Tips for starting a M4700 that has been sitting for a long time....

[CJTOM]

Anyone have any tips for getting a M4700 started after sitting for about 6 months? It was sitting outside. Everything looks fine, but I brought the battery in for a charge and will be returning with some fresh diesel. The tractor isn't close so I would like to get it running on the first try. Any suggestions for what I should take with me?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[beenthere]

What is the history of the tractor?
Hours, previous problems, reason it sits outside, other factors that might cause it to not want to start?

 

[DmansPadge]

Anyone have any tips for getting a M4700 started after sitting for about 6 months? It was sitting outside. Everything looks fine, but I brought the battery in for a charge and will be returning with some fresh diesel. The tractor isn't close so I would like to get it running on the first try. Any suggestions for what I should take with me?

Thanks,
Tom

Honestly if it is a good running tractor it should start easily. A good hot battery is a good call. But like I say if it isn't some old 10,000 hour worn out junker you shouldn't have any trouble. It's common for equipment to sit up that long and a whole lot longer. We once started an old Case dozer that hadn't ran in about 8 years with nothing more than a fresh battery.

 

[CJTOM]

You guys were right. It started on the 4th crank. The tractor was left behind on a construction site that got foreclosed on. I repossessed it for an elderly couple that sold it about a year ago and never got their final payments. The ignition switch was drilled out and I replaced it, but none of the electrics work at all. I ended up starting it with a screw driver on the solenoid. All of the wiring is in tact, and the battery has a full charge. Any suggestions for troubleshooting the electrical problems? I saw a bank of about 5 relays under the dash. I am assuming that one of these is bad and keeping power from the switch. I have lots of mechanical/electrical experience with cars, but none with tractors. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[rbargeron]

One quick thing to check is whether the fusible link is intact or even present. It is a small white plug-in just above the starter and has a short loop of red wire that comes out one side and goes back in the other. Whole thing is 2" long. Without it - or if it is corroded, no dash lights, no starting circuit. Ok to temporarily jump it with a piece of copper wire until you can get a new one. (like 5 bucks). It's purpose is to protect the electronics from a battery or cables connected backward - sounds like this tractor may have had some opportunity for that to happen. Hope this helps - cheerful refund if not. Dick B