425 wheel motor(s) problem?

[Modrob]

Oh yes, I’ve met Terry as well, and he is a great fellow. (As well as other staff) I didn’t mean to imply an “upsell”, but after hearing the wife describe this tractor’s hard life since 2001, and seeing it myself, I honestly think they would have to recommend a new unit. (Of course I say that if they were figuring on refurbishing the unit—parts and labor…I could likely save some money by doing the labor myself but even still, I think the cost for parts would be very high.)
I guess I’m realizing that my ability to keep it up and running on a small budget is coming to a crossroads—it’s really simply put, about “wore out”. I’ll have to make the decision to spend a lot of money sooner than later—rebuild, buy used, or buy new. Last I checked—probably a couple years or so—a new one was about 16 grand to start. I recently looked at other “farm type” tractors and wow! A lot more! Me, I hate ever having to give up on something—I usually keep things going until I have no more need, or fall into a better situation . (I also have a 1950 IH Crawler/dozer that is in really great shape, but will soon need some high-dollar items…as well as a few other things to keep up for the wife)
Still, it would be interesting to have Terry and company give it a thorough look and advise. Which I’m sure I will—if I can just carve out the time to load it up and drive there…

 

[ponytug]

@Modrob I find that end of life decisions are always a challenge. I have trouble making peace with there being no right answers sometimes.

Good luck!

All the best,

Peter

 

[Modrob]

@Modrob I find that end of life decisions are always a challenge. I have trouble making peace with there being no right answers sometimes.

Good luck!

All the best,

Peter

Well I found a few minutes earlier tonight and got it up off the wheels. Cranked it up, and the wheels didn’t move. Operating the treadle and they worked fine. The reverse, would slightly hang a little, and the wheels would continue to move after letting off—but very slowly. A little stab on the forward pedal and they would be still. Operating both directions they sounded fine to my ears—I’ll get a stethoscope on them hopefully tomorrow…

 

[ponytug]

That sounds like progress!

I would have a listen at the pump as well, just in case.

All the best,

Peter

 

[MossRoad]

Well I found a few minutes earlier tonight and got it up off the wheels. Cranked it up, and the wheels didn’t move. Operating the treadle and they worked fine. The reverse, would slightly hang a little, and the wheels would continue to move after letting off—but very slowly. A little stab on the forward pedal and they would be still. Operating both directions they sounded fine to my ears—I’ll get a stethoscope on them hopefully tomorrow…

I think you said this is a 2001 model, correct? If so, you have the cable treadle with hydroback. Make sure the three grease fittings on the treadle are greased and free moving. Over the years, I'd get a lot of dirt and grass clippings in there through the front opening. So much so, that I permanently removed the side tunnel covers to make it easier to blow out and grease. The debris can make it hard for the treadle to get full swing forward or reverse. I'd imagine it might bum things up as well.

Just a thought. Good luck.

 

[ponytug]

One other thought: with the wheels off the ground, I'd try pushing/pulling out on the whole wheel, and try rocking it side to side, checking for any movement (worn bearings).

All the best,

Peter

 

[Modrob]

I think you said this is a 2001 model, correct? If so, you have the cable treadle with hydroback. Make sure the three grease fittings on the treadle are greased and free moving. Over the years, I'd get a lot of dirt and grass clippings in there through the front opening. So much so, that I permanently removed the side tunnel covers to make it easier to blow out and grease. The debris can make it hard for the treadle to get full swing forward or reverse. I'd imagine it might bum things up as well.

Just a thought. Good luck.

Oh yes! That had slipped my mind—in the past I had tried to get better access to that area to lube but I’m sure fell short. I’ll look into removing those side covers as well and give that area attention.
And yes, 2001 with cable, looks same as your picture. Thanks again!

 

[Modrob]

One other thought: with the wheels off the ground, I'd try pushing/pulling out on the whole wheel, and try rocking it side to side, checking for any movement (worn bearings).

All the best,

Peter

Thanks again. It was late last night and too many things had been consuming my mind. Sometime today I’ll try that too.

 

[MossRoad]

Oh yes! That had slipped my mind—in the past I had tried to get better access to that area to lube but I’m sure fell short. I’ll look into removing those side covers as well and give that area attention.
And yes, 2001 with cable, looks same as your picture. Thanks again!

If you remove those center tunnel side covers, be prepared for a possible dirt fest.

That's why I leave mine off.