4700 Questions

[BillS]

I recently purchased a 4700 hydro w/loader and 4 in 1 bucket. I'm very happy w/ it, but have a few questions. I know the subject of the safety device that was designed to hold the loader to the tractor was discussed here before, and my 4700 came with "something" that is supposed to work. It is a hook that holds the front of the loader frame from moving forward and dropping down off the front of the tractor. I was under the impression that the real problem was the back of the loader wearing away at the square horizontal supports that stick out from the sides of the tractor. That seems to be were the restraining straps should be placed. I have seen a one year old 4600 w/ loader that was very worn at the square horizontal supports to the point of almost coming off. My JD dealer was trying to come up w/ a fix for the 4600 tractor when I was ordering my 4700. I told him JD aready had a "fix" for that problem, and I wanted it on my 4700. However, when my 4700 arrived the "fix" was different than what I was expecting. Anybody else got the "fix" from JD??
Second question: I have the new moveable draft links, and the new parking brake pull button on the dash. The parking brake is problem. To apply the brake, you push on the brake pedal and pull out the knob. However, that does not stop the tractor from moving if I push on the forward or reverse hydro pedals. The tractor moves easily without any strange noise like the brake is on. I also have a 955 hydro. If the parking brake on the 955 is on and I push on the hydro pedals, the 955 squalls loudly and does not move. I was wondering if the parking brake is just not adjusted properly, or the 4700 is so powerful it will not hold the tractor (which is what the JD dealer says). I realize the basic design of the hydro forward and reverse pedals are a brake in themselves, if not touched.

 

[gvw]

Bill - I also have a 4700 HST and have movement problems with the supposed parking brake - thing won't hold diddly squat. I honestly haven't copmplained to the dealer yet as some more stuff is to be delivered but will bring the issue to his attention at that time - if you figure something out - please let me know. So far my loader (50+/- HRS) is fine with the mounting brackets- not sure where the area of concern is!??

 

[dmccarty]

Hi BillS,

The hook, if it is a brass colored thingy that hooks on the L shaped FEL bracket that fits on the 4700's "bumper",is the fix. The problem that JD had, heck that I had, was that it was possible for the L bracket to slip off the "bumper." When my FEL fell off it was due to bad set up by the mechanic. Once adjusted, I used the FEL to move a few dozed medium sized stumps/trees/etc and did not have a problem. The new bracket is just more insurance that the FEL won't slip off. I have done LOTS of work with the FEL since then and I have not had any problems at all.

I have not heard of any wearing on the rear FEL brackets. I suppose it could happen but I have not seen any on my equipment. Even if it did the brackets are bolted on and could be easily replaced. The mechanic who fixed my setup problem said that there might have been some manufacuring differences in the holes IN the bracket that might effect the setup of the FEL on the tractor. There seems to be a very small room for movement to get the L bracket to slip over the tractors "bumper." A slightly different placement of the bolt holes in the brackets could easily effect the FEL setup. Hope that makes sense. If you look at the brackets and the FEL I think you will see what I mean. I hope! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I have not had any problem with the parking brake but I don't have HST. I would guess that the parking brake cable might need an adjustment. When I have tried to drive off with the brake on you knew it! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Its not something I like to do but I manage from time to time! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Hope this helps...
Dan McCarty