Pto question

[rsmith02184]

I have a jd4100. I have had it for 6 years...it is a year 2000. It has a Woods rear mower and lately, when I engage the PTO, I swear I notice a lack of power. It seems sluggish to get up to 540 rpms and seems to lack power at top speed too.

Any ideas on what it could be? If this is a problem, is it more likely an attachment issue or is it a PTO issue?

I welcome all ideas.

 

[fuseboxer]

What does the Load Match switch turned on after you hit 540prm do for you? Do you hear, feel and see the tach rpm drop? Bad fuel? Injectors need a little cleaner? Mower blades sharp? Lube in the mower gearbox? This is just a few of the things that come to my mind. We have some experts out there and I look foward to their comments. I learned today about "floting" my FEL and snow is soon comming. Shows that I never read the book with my 300CX loader. I sure appreciated reading on "TractorByNet". Someday I will read my manual.

 

[kennyd]

FuseBoxer: No loadmatch on these machines

Rsmith: Start with the basics like Fuseboxer suggested, I will only add a fuel and air filter also. Does it smoke any more than usual under load when you turn on the PTO?

 

[rsmith02184]

I don't know if it smokes more than usual...I will take a look next time I mow. I will also check all fluids.

I see in other posts, mention of adjusting a clutch. Is that something that I could do on my tractor if needed? I have the repair manual so I am sure it will walk me through it.

thanks

 

[fuseboxer]

Service manual will give guidance on clutch adjustment. If you have some mechanical skill it is within your ability. The clutch you can hear and feel it slip as a cause of loss of power. Does it do it all the time or just some of the time? Look back on the links and search for PTO power loss. I noticed one link mentioned changing the fluids. The trans fluid with heat gets thin and the power loss is noticable at the PTO according to one search link. PM of all fluid and filters is cheep insurance and never hurts. Has the radiatior have good flow, fluid and correct mix. Check the radiator screen and the radiator. Heat will destroy the fluids and power loss at the PTO is common.

 

[kennyd]

I don't know if it smokes more than usual...I will take a look next time I mow. I will also check all fluids.

I see in other posts, mention of adjusting a clutch. Is that something that I could do on my tractor if needed? I have the repair manual so I am sure it will walk me through it.

thanks

Is your 4100 a HST? Then there is no clutch on the tractor...unless you mean the slip clutch on the mower?

 

[rsmith02184]

Yes it is a HST. So it won't be clutch related on the tractor. I will investigate more...I just wanted to have an idea of possible causes.....

 

[sunnyside360]

............ I will only add a fuel and air filter also. Does it smoke any more than usual under load when you turn on the PTO?

Like kennyd says. I'd put my money here if I were a betting person........ either fuel or air filter. Also, the fuel tank may need flushed if there is crud in bottom of tank.

 

[jd110]

You asked about a possibility of attachment problem. It is possible for the mower to have a problem to cause excess power usage. You could have excess build-up of grass under deck or string, rope, wire etc. wrapped around the spindles. You also could have a bearing seizing up in a spindle or a gearbox. It's possible to have a belt routed incorrectly causing power drain. Does the mower cut well? Check for dull blades or blades installed up-side down.

 

[fuseboxer]

Drain the water out of the filter and replace the filter and purge the scum diesel out of the tank and put in fresh with an injector/algaecide fuel additive. Your injectors may need a little cleaner. My next door neighbor gets algaecide almost every year as a problem. He claims once you get the problem it always come back.