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.

rbarker · Jun 9, 2006

( I also tried raising the back wheels with the BH and they both turn when I hit the pedal. )

Okay, some confusion here. I thought you were using a 3PH back blade and had taken off the BH to attach it which is why I asked about the hose hook ups. But I see from this that the BH is still attatched and is functioning fine so scratch that theory.

Reading the WSM reveals that if resistance to both wheels is equal they will both spin at the same speed. If you put a load on one you could expect the other to turn faster, this is how it compensates for going around corners. When one tire encounters slippery conditions it spins and robs power from the other. This is where the dif lock comes in. It locks both wheels together so (hopefully) the other wheel can get a grip and move the tractor.

( Any explanation of the how the 4wd should work would be helpful. )

Well, I hope that's helpful, but as for a diagnosis I'm afraid I don't really have any ideas.

Good luck and keep us posted!

rbarker · Jun 9, 2006

( I also tried raising the back wheels with the BH and they both turn when I hit the pedal. )

Okay, some confusion here. I thought you were using a 3PH back blade and had taken off the BH to attach it which is why I asked about the hose hook ups. But I see from this that the BH is still attatched and is functioning fine so scratch that theory.

Reading the WSM reveals that if resistance to both wheels is equal they will both spin at the same speed. If you put a load on one you could expect the other to turn faster, this is how it compensates for going around corners. When one tire encounters slippery conditions it spins and robs power from the other. This is where the dif lock comes in. It locks both wheels together so (hopefully) the other wheel can get a grip and move the tractor.

( Any explanation of the how the 4wd should work would be helpful. )

Well, I hope that's helpful, but as for a diagnosis I'm afraid I don't really have any ideas.

Good luck and keep us posted!

rdsaustintx · Jun 9, 2006

Fuel delivery problem? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Changed your fuel filters yet?

RDnT

rdsaustintx · Jun 9, 2006

Fuel delivery problem? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Changed your fuel filters yet?

RDnT

granite · Jun 13, 2006

I believe I found the problem. It finally stopped raining and I was able to take the tractor outside and take a look at it. The rear left rim is spinning inside the tire. The rear tires are filled, so I don't understand why I don't have fluid all over the place, but the seal around the rim must be gone in order for it to spin like that. I'll take the wheel off the tractor and bring it over to the dealer.

Thanks for the suggestions.

_RaT_ · Jun 13, 2006

So in 2WD, the tractors not even moving much? I think you need a little more air pressure in that tire. Make sure that with the valve stem at the 12:00 position you are not blowing out pure water when you depress the tire valve. If so, you have to much water. Check the manual for the correct tire pressure.

rbarker · Jun 13, 2006

( The rear left rim is spinning inside the tire. )

Well I would never have guessed that! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Maybe it was only supposed to be filled. I, for one, am looking forward to what they have to say about it. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Berniep · Jun 13, 2006

The fluid has gotten between the rim and the bead causing the tire to lose its grip on the rim. The air pressure is keeping it seated.
I have heard of this happening on larger equipment. They may have to empty the tire wash it off dry it out and refill it.

rbarker · Jun 15, 2006

( The fluid has gotten between the rim and the bead causing the tire to lose its grip on the rim. The air pressure is keeping it seated.
I have heard of this happening on larger equipment. They may have to empty the tire wash it off dry it out and refill it. )

Ahhh! This makes sense now, thanks for the explanation!

_RaT_ · Jun 15, 2006

I have a hard time believing that some water or a bunch of water for that matter would allow it to slip. When we mount tires we use soap and water to mount the tires, inflate them and drive off. Granted the air pressure is higher. I would double check the pressure with a low pressure gauge.