3PH Question

[Arcane]

I'm trying to attach and adjust a new LX4 cutter to my JD 4115. Basically, I can't get the cutter deck far enough away from the tractor.

The tractor came with a backhoe attached, so I removed that and installed the 3PH per the manual. I set the cutter attachments low, per the manual. Then I set the upper link arm for proper front to back cutting angle at the dropped position.

If I try to lift the cutter more than 2-3" from full drop, the front edge of the cutter hits the tractor rear tires squarely. Also, even in the dropped position, turning causes the outboard draft arm to rub on the inside of the tire. I think I can tighten the draft link turnbuckles to improve that, or I could widen the distance between the rear tires (which I don't want to do for storage reasons), but I think the first problem would remain.

Are the draft arms are too short? Is this JD's way of punishing me for not buying an imatch system? Anyone else come across this problem, or have a suggestion?

Thanks in advance for your help.

RK

 

[trlong]

Arcane,

Not sure I can help you at all but have a few questions, observations.

Do you have a digital camera so you could post some pictures? Is the LX4 recommended for the 4115. It seems odd it wouldn't work on any CAT-1 3PH, especially J.D.'s! Have you attached any other implements to the 3PH? Is is possible the draft arms are incorrect. I have attached several implements (not an LX4) to the 4115 and no implement has come close to touching the tires. Draft arms rubbing and leveling issues...yes, but corrected with snugging up turn buckles, and adjusting leveling arm, and upper link.

I think Mike (?) [RockyRidge (?)] has, or has had a 4115 and an LX3 or LX4...can't remember which TBN'er. I'd be surprised if some one with experience with the LX4 and, hopefully a 4115, doesn't provide some advise w/i 24 hours.

Pic's would help though. Good Luck.

Tom

P.S. It is more likely you would have toplink adjustment issues WITH an I-Match than w/o it. But, I do like my I-Match.

 

[Dutch445]

You actually may need to change your LX4 setup back to
the "high" settings for the lift points. You aren't running on a 2210 with low clearance, and if the cutter is set this way, it's closer to the tractor and may be why you are gettting an interference with the tires.
make sense? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[beenthere]

Sounds like something is not mounted correctly on the rotary cutter.
Pics would be best if possible, or suggest you visit the dealer for some look at another setup, or the setup manual they use (may be in your manual as assembly instructions or viewable in the parts list).
I don't think not having the iMatch is the cause, nor do I think it isn't designed for your tractor.
Hopefully you can find the problem or post a pic.

PS There should be no sideway play to any extent that would allow the arms to hit the inside of your tires, IMO.

 

[RRacing]

On the 2210 you have run an I match to get enough length to run the LX4 cutter. Maybe its the same on your application?

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Jim

 

[Rayder]

I used to have a 2210. I ran an LX4 without the imatch and no problems whatsoever.

 

[RalphVa]

On my 4010 with the LX4, I had to move the pins to their lower position to shorten the top link. Otherwise, the top link was longer than the draft arms. Raising the draft arms then drove the rear of the LX4 into the ground rather than lifting it.

Don't think this is your problem, as using the upper or lower pin position doesn't greatly affect the distance from the rear tires. The LX4 is a tad closer using the lower pin positions. Using the lower pin position causes the top part of the assembly to swing towards the tractor and will therefore cause the lower part to come slightly closer. You might get some relief by using the upper pin positions; however, make sure your top link isn't longer than the draft arms then. One fix to this is to use a chain on the top link. Only use the (shortened) top link when you want to raise and transport the LX4. Actually, this is what I do on my LX4 even though I moved the pins to the lower positions in order to raise the LX4 (with top link at operating length) with the top link on.

I have had the draft arms rub agains the inside of the rear tires if I don't tighten the draft arm turnbuckles tightly. You have to get them straight on and not twisted to tighten them.

Ralph

 

[Arcane]

Good questions and suggestions, all. I'm away from the tractor now but will shoot and post some pics when I can.

Tom- The LX4 is spec'd for the 4115. I don't have any other attachments, so I can't say if its only a problem with the cutter. Would you be able to measure your draft link, center to center, and post it? I just have this feeling that the draft links I got are too short. I'll try to find the specs.

Dutch- I figured the 4115 was closer to a 2210 than a twenty series, so I opted for the low pin and brace mounts, but I've actually tried both, with little difference.

RR, Ray, and Ralph- I'll try cranking down the turnbuckles, moving the pins and braces to the upper position, and shortening the top link or using a chain.

My JD dealer mostly sells lawn tractors, and didn't spend any time with me when I bought the tractor. I ordered the cutter later, and it was left on my front lawn when I wasn't home. It didn't come with a top link pin. So, no help there.

I appreciate your guidance, and I'll revert next weekend.

RK

 

[trlong]

RK,

Darn, I had the 3PH on the 4115 last night to pull the grooming mower but took it off to put the BH back on. I should have taken a pic while it was on but am just now reading this.

Anyway, I have several meetings but, I'll take a few pic.'s of the 4115 draft arms with dimensions, when I get home. I'll try to post tonight.

Tom

 

[trlong]

RK,

Meetings over early. Got the following pic's. Sorry, sun was bright and the tape measure doesn't show up well.

This, 1st pic is straight line, center pin to pin, of the draft link. I call it as measuring 24". That square's with the manual as the rated lift of the 3PH (1150#) is at 24" behind the "link arms".

Tom