is this normal?

[smurphync]

Hey guys got a question! I've got a 2013 j2020 and so far I'm moving it. I noticed something today though that I hadn't noticed before. While bush hogging today I noticed that while going over some fairly uneven terrain the my tractor seemed to almost "flex". The hood would actually move over enough to touch my foot in the hydro pedal. I have never noticed this before but I haven't used the tractor on ground this unlevel before. Has something came loose or is this normal? Thanks for the replies!

 

[AchingBack]

Sounds weird to me. I'd check all of the frame engine mounting bolts and torque to specs using blue loctite. Be sure to call your dealer as soon as possible.

 

[George2615]

Agree with AchingBack. All bolts should be checked for tightness. Frame, engine, loader, etc. The dealer should have done this at first service. If you did your own service you should have checked them. If its flexing that much either something is loose or you have frame damage.

 

[smurphync]

Does the front axle supposed to have any "pivot" in it? Its almost like the cockpit was pivoting over the front axle.

 

[brin]

I agree too....Have the dealer check it right away...I would not operate it until you find out the reason for the flexing...not worth the risk....:2cents:

 

[bruceatlam]

Does the front axle supposed to have any "pivot" in it? Its almost like the cockpit was pivoting over the front axle.

Yes -- the front axle will pivot around a center bolt/joint. I think what bothers everyone is the comment about the hood rotating over to touch your foot. That isn't normal.

 

[smurphync]

I went over every bolt I could find yesterday and found nothing obviously loose. I also pulled it on some ramps and looked for any broken welds and didn't find any. Its going to the dealer in the morning.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Hood movement definitely not normal. I had to adjust the hood latch (raises from the front) because every time I put pressure on the FEL the hood popped up but a small adjustment of the latch pin solved that. I cant even imagine what could cause the hood and frame to twist at the operators platform. That should be very close to the point where the tractor breaks in half to service the clutch so something must be wrong at that point.
I am anxiously awaiting the dealer fix on this one.

 

[smurphync]

I think I've figured it out. I'm still planning to take it to the dealer just to be safe. I took out my oil change ramps today an pulled each front wheel indivdually up on it. When the front pivot would "bottom out" and the axle would hit the frame the foot rest would flex up a bit and make it seem like the hood moved. I don't think its anything to be concerned with but I'm still gonna have it checked over. It did it on both sides.