4010 Question

trafford69 · Nov 13, 2006

I have a 4010 with about 150 hours now. I have a 54" deck and a 410 loader. I have really used this tractor. I have moved over 120 tons of gravel (70 tons over in one 12 hour period) and about 40 tons of top soil plus about 30 tons of shale. Recently I have noticed a loss in power when trying to pull a hill with the loader attached with 240# in the weight box, no mowing deck. The first case the loader was empty when I tried to climb a 25' hill with a about a 50 degree incline. The tractor bogged down half way up and stalled. I had to take a running start at it to get to the top. I mow the same hill with no problems twice a year. The next incident ocurred with the bucket 3/4 full with top soil when trying to climb a 10' hill with a 30 degree incline. The tractor bogged down and I had to back up to get a running start to make the hill. I have hauled top soil up that incline previously with no problems. I have also taken the tractor with the mowing deck (no loader) up that grade numerous times without hesitation or a running start. Hydraulic fluid level looks fine and all other fluids and filters are new. I had been using off-road diesel but I switched back to the taxed stuff because the tractor seemed to blow more black smoke with the off-road. The power problems happened well after my fuel switch.

Does anybody have any thoughts what may be causing my problem or things I shoudl be checking? I'm at a loss. It seems like the hydraulics are robbing all my power. Did I damage them with all the loader work? I would really appreciate any help.

jd110 · Nov 13, 2006

My first thought would be fuel filter plugged. I would change the filter first before you get into any hydraulics, but it could be something is holding the hydraulics in relief, which would not only rob power but would heat up hydraulic oil also. Make sure all hydraulic functions are returning to neutral.

roermo · Nov 13, 2006

I have a 4010 with the 410 loader and back blade and m/m/m too. 146 hours. I have more loader time then mowing. This little work horse has not yet given me a spec of trouble. I just finshed digging out my back yard for a garage (see pics). I would call the dealer and get it in to the shop this is not right at all. I am sure the folks here will point you in the right directions. I am green (no pun) when it comes to the workings of a tractor, I am just a guy that sets in the seat wish I knew more. Good luck.

Roger

Lobo56 · Nov 14, 2006

Had this same problem with my 2210 with a bad load of diesel. Changed the fuel filter and drained the fuel tank, but still was losing power. The problem ended up being some garbage in the diesel that had blocked the shut of valve opening on the fuel filter.
It’s worth a shoot to remove the line going from the tank to the filter to see if it’s blocked at the shut off

RalphVa · Nov 14, 2006

I agree with the others: check the fuel filter and check to see if you get a good flow of diesel out with the valve open and the filter/glass off.

Only time I've had my 4010 bog down in moving uphill is when in High range and not using enough rpms.

I've about 180 hours on mine. Always use pump diesel because I prefer to have lower sulfur.

Ralph

trafford69 · Nov 14, 2006

All of the fluids and filters (air, oil, fuel) were replaced 2 months ago. Only three tanks of on-road diesel have been run through the tractor since. The fuel looks clean in the clear filter bowl. I have another fuel filter so I can give that a try. I seem to always run out of power on this machine. It will slow down when turning with the mowing deck running and it skip cuts a lot of grass on turns. I had the machine to the dealer 18 months ago and he checked the unit out. He said it dynoed at the stated 18hp. I run it at full throttle except when I am on level ground with little or no load. Mowing is always at full throttle and bucket work is at full throttle.

I have read the comments of other 4010 owners and it was these comments that convinced me to buy it instead of the 2210. I now wonder if I should have opted for something a little bigger. I want to make sure the machine is operating properly before I give up on it. As I said, I have worked it hard. When I told the dealer what work I have done with it, he got a very surprised look on his face. This is my first CUT so I am not sure if I can over-tax it, especially the hydraulics. I have had the bucket stop dead when attempting to lift a bucket full of gravel or shale. It is a 53" bucket. I'm just not sure that I am doing something wrong or that I have damaged my machine. My experience with it is not that same as others on this forum. I guess it may be time to call the dealer again.

I woudl appreciate any and all suggestions. It is $25 each way for the trip to the dealer. That's moeny well spent if I truly have a problem. It would buy a lot of diesel if I don't.

Thanks again.

minimax · Nov 14, 2006

Sound like water in the fuel or the brakes are suck??

minimax

RalphVa · Nov 15, 2006

I've stuck the bucket (53", too) in mulch, gravel and dirt. It'll stick if you're not doing a bit of upcurl when moving forward or stick it too deep in the mulch pile.

Ralph

johndeere_2210 · Nov 15, 2006

I agree with post above, the fuel filter may be your problem. Personally, I would drain all fuel (tank, lines, and) then put in new fuel filter.

trafford69 · Nov 15, 2006

I will concentrate on the fuel system. I will try to drain everything then change the filter and get fresh fuel. Hopefully that will solve the problem.

I do curl the bucket when I am picking up loads, especially full bucket loads. If you don't, you loose a lot of the load. I have pulled into a pile of limestone chips with the bucket and it will fill completely but will not move. I have to back out to get the bucket to go up. I assumed I had reached the limits of the hydraulics. I assume when you max out your load, the tractor will simply not pick it up? I also assumed that trying will not damage the tractor or the hydraulic system?

I only mow 2 acres but I have been disappointed in the mowing quality with the 54" deck. I do a lot more bucket work that I anticipated. I was debating doing a trade-in and upgrade to a 25-30 hp machine with more substantial hydraulics. I liked the "blue machines" with their separate hydraulic pumps and higher capacities. I would also like a litte more weight so I can take full advantage of the bucket capabilities. Even with all the problems, it is hard to keep the wheels on the ground when working. I've never known more power to be a bad thing.

Thanks for all the input. I wish I had found this site before I made my purchase. I think I would have ended up with a slightly larger machine.