New 4320 leaking anti-freeze, and more

[rbcsaver]

I purchased a new 4320 HST/AWD with 400CX FEL, April 30th, 2010. A month or 2 into operation, I noticed that the coolant level was very low in the reservoir. A trip to the dealer (1/2 hr. each way), and they gave cordially gave me 1/2 empty container of antifreeze, and I filled the reservoir to the appropriate hot/cold levels and didn't give it any thought after wards.

In mid-November, I drove the 4320 down to the house do the first oil change, as it had 47 hours on it. My 7310 Kubota, drives right into the 8ft garage door with the ROPES up. During a brain fart, I forgot that the Deere is much taller. Let us say that it doesn't drive right in and this has been a very expensive oil change. I took off part of the siding, Z tracks, bent the green aluminum fascia, tore dry wall, electric garage door fittings and mounts, and bent 3 of 4 door panels. As I digress, and you are laughing you asses off, let me say that I have done all of the repair/labor work myself, but this has been a very oil change to the tune of $800-$900.

At that time, after all the cussing and oil change was done, I collected myself by the next to check the front axle oil level, only to find that it didn't even touch the bottom of the screw in stick. Another trip to the dealer and they pleasantly handed over some Deere HST oil. It took a full quart to get to the correct level.

2 weeks ago, my wife noticed that the "tractor is leaking." She placed an empty horse bedding bag on the floor and I looked at the fluid last weekend and it is Not oily, but seems to be antifreeze/coolant, which I'm sure, has been leaking since delivery, based upon prior low levels. I suspect the cold temps in PA have now increased the leak. I think it may even be the reservoir tank.
Anyway, the dealer was once again, very cordially is coming to look at it tomorrow, and haul it to the shop if needed.

Question: Is the coolant leak something that is not uncommon? Thoughts and input about the leak and low front axle HST oil level. And NOT on my driving into the garage.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all,
Steve

 

[jenkinsph]

sorry about the garage doors.

About the antifreeze leak, it just needs to be found, better to be an exterior hose than inside the engine.

The front axle is something to watch carefully, there are threads about this issue. Have the dealer check for leaks and if possible document the problem.

 

[nwltruck]

Because you are the first owner of the tractor I would check all of the hose clamps. I have heard of and had vehicle of my own that was let out of the factory with clamps that where left lose. The cold wheather will make this worse as everything shrinks. As far as the fluid in the front dif. there are threads on TBN about leaking seals on the front of JD's, but yours may just be the change in temp. I have heard some of the hydraulic fluids expand and contract allot with temp changes..... has the front axle been low after filling it the last time?

 

[rbcsaver]

If you are the first owner of the tractor I would check all of the hose clamps. I have heard of and had vehicle of my own that was let out of the factory with clamps that where left lose. The cold wheather will make this worse as everything shrinks. As far as the fluid in the front dif. there are threads on TBN about leaking seals on the front of JD's, but yours may just be the change in temp. I have heard some of the hydraulic fluids expand and contract allot with temp changes..... has the front axle been low after filling it the last time?

Another case of an internet reply without reading and thinking.
Steve

 

[milkman636]

Question: Is the coolant leak something that is not uncommon? Thoughts and input about the leak and low front axle HST oil level.......

Coolant leaks are and should be uncommon on a new tractor. Did they install a block heater? or something else that could leak if not installed right at the dealer?

Did you check the front end oil level between delivery and 47 hours? If not it may just have been a short fill on the assembly line. If it was fine at delivery and low now, I'd crawl under and check for oil around every seal from the input shaft to the wheel flanges. If it is leaking you should see oil and/or a film of dirt that the leak has been collecting.

My garage door experience happened on Thanksgiving Day. My new tractor was delivered the day before and my dad and younger brother came over on Thanksgiving to take a look. As I proudly pulled out of the shorter back door of the barn, I clipped the lower edge of my door with the ROPS and tore the weather seal right off of the metal door. Needless to say they were both impressed. I knew the tractor would clear the door frame, but in that moment I somehow forgot about the door. If there were no witnesses you should at least be able to avoid reliving the experience as often as I will in the forseeable future.

 

[eepete]

My 4520 was involved in a small garage accident. Didn't hit the door, the barn fell on the tractor. There's a thread on that you can search for.

When I got the tractor back, I noticed that the antifreeze reservoir was always low. Fluid level on radiator was good. It was a leak where the hose goes into the reservoir. Reservoir was replaced, still had the leak. I had to cut a half inch off of the tube in order to get a good seal. My experience would seem to suggest that the little rubber hose is not tolerant of being moved around.

So, as I'm sure you know, 1st step is figure out where the leak is. You can narrow it down to the entire coolant system vs. the reservoir. I don't know if my leak was there all along or was the result of the hose being removed and put back on during the repair as the tractor only had 25 hours on it when the roof caved in.

Hope my experiences help you, good luck with it all.

Pete

 

[beenthere]

I purchased a new 4320 HST/AWD with 400CX FEL, April 30th, 2010. A month or 2 into operation, I noticed that the coolant level was very low in the reservoir. ...................
In mid-November, I drove the 4320 down to the house do the first oil change, as it had 47 hours on it. ...........................next to check the front axle oil level, only to find that it didn't even touch the bottom of the screw in stick. ...........2 weeks ago, my wife noticed that the "tractor is leaking." ................. I think it may even be the reservoir tank.
...........Question: Is the coolant leak something that is not uncommon? ............

To the question, coolant leaks are not common to my knowledge. From the Deere that I've owned for personal experience, and from reading TBN it also doesn't seem to be a problem.

After the first "low" coolant level, maybe it was your early warning that something wasn't right. But only the few hours mentioned, the tractor must sit a lot and not get used.
But someone needs to take the responsibilty to check the fluids before every start-up or routinely at least. IMO

As to the door, it is THE reason I didn't trade up to a Deere that only had the foldable ROPS available. Figured just a matter of time that I'd forget it was up. If I had the "too tall" ROPS, I would remove it at the "fold". I truly do not think they are a needed item on our tractors.

 

[jenkinsph]

I suspect the reason the rops are so high is because the canopy top needs to be high enough not to hit your head when getting on and off the tractor. If yoo order the optional canopy it bolts to the top of the existing rops.

 

[rbcsaver]

End result was that y JD dealer picked and returned my 4320, and made the repairs without
ANY charges. They fixed a leaky hose clamp at the engine and a leaky front wheel seal. Much better than my prior Kubota dealer who always charged for pickup and delivery, even when a warranty issue.
Steve

 

[rbcsaver]

To the question, coolant leaks are not common to my knowledge. From the Deere that I've owned for personal experience, and from reading TBN it also doesn't seem to be a problem.

It was a problem

After the first "low" coolant level, maybe it was your early warning that something wasn't right. But only the few hours mentioned, the tractor must sit a lot and not get used. But someone needs to take the responsibilty to check the fluids before every start-up or routinely at least. IMO

Not true

As to the door, it is THE reason I didn't trade up to a Deere that only had the foldable ROPS available. Figured just a matter of time that I'd forget it was up. If I had the "too tall" ROPS, I would remove it at the "fold". I truly do not think they are a needed item on our tractors.

Perhaps not in the flat mid west, but needed here on my hilly PA property.
Steve