3320 FWA problems

[foggy1111]

While operating my tractor, I noticed it grinding when put into FWA. Now I got no engagement of the front axel. Didn't take time to do more troubleshooting.....but fear I did something wrong. I got about 600 hours on my tractor. Not sure what I may have done?

Read about someone else having some spline shaft engagement issues. Any words of wisdom before I load it up and haul it to the dealer??

 

[beenthere]

Mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD)

quote from operators manual...

Is this what you are calling FWA ?

 

[sisupower]

Jack it up in all 4 side off ground. Have another to help. Engage MFWD and go at low speed. Grab a front tire. Does it keep going? Does it stop? What’s the drive line doing? Do you hear anything in front axle? I’ve repaired a couple that the splines on pinion shaft are totally stripped away.

 

[sisupower]

This is one I replaced. Tractor was still under warranty that the customer purchased. Splines are stripped smooth off

 

[foggy1111]

View attachment 523488
This is one I replaced. Tractor was still under warranty that the customer purchased. Splines are stripped smooth off

Thanks for the pic and info Sisupower! I'm going to go have a talk with my dealer and I think I better let them handle this one....as I am gone for a few weeks. This confirms what I suspect......hope it don't get too expensive.

Not sure what jacking it up would accomplish tho.....as the FWA has no power to those wheels currently.

 

[sisupower]

If it is this then it will be expensive. You have to tear axle completely down and get new ring and pinion. That alone is $1000 in parts.

 

[sisupower]

Not trying to scare you but I’m honest about it to everyone. Hope it’s not this but I’m sure they will figure it out real quick!!

 

[foggy1111]

Not trying to scare you but I’m honest about it to everyone. Hope it’s not this but I’m sure they will figure it out real quick!!

Thanks Sisupower.

 

[sisupower]

Thanks Sisupower.

Anytime buddy!!

 

[foggy1111]

quote from operators manual...

Is this what you are calling FWA ?

Yep. it's the only way 3320's come. MFWD or FWA - same deal / different acronyms.

 

[Phillip w]

I've had to rebuild my massey ferguson's front end 3 different times. It cost about 4000 dollars each time. Be glad you don't have a massey. Front end only good for 12-18 months.

 

[foggy1111]

Got the call from my local JD Dealer today. Gonna cost about $3000 to repair the drive line to my front axel. 20 hours labor?? Yikes. OUCH!

 

[sisupower]

Got the call from my local JD Dealer today. Gonna cost about $3000 to repair the drive line to my front axel. 20 hours labor?? Yikes. OUCH!

Wait what??? What was messed up?

 

[foggy1111]

Dealer said the drive shaft to there front axel, and some couplers were stripped away. Said it was 20 hours to make the repairs.....so about $2000 in labor and $1000 in parts. Said the whole front axel needs to be removed....yadda yada. Also got some front axel boots replace for ac couple hundred bucks. I thought it was a bit steep....but whatcha gonna do? 20 hours seems like allot of labor....no?

 

[foggy1111]

2 1/2 days? Seems like I could remove and replace allot of bolts in that timeline. I think I better stop by the dealer and have a little discussion. Maybe I should ask for a service rep from deere to talk about this. Sounds a bit absurd....the more I think about it.

 

[sisupower]

2 1/2 days? Seems like I could remove and replace allot of bolts in that timeline. I think I better stop by the dealer and have a little discussion. Maybe I should ask for a service rep from deere to talk about this. Sounds a bit absurd....the more I think about it.

If it did what was in the picture I sent you then yes it’s a complete tear down. While in there I recommend re-sealing all seals. Take a good look at bearings and all. It takes time I promise and yes the time sounds about right. I would have to look and see what exactly it takes. Getting axel off and torn down and making a parts list, cleaning everything good and then reassemble the whole deal. If installing same bearings the you can reuse shims in places. If installing a new ring and pinion you have too take old bearings out and races. Install new races and assemble pinion and set backlash this can take some time if the Tech hasn’t done many. Assemble ring on carrier and so forth. Torque everything to book and double check work. Install back in tractor and fill with oil. Drive around and make sure it is all good!! I’m not trying to make excuses for time but some people don’t realize what we have to do in a big repair like this. It adds up quick but you can just hope you get a good Tech that loves what he does and wants the best for his customers.

 

[Phillip w]

Got the call from my local JD Dealer today. Gonna cost about $3000 to repair the drive line to my front axel. 20 hours labor?? Yikes. OUCH!

That is not to far off. My massey ferguson 1531 has had the front axle rebuilt three different times. Cost was 3800 dollars the first time, 3900 dollars the second time and 4100 dollars the last time. Agco finally in a round about way admitted they have a weak front end. If your using you loader alot, might think about putting fluid in back tires and some counter weights on the back. Front end loaders are kind of hard on front axle to start with.

 

[foggy1111]

Ive been out of the country for a few weeks while having this repair completed by my dealer. Will pick up the tractor tomorrow and see about the damages.

I've used my tractor pretty hard at times as I have cleared several acres of stumps and lots of timber and debris. I do have fluid in the rear tires and a heavy weight on the three point. Still.....sometimes you end up working the 4wd a bit more than one should. I suppose I should not have too many regrets......as I have done allot of work with this tractor. The stump grinder has been hard on my 3 point linkage at times.....and I admit to be being a bit of a "tyro" around equipment.....I try to not abuse.....but can work it pretty hard.

 

[foggy1111]

Picked up my tractor from the dealer today. $3261. with sales tax OTD. Came back a couple hundred under the estimate. Glad to have it back.

Got to remembering some tough duty for my tractor......and I did some very heavy tornado clean-up around our place on a few occasions. Repeated max loads in the loader/grapple.....then down a real steep hill.....using the MFWD to slow the hill decent / slide down the hill.....only to return for many more loads. I remember forgetting to engage the front drive once.....and damned near killed myself going down the hill. Nothing to stop it. I suppose I had 2500 lbs in the bucket or more.....and the loaded tractor wieghs about 4500 lbs. The rears were useless on the hill.....and that is allot of weight / pressure on that MFWD.