4wd on BX23 - not working?

granite · Jun 7, 2006

After a month of not being able to use the tractor (flooding and extremely wet weather), I put the backhoe on the bx23 and installed some underdrain around my yard. After backfilling the trench, I went to backblade the area and noticed that tractor could hardly move. I was in 4wd, but it seemed that the rear wheels had very little power. I checked the 3pt lever to make sure I didn't have it engaged and checked all the fluid levels and everything was fine. I went to a level area and tried backblading some fine sand with the front wheels raised and found that the tractor would move as long as I didn't come across any bumps or uneven ground. Over the past 2 years (300hrs) I've done quite a bit of grading and I have never had a problem moving soil like this.

Is there some way to test if the 4wd is working properly or something else I should check?

granite · Jun 7, 2006

After a month of not being able to use the tractor (flooding and extremely wet weather), I put the backhoe on the bx23 and installed some underdrain around my yard. After backfilling the trench, I went to backblade the area and noticed that tractor could hardly move. I was in 4wd, but it seemed that the rear wheels had very little power. I checked the 3pt lever to make sure I didn't have it engaged and checked all the fluid levels and everything was fine. I went to a level area and tried backblading some fine sand with the front wheels raised and found that the tractor would move as long as I didn't come across any bumps or uneven ground. Over the past 2 years (300hrs) I've done quite a bit of grading and I have never had a problem moving soil like this.

Is there some way to test if the 4wd is working properly or something else I should check?

Charliebrn · Jun 7, 2006

Did you try putting it in 2WD? I'dgive that a try and see if that makes any difference, but I think you have a trip to the dealer in your future.... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

When was your last tranny fluid change? Its a small possibility that the filter is plugged, or maybe the strainer. Might be worth a shot if you are due.

Charliebrn · Jun 7, 2006

Did you try putting it in 2WD? I'dgive that a try and see if that makes any difference, but I think you have a trip to the dealer in your future.... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

When was your last tranny fluid change? Its a small possibility that the filter is plugged, or maybe the strainer. Might be worth a shot if you are due.

rbarker · Jun 7, 2006

( I was in 4wd, but it seemed that the rear wheels had very little power. )
Okay, I appologize in advance but you didn't accidently leave the parking brake engaged did you? I think we've all done it... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Assuming that's not the problem, does it seem to be lacking in hydraulic power on any other functions? Is it possible that you didn't get the hoses hooked up or bypassed quite right? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

rbarker · Jun 7, 2006

( I was in 4wd, but it seemed that the rear wheels had very little power. )
Okay, I appologize in advance but you didn't accidently leave the parking brake engaged did you? I think we've all done it... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Assuming that's not the problem, does it seem to be lacking in hydraulic power on any other functions? Is it possible that you didn't get the hoses hooked up or bypassed quite right? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

granite · Jun 8, 2006

I changed all the fluids/filters about 15 hrs ago and I did not loose any power on the BH or FEL while using the tractor - not sure if this rules out the plugged filter or an incorrect hose connection.

When I first noticed the problem while backblading I checked the brake and it was not engaged. I also changed between 2wd and 4wd, but no difference. I did engage the diff. lock and the tractor moved without a problem. I also tried raising the back wheels with the BH and they both turn when I hit the pedal. Is there any way to measure the resistance that should stop the wheels from turning in 4wd? I thought that when 1 wheel has resistance, the other starts to spin.

It has been raining here and from the looks of things, I won't be able to run the tractor until later this weekend. Prior to calling the dealer, I want to test it out to make sure I'm not just missing something. Any explanation of the how the 4wd should work would be helpful.

granite · Jun 8, 2006

I changed all the fluids/filters about 15 hrs ago and I did not loose any power on the BH or FEL while using the tractor - not sure if this rules out the plugged filter or an incorrect hose connection.

When I first noticed the problem while backblading I checked the brake and it was not engaged. I also changed between 2wd and 4wd, but no difference. I did engage the diff. lock and the tractor moved without a problem. I also tried raising the back wheels with the BH and they both turn when I hit the pedal. Is there any way to measure the resistance that should stop the wheels from turning in 4wd? I thought that when 1 wheel has resistance, the other starts to spin.

It has been raining here and from the looks of things, I won't be able to run the tractor until later this weekend. Prior to calling the dealer, I want to test it out to make sure I'm not just missing something. Any explanation of the how the 4wd should work would be helpful.

Mike_Lipke · Jun 8, 2006

Sounds like you might be in high gear (rabbit).
Put selector on right in Turtle and see what happens.

Otherwise, your hydraulic pump relief spring may need a shim added if it is not getting up to the right pressure (about 1900psi).
As the springs get older, they lose enough tension to cause them to bleed off pressure at too low a psi, resuting in lose of power from the pump to the wheels.

Mike_Lipke · Jun 8, 2006

Sounds like you might be in high gear (rabbit).
Put selector on right in Turtle and see what happens.

Otherwise, your hydraulic pump relief spring may need a shim added if it is not getting up to the right pressure (about 1900psi).
As the springs get older, they lose enough tension to cause them to bleed off pressure at too low a psi, resuting in lose of power from the pump to the wheels.