4300 repeatedly breaks turnbuckle,

_RaT_ · Jun 20, 2003

Re: Sorry Guys, no more Deere for me!!

That link should endure way beyond the lift capacity of the 3 pt hitch. I often do two things too utilize the power of the 3 pt hitch. One is to slide the rear cutting edge of my boxscraper, all 1000lbs of it into a large pile, top hydraulic link extended enough to have the cutting edge slightly engaged, back up with the scraper on the ground and push the pile, as the wheels begin spinning I both lift the 3pt hitch and retract the top link. All this helps not only move the pile, but gives a lot more traction because of the large lift load. Secondly, with my hydraulic rippers down, hydraulic tilt fully extended tilting the box to the right, I have one ripper grab onto a stubborn or unknown stubbornnes of a rock, apply a little forward pressure with the HST and lift. It's obvious right away if the rock is going to be dislodged or not. The lifting action really loads the rear tires and adds a lot of traction. So why am I telling you this, I've done it many times with no fears or worries of challenging the 3 pt hitch system. On my International, the 3 pt hitch lift must be immense becasue it can actually start to flatten out the rear tires becasue of the load. I'm sure other folks with tractors have done the same with the same results.

I would look at it like this if it were me. Had that link broken during the warranty period, I would expect a replacement at no cost and any thing it might have broken as a result of its failure. If it broke a second time knowing that I was doing little or nothing to cause it to break, that is, normal use, I'd be getting concerned. The lift link is way to easy to over build and not ever have fail, it's a simple part. I don't know if it was your lift link that broke more then once or the sways. If either was breaking in a fashion as you suggest they were doing "usual" tractor work, it would be a real worry. Repair it, ask another JD dealer what would be required to have it reapired to JD's standards, either weld or replace the casting, I think they would recommend replacement and sell it knowing you have brought it up to their standards. Go check out the new 4310 to see what they have changed if anything on the arrangement. Rat...

_RaT_ · Jun 20, 2003

Re: Sorry Guys, no more Deere for me!!

Looking at the picture of your broken lift link, is that a zerk fitting sticking out? It appears that way, my International has a pivot there to allow movement, it also has a zerk. My Kubota does not.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 20, 2003

iamgott:

After reading through this thread, got a chuckle.

THIS WAS ATUALLY MY SECOND 4300, THE FIRST WAS JUST AS BAD, BUT I FIGURED IT WAS A LEMON SO I BOUGHT A NEW ONE, "RIGHT" 

1) Why, why, why, why would anyone buy a second tractor after the problems, lousey dealer, etc. with the first? Perhaps, after you buy 2 or 3 more, it may dawn on you that maybe you should get something else.

2) In one of your posts, you claim to have "lost" $20k because of your troubles with JD. That would buy a real nice NH or KUB (or a more solid JD model than what you have). Take the guy in Ft. Wayne up on his offer to take it off your hands and get on with your life.

3) It is always a challenge (and sometimes fun, though frustrating) to "solve" a problem by figuring out what's wrong, how to fix it, etc. But if you are using this thing to make money, why are you wasting your time trying to get it fixed? If you have the money, and are interested in challenges, keep it and fiddle with it on the side. If not, sell it today, take your loss and get something else.

4) If you really think it is a weak part that is the problem, and you want to keep the tractor, go to a machine shop and have one made out of high grade steel. How many times do you have to be hit over the head before it dawns on you JD isn't, can't, or whatever, going to solve the problem for you? Solve your own problems yourself.

5) Most manufacturers have problem models, problem parts, etc. But JD, more than many, is mainly a marketing company (and they're good at it). Don't forget, they have THREE divisions. You bought something from their "consumer" division. That ought to tell you something.

6) I've never understood masochism. Why keep beating yourself? Take your loss. If you're trying to make money with a tractor, move on. From your posts you have allowed JD to waste your money, aggravate you. Try to LEARN from the experience. When you have a problem, figure the cheapest way to get out of it, get over it and move on. The world is not the way you might like it to be, it is the way it is. Your wishing it was different will not change it one iota. Your wishing your tractor will work right, after it has failed you time after time after time, will not make it so.

JEH

rockyridgefarm · Jun 20, 2003

( You bought something from their "consumer" division. That ought to tell you something )

Half right. The division is C&CE . Consumer & Commercial Equipment.

rancar · Jun 20, 2003

Don't forget, they have THREE divisions. You bought something from their "consumer" division. That ought to tell you something. 

What does this say, grimreaper? And how is this supposed to influence iamgott's decision to buy or not to buy a John Deere product? He bought in good faith thinking he was buying a quality product. Please educate the rest of us on the C&CE line of equipment which includes all of the 4x10 series tractors, if you are indeed suggesting these are inferior tractors. There are many of us in these forums who own the range of 4x00 and 4x10 series tractors who are quite happy and pleased with them.

...Bob

Chief · Jun 20, 2003

Re: Sorry Guys, no more Deere for me!!

Just my thoughts after looking at the broken trans casing pics.

I have been around John Deeres and many other brands or tractor for over 25 years to include working as a mechanic at a very large JD dealer and I have yet to see a failure such as this. The clean break without any evidence of corrosion or impact damage so close to the casing ear would indicate to me that the mounts were subject to EXTREME and REPETITIVE lateral sudden stoppage stress which eventually weakened the mounts and led to the repeated failures.

If an impliment and lift arms are allowed to sway back and forth without any restrain such as adjusting the link arms to limit this movement; this type of failure can be expected.

I don't even let my 3 pt. hitch arms flop side to side when empty. I wrap bungee cords around them to keep them restrained holding pulled together. Common sense would indicate that hearing the arms bang back and forth would require immediate action to prevent this. When I have heavy impliments on the hitch such as my tiller. I set the arm stabilization links to hold the lateral sway to an OBSOLUTE minimum. With this much weight on the hitch arms, the leverage is tremendous. That is why John Deere built the link arm sway link adjustment to begin with.

I feel for your loss and PITA but it looks like it was improper use of the hitch that caused the repeated failures. I strongly believe this failure would have occurred on any make tractor. I would suggest that you get the John Deere Rep to show you how to prevent this after this next repair.

John Deere is more than happy to provide classes and training on their equipment. I recently purchased 15 JD 4710's for the 101st Airborne and the John Deere Rep. gave classes to all the operators and spent a week doing it. Anytime there was a question or an operator/maintenance issue; the John Deere Rep. was out on the location like white on rice.

I use a Land Pride LR 1584 landscaping rake for pretty much the same purpose you use the blade to maintain my driveway. The rake weighs over 300 lbs. and have not had any problems such as the issure you describe. I do however set the sway links to limits side sway to the absolute minimum. I think this was what John Miller 3 was referring to.

I am posting this information NOT to flame or cast blame but to share information on proper technique of use to prevent future breakage and damage. The 3 pt. hitch on yours and my tractor is limited to 2,200 lbs. capactity. The draw bar is limited to 562 lbs. There is also a bold face print step on pg.41 of the operator's manual that states the following:

Adusting implement Side-to-Side Sway

Note: Check implement operator's manual procedure for adjusting sway links. When sway link have been properly adjusted, side to side sway of implement is controlled by position of the links.

NOT the mount ears on the transmission casing. I hope this info. will be of help to you and get you on the road to future satisfaction with your tractor and its long break free life.

The service manager should have explained these points to you the first time you brought the tractor in for these repairs. Best of luck on getting things fixed! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

iamgott · Jun 20, 2003

Thanks Rancar, I have re-edited many threads as I was really upset and I know some of what I said was rubbing some the wrong way, while others just want to be a smart @88!!
As I had said, to the one who wants to come get it. If you want it, come get it, just bring $15,000.00 with you, I'll even throw in a trailer.
Also, this is not a loss as some see it. If this machine would have held up like it should, I could have pad it off plus bought a new bigger one. As it stands, it has barely paid its own way, actually not even that.
And as Rancar has said, there are many that are pleased with their tractors, Im just having an ongoing problem that could probably be remedied if someone would assist me in looking into it.
many of my problems were also due to shoddy workmanship and to some extent, I believe an dishonest dealer. I know I started the post out with fairly strong wording, but again, if some of you guys were in my shoes you'd be screamin just as loud.

And many seem to be missing what I believe is the most important part, IT BREAKS WHEN IN THE UP POSITION, AND NOT EVEN BEING USED

Gary_in_Indiana · Jun 20, 2003

Re: Sorry Guys, no more Deere for me!!

Ed,

I'm not "offended" at all. I was very sincere when I said I didn't understand why you felt the need to apologize with the "Sorry Guys" in your heading. I honestly couldn't understand why you'd even think I might be offended. It's not like you said something like 'All you Deere guys are (whatever)' or anything like that.

Frankly, I think if I'd had the problems you've experienced with any manufacturer, I'd be unlikely to continue to buy their products, too. I'd certainly have looked for a different dealer before I had half the problems you've had with yours.

I'm a lot more proactive than most and am sure I'd have had a factory service rep involved long before this (when there was plenty of warranty remaining). The flip side is I'm probably more familiar with the hierarchy of who can do and authorize what within the manufacturer/dealer situation, too. That helps more than I can tell you.

As to your comment that my post was "surely an attempt to inflame (you) even more", nothing could be further from the truth. As I said above, I sincerely didn't (and still don't) understand why you'd have used the "Sorry Guys" bit in your heading. If I go buy a Kubota (what I originally set out to buy) or a New Holland (which I liked but the dealer folded while I was looking) I won't feel any compunction at all to apologize here. Maybe I'm wrong in feeling that way, but as I told you in my earlier post here, it's my money and I can spend it however I choose.

As to your comment that "evidently, (I) only read what (I) wanted to read", I have to heartily disagree. First, I know for a fact that I read every word of the entire thread before I posted. Frankly, your use of all caps, bold all caps and colors at different points made that difficult, but I persevered. I fail to see what you mean by what you wrote here. Just because I didn't offer you sympathy for your plight doesn't mean I didn't read about it.

As I re-read my earlier post then re-read your reply, I notice a couple of things. First, I never wrote anything negative to or about you in any way. Second, your response to me was personal in nature. While I didn't and still don't think you need to apologize for changing brands, I do think you should apologize for that.

If you think this is "an attempt to inflame (you) even more", let me assure you it's not. I'm just once again speaking to you sincerely. You accused me of something wrongly and unfairly and I think you should apologize.

iamgott · Jun 20, 2003

Re: Sorry Guys, no more Deere for me!!

I apologize Gary, but the "I'll come get it" sorta rubbed me the wrong way. I guess I misunderstood or took it the wrong way. Actually, Im a lil delerious with anger and frustration, this morning Im doin better, Im gonna go out and start attempting to repair it. The dealer wanted $750 to do it, and at this point, I just cant justify it. Plus Im now paranoid of their mechanic and tactics. Again, I hope you accept my apologies Gary.

Gary_in_Indiana · Jun 20, 2003

Re: Sorry Guys, no more Deere for me!!

Ed,

Accepted... and nothing more to be said of it. Just so you'll know, my "I'll come get it" was intended rather "tongue in cheek." I'm sorry it wasn't taken that way. I know how easy it is to take something the wrong way when you're upset and frustrated. I've had days when "Hello" was the wrong thing to say to me. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif