parcel14
New member
My first posting to this forum, maybe it will help someone else with similar problem as I didn't find this earlier, however I may not have searched thoroughly. A few months ago at approximately 300 hours I noticed the reverse ground speed getting slower, which soon regressed to jerky pedal response and occasional immobilization with error code 14. Not good going into winter.
The local dealer service manager was hesitant to throw parts and labor (and my money) into the equation until we narrowed down the problem, which I appreciate. I had already tried interchanging the pedal wires, verified the display diagnostic readings in accordance with the technical manual CD, and inspected everything I could. I even changed the hydraulic fluid and filter. He recommended I perform the Electronic Drive Controller System Calibration. Better, but not fixed. Next I sliced into the wiring harness in the cab to connect my Fluke meter in series with the solenoid coil circuits to measure DC current. Sure enough, electrical output of the HST controller reverse circuit was low and erratic compared to the forward circuit. A simple SPDT switch allowed me to plow snow for a couple hours using the forward pedal for both directions, reassuring us that the transmission itself was OK. Whew!
Transportation of the machine to the dealer was not desirable due to steep snow packed subdivision roads. Field service calls with their 4WD service truck are an hour round trip travel time, not cheap anyway I looked at it, but I figured better my heated garage than theirs. A new controller was ordered and installed, software upgrade of the HST and display controllers was challenging, and drivetrain calibrations had to be performed with the laptop.
Recent snowplowing activity indicate successful resolution. This episode was a good learning opportunity as I like to say, and validates my decision to purchase this well-built machine from my local dealer new in 2009.
The local dealer service manager was hesitant to throw parts and labor (and my money) into the equation until we narrowed down the problem, which I appreciate. I had already tried interchanging the pedal wires, verified the display diagnostic readings in accordance with the technical manual CD, and inspected everything I could. I even changed the hydraulic fluid and filter. He recommended I perform the Electronic Drive Controller System Calibration. Better, but not fixed. Next I sliced into the wiring harness in the cab to connect my Fluke meter in series with the solenoid coil circuits to measure DC current. Sure enough, electrical output of the HST controller reverse circuit was low and erratic compared to the forward circuit. A simple SPDT switch allowed me to plow snow for a couple hours using the forward pedal for both directions, reassuring us that the transmission itself was OK. Whew!
Transportation of the machine to the dealer was not desirable due to steep snow packed subdivision roads. Field service calls with their 4WD service truck are an hour round trip travel time, not cheap anyway I looked at it, but I figured better my heated garage than theirs. A new controller was ordered and installed, software upgrade of the HST and display controllers was challenging, and drivetrain calibrations had to be performed with the laptop.
Recent snowplowing activity indicate successful resolution. This episode was a good learning opportunity as I like to say, and validates my decision to purchase this well-built machine from my local dealer new in 2009.
