this mower deck at all. It's really just a 'huge' version of the one that hangs under my 318 Garden Tractor. These mowers have lift links that connect to a rocker arm under the tractor. On the 'little' guy, the hydro stick on the tractor activates the rocker arm to raise/lower. On the 4200 w/72"MMM it mounts exactly(?) the same way, but since I never used it, I don't know whether the joystick valve operates the rocker-arm underneath, or the TPH arms. Of course, now, with the loader on, pulling /pushing the joystick simply raises/lowers the bucket! I see no movement on the tractor arms underneath to lift the deck! I didn't do anything special when I bought/mounted the FEL, (spun no shutoffs, etc). Guess I'll disconect the loader QD's, and see if the 'rocker-arms' move. If it does, then I guess I can't leave the FEL on when using the mower. I don't have the book on the mower deck, but I'm sure it would just say "Connect mower lift links to rocker shaft under tractor" I've got the Tech Manuel, but can find absolutely no reference to this rocker shaft! Perhaps I'll look for "Mower Height Adjustment" It controls the distance the rockershaft lets the mower drop to. ~S

 

[kennyd]

Hmm...

I thought ALL the decks for the 42xx and up used the cylinder for lift. I have NEVER seen one that did not.

So if there is no cylinder, than there is no way the joystick is going to lift the deck...only the 3PH could be used with mechanical linkage

The 2xxx and the 4xxx series does use the 3PH for lift however, via large heavy pieces that hook one the top of the draft arms.

I have no idea what you have...I just looked on JDParts and only see the setup with the cylinder.

Can you take some pictures?

 

[kennyd]

Here is the part # for the manual, unfortunately they did not have the .pdf online...
Operator's Manual OMM136131 60-Inch (160001-), 72-Inch (170001-) Mid Mount Mowers for 4200, 4300, 4400 CUT

 

[kennyd]

Here is another picture from JDParts:

 

[Scotty370]

Boy- Now ya really got me thinkin'. (A dangerous thing indeed!) Thinking back, I wasn't there when my son pulled off the deck! I'll just bet that there's a cylinder and hoses 'kicking around here! He's in NYC right now, but I'll pick his brain at first chance! Those pics you provided sure look like my rig. Guess that would answer the question: No cylinder= no lift! Duh, Ya think! Thanks as always! ~S

 

[kennyd]

Boy- Now ya really got me thinkin'. (A dangerous thing indeed!) Thinking back, I wasn't there when my son pulled off the deck! I'll just bet that there's a cylinder and hoses 'kicking around here! He's in NYC right now, but I'll pick his brain at first chance! Those pics you provided sure look like my rig. Guess that would answer the question: No cylinder= no lift! Duh, Ya think! Thanks as always! ~S

I sure hope you find it!

 

[JohnDeere4300]

Can you post pictures when you get it mounted ?

I haven't seen no pics. of a 4200 to a 4400 with a FEL, BH and a 72"MMM.

I'm planning to buy one for mine, and i may wait till winter to work on mounting it.... So get ready Kenny.

*Hope you get it all lined out.

 

[kennyd]

I'm planning to buy one for mine, and i may wait till winter to work on mounting it.... So get ready Kenny.

I am ready!

My friend Wayne (wayneh on TBN) has a 4400 with a MMM that he bought last year from a local dealer for about 1k with all the hardware so there is deals out there to be had...he did rebuild it (disassemble, blast and paint) when he got it. You could send him a PM...

 

[JohnDeere4300]

I am ready!

My friend Wayne (wayneh on TBN) has a 4400 with a MMM that he bought last year from a local dealer for about 1k with all the hardware so there is deals out there to be had...he did rebuild it (disassemble, blast and paint) when he got it. You could send him a PM...

OK Thanks Kenny!

I haven't heard of that member, but I'll see if i can find him.

 

[dfkrug]

Can you post pictures when you get it mounted ?

I haven't seen no pics. of a 4200 to a 4400 with a FEL, BH and a 72"MMM.

I would like to see how the backhoe is mounted.

 

[Scotty370]

Well- Kenny "The Sleuth" D, comes through again! I hold here in my hand, One-each: AM124898 - 8" cylinder! Apparently in my absence during the original removal, my son set it in my shop, and 'stole' the hoses for the homebuilt Meyer plow assembly that we were in the process of mounting! Whew!! That little devil is $278.00 at the friendly "Green" store! I (now) realize that it was plumbed to the joystick ports. So for the price of a couple hoses and QD's, I'll now run it off the (newly installed) 3rd SCV. Guess now I'll hijack my own thread to answer a couple of the other posters!: The way Deere mounts these three pieces, (FEL,BH,& MMM) it appears that they could all be on the unit, and functional at the same time. Would be pretty heavy, in total, but it could be done! The backhoe mounting system for this tractor is pretty slick in that it's frame mounted, not TPH. The first time around it's a real pain, in that you have to buy, and install, the rear mounting plates against the trans-axel, requiring rear tires, fenders, seat etc. to be R&R'd. Also you need the JD Power Beyond Kit. These items were not in my budget when I bought my hoe on E-Bay, in 'Jersey' for $3500-, but "Ya gotta have them"! PB Kit was (LVB25221) List-$295-, Mounting Plate kit (BM19564) listed at $405-. Note that those part #'s and price we're for my 4200. Good Luck, and Kenny..........thanks as always! ~Scotty

 

[kennyd]

Glad to hear your on the way to mowin' with that MMM.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

The way Deere mounts these three pieces, (FEL,BH,& MMM) it appears that they could all be on the unit, and functional at the same time. Would be pretty heavy, in total, but it could be done! The backhoe mounting system for this tractor is pretty slick in that it's frame mounted, not TPH.

Scotty - Glad you found your missing parts.

That's the way it works on the JD 3320 - FEL / MMM / BH all mounted at the same time and available for use as required.

 

[JohnDeere4300]

I would like to see how the backhoe is mounted.

I have a backhoe on my 4300, and i keep it on until i need to use the bush-hog or plow the garden.

I would like to see one with the FEL, BH and a 72" deck on.

 

[jenkinsph]

Wow, can't imagine using a FEL, MMM and Backhoe at the same time on one machine and certainly wouldn't look forward to mowing with that arrangement.
I much prefer the small L130 to mow the lawn, the 110 for fel and backhoe and the 4520 for most everything else.


Steve

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Wow, can't imagine using a FEL, MMM and Backhoe at the same time on one machine and certainly wouldn't look forward to mowing with that arrangement.
I much prefer the small L130 to mow the lawn, the 110 for fel and backhoe and the 4520 for most everything else.
Steve

Well, I can only speak to my own case. My lawn is not a pristine golf course. It is not perfectly smooth. Thanks to Gov'mnt which has banned pesticide use, the dandelions and creeping charlie will flourish even more. I cut the grass a few times minus the FEL / BH and could see no difference whatsoever. With Turf Tires I see no difference in tearing up the lawn, with or without the FEL / BH. So, the FEL and BH were remounted and have remained since. As stated they are there avaialbe for use as and when required.

I do however, agree with your statement above and have never attempted to use the "FEL / MMM / BH at the same time on one machine."

I don't have a small L130 so the Craftsman GS6500 with 54" deck is used to trim around the foundation and some of the landscaping.

For me, I have adopted the saying put forward by another member - "You're never too old to have a great childhood" The JD 3320 is essentially an expensive yard toy. I would have no use whatsoever for a JD 110 and in addition a JD 4520 for most everything else.