Loader 300CX Loader John Deere 4400 tractor

[bramleyestate]

Hi I have recently purchased a JD 4400 Tractor 900hrs with 300cx 4in1 loader fitted. This uses the electric button on the loader lever to operate the 4in1. When I push the lever to the right a little it opens the bucket, if I continue to push to the right it then annoyingly closers the bucket. I would like to know if this is how JD have set it up, or whether as I suspect another issue? The bucket closes properly if I move the lever to the left. Of note I am sure on a couple of occasions it did work correctly. I have noticed that when I curl the loader bucket pushing the lever to the right again, it appears to temporarily stop at the the same point I am having the 4in1 bucket change direction! Also experiencing heavy power steering at low - middle RPM??
I look forward to your replies, many thanks Jules

 

[JD755]

Hi I have recently purchased a JD 4400 Tractor 900hrs with 300cx 4in1 loader fitted. This uses the electric button on the loader lever to operate the 4in1. When I push the lever to the right a little it opens the bucket, if I continue to push to the right it then annoyingly closers the bucket. I would like to know if this is how JD have set it up, or whether as I suspect another issue? The bucket closes properly if I move the lever to the left. Of note I am sure on a couple of occasions it did work correctly. I have noticed that when I curl the loader bucket pushing the lever to the right again, it appears to temporarily stop at the the same point I am having the 4in1 bucket change direction! Also experiencing heavy power steering at low - middle RPM??
I look forward to your replies, many thanks Jules

Welcome to TBN.

When you push the loader lever all the way to the right you are going into regen mode. A designed feature to remove hydraulic pressure. It can empty a full bucket quicker. Just don't push it all the way over if you don't want that. Usually takes a bit to get used to it.

 

[bramleyestate]

Wow great response, thanks very much. I could do with a manual I think! Any ideas on the power steering being heavy?
Thanks Jules

 

[JD755]

I'll let others with 4400's give their experiences. All I can say is the steering operates from a hydraulic pump. The steering will always work best when the pump is running at normal operating RPM. You may not have a problem if it works OK then.

Manual is available here:

http://manuals.deere.com/cceomview/OMLVU11736_L0/Output/Index.html?tM=GC

 

[RoyJackson]

I'll let others with 4400's give their experiences. All I can say is the steering operates from a hydraulic pump. The steering will always work best when the pump is running at normal operating RPM. You may not have a problem if it works OK then.

Also, check the pressure in the front tires.
I have a 4400 and normally operate at 1500 RPM (unless running a PTO driven implement). Even at 1500 RPM, the steering is easy.

 

[bramleyestate]

Thanks, I have checked the tyre pressures and they are correct. I have just lifted the front wheels off the ground and still the steering is hard to turn, unless i increase the rpm to 2000+. Is there a filter for the power steering? I have tried switching the engine off and turning the steering whilst in the air and it turns very lumpy whilst making an on/off suction type noise, not sure if this is what would be expected? I am thinking of chaning the hydraulic oil and filter, but not sure if this will correct or have any effect on my power steering?
On another note I have moved the regeneration lever to the middle position and now my 4in1 loader works hpw i would like it to, thats just in and out by moving the lever left or right, so thanks very much for sending me the manual link.
All the best Jules

 

[kennyd]

Do a search for the term "regen" for hours of reading

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks, I have checked the tyre pressures and they are correct. I have just lifted the front wheels off the ground and still the steering is hard to turn, unless i increase the rpm to 2000+. Is there a filter for the power steering? I have tried switching the engine off and turning the steering whilst in the air and it turns very lumpy whilst making an on/off suction type noise...

At this point, it might be a good idea to replace both the hydraulic fluid and filters.
If the steering is still difficult after that, jack the front end up (use jack stands!!!!!) and watch the steering cylinder while another person moves the steering wheel. Look for any kind of binding. If no binding, and the fluids/filters are fresh, I'd say you have a restriction in the pump or lines. Another possibility is whoever installed that 300cx loader (they weren't around when the 4400 was manufactured) screwed up (meaning using too small an inside diameter on the hydraulic lines).
BTW, have you tried running the tractor with the loader dismounted?

 

[kennyd]

Another possibility is whoever installed that 300cx loader (they weren't around when the 4400 was manufactured) screwed up (meaning using too small an inside diameter on the hydraulic lines).

Not a chance...the PS system is completely separate from the rest of the system except for the common sump.

 

[dfkrug]

I have tried switching the engine off and turning the steering whilst in the air and it turns very lumpy whilst making an on/off suction type noise, not sure if this is what would be expected? I am thinking of chaning the hydraulic oil and filter, but not sure if this will correct or have any effect on my power steering?

Turning the wheel with the engine off won't tell you anything meaningful,
IMO.

Since the tractor is new to you, looking at the main suction filter would
be a good thing, even if you do not change the oil. This is the steel mesh
filter under the main gearbox. If it is clogged, it sure could cause havoc
with the steering.

It also could be a hardline is dented or crushed (left side of engine subframe)
or a bent rod on your steering cylinder. The old style PS cylinder has
a larger diameter than the newer (single-sided) cylinder. I have both and
the newer one looks very vulnerable.

 

[RoyJackson]

Not a chance...the PS system is completely separate from the rest of the system except for the common sump.

Thanks, Kenny! At least that eliminated one possibility.

 

[bramleyestate]

Thanks for the updates so far.
I have tried disconnecting the hydraulic ram from the front axle, the power steering is still heavy and reluctant to move, though it does at high revs. The ram appears to be a sealed unit, slightly marked (black) in the middle of the chrome area.? Does the PS have a seperate oil reservoir that could be low of oil, or its own filter that might need changing? Someone stated it uses a seperate pump, but I have not been able to locate this.
Many thanks again for all your help jules

 

[beenthere]

Same reservoir (sump) as mentioned. Dual pumps are in line on left side of engine.

jdparts can show you some of the schematics and part layout for isolating places to check out and identify some of the parts found.

 

[Mechanos]

...slightly marked (black) in the middle of the chrome area.? ...

That could be from a bent rod on the PS cylinder. That would definately account for resistance to steering.

 

[bramleyestate]

Update, I have now changed the hydraulic oil and replaced the and cleaned the filters. However this has had no effect on the power steering, it is still heavy, some time I am sure it is worse than other times, but always requiring high engine revs. I have also experienced the front loader locking in the down position, which I believe to be caused by a faulty quick coupler, but cannot explain why it does it, as I keep them connected, so dont know how it could lock up, but i disconnect it tap the end to release a bit of pressure, then it works again!!
I have to say, I don't like this tractor anything like my old yanmar, although it does have more power and cuts the grass well. I wish I had the manual gearbox and light power steering!