4120 clunk noise

[JMER817]

Have a new john deere 4120 tractor with approx 12 hrs. Been used for only plowing snow so far. I've noticed a clunk in the rear area when coming to a forward stop. Doesn't do it in reverse. I did a quick check of the nuts and bolts underneath and everything seems tight. I tried it with and without an attachment on. I can hear it and feel it. So far have only heard it in 4 wheel drive. Tried it in 2 wheel drive but the tires are sliding too much in this slippery stuff to confirm if it is there or not. Possible gear backlash, anyone else feel this in their 4000 series tractors? I had a 3000 series and it never did that.

 

[RG1]

What are you plowing snow with? FEL, rear blade?

 

[JMER817]

Both at times but mainly rear blade.

 

[RG1]

I was going to say to check your draft arms if there was nothing mounted on them. The only time I have ever had a clunk from the rear of one of my JD CUT's was when the anti sway links were loose and the arms would flop outward when i stopped quickly. If the tractor you have is new, let the dealer know ASAP and have them look at it. Did that come from Napolean L&L?

 

[Tx Jim]

Check all rear wheel bolts for correct torque!!!!

 

[Ken]

If it clunks with the FWL lowered watch the arms that attach to the frame. some times see it wobble there is adjustment bolt at top of the arms . Book describes how to adjust.
ken

 

[JMER817]

I am going to check my draft arms again. I tried it with and without the blade, but it still could be the culprit. The wheel torque was the first thing I checked since that is what it sounds like. RG! - No I didnt purchase from Napoleon. After meeting with them a couple times I realized that they weren't willing to negotiate with me. Was quoted 10% off list which all the JD dealers were doing in my area. They had a 3520 that had been on the lot for over a year. I asked what year it was and I never got a clear answer. Was told they took delivery of it in Aug 2012. So that would make it a 2012 model right. He said let me make you a deal on it...told me he would knock $400 off it. Knew right then I wasnt buying from them. Noticed all their Stihl chainsaws wer $10-$20 more than anyone else. I went to another dealer and got my 15% off list along with 0% for 72 month financing as well.

 

[RG1]

I am going to check my draft arms again. I tried it with and without the blade, but it still could be the culprit. The wheel torque was the first thing I checked since that is what it sounds like. RG! - No I didnt purchase from Napoleon. After meeting with them a couple times I realized that they weren't willing to negotiate with me. Was quoted 10% off list which all the JD dealers were doing in my area. They had a 3520 that had been on the lot for over a year. I asked what year it was and I never got a clear answer. Was told they took delivery of it in Aug 2012. So that would make it a 2012 model right. He said let me make you a deal on it...told me he would knock $400 off it. Knew right then I wasnt buying from them. Noticed all their Stihl chainsaws wer $10-$20 more than anyone else. I went to another dealer and got my 15% off list along with 0% for 72 month financing as well.

Wow, Surprised to hear that. They have always been the best dealer by far that I have dealt with on anything. They are a long ways from me, but I make the drive because they do so much better for me than the dealers closer to me.

Check your draw bar and make sure it isn't moving around either. When you checked your wheel bolt torque, did you raise the rear tires almost off the ground? It's a lot better to torque the bolts with only minor tire contact pressure on the ground. Do you have anyone that can walk along side of you to watch what is happening or look for something moving or try to hear where exactly the sound comes from? Or maybe some to drive while you watch?

 

[arlen4720]

Check your front axle thrust bolt. I know you said that the sound is coming from the rear, but sometimes it's hard to tell. If it's loose, it causes play in the driveshaft. I think the torque spec is 24 ft lbs. Lift the front wheels of the ground with the loader, and check it out. The procedure is in your operator manual.

 

[JMER817]

That's what I like about this site. I have a few areas to look now. Won't get out there for a couple days when I plan on doing the first 10 hr service.