4x10 controls and ice/snow

blurrybill · Mar 9, 2002

Stopped at a local dealer late this afternoon and sat on a 4710 that had been outside during our recent freezing rain/light snow storm (wind was still blowing 25-40 mph). I was excited to see my first 4x10 series tractor and thought I'd punch the buttons. Was disappointed when they had to be "broken loose" due to moisture/snow that had apparently gathered around the buttons. They did free themselves, but I got thinking about what possible problems that situation might suggest. Anyone else noticed similar? Wonder if JD has considered the moisture problem with that type of control. I plan on keeping mine garaged if/when I get it. But it can't be protected all the time - I don't plan on running for the barn at the first sign of rain/snow. Ideas?

Bill

Hillbilly · Mar 9, 2002

God point/observation.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 9, 2002

<font color=blue>...But it can't be protected all the time ...</font color=blue>

That's why God help invent tarps... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Thomas · Mar 10, 2002

Just like John wrote..tarp.
Your heavy equipment operator's also can give good ideas on how to protect equipment in which they leave on sites.
Cover the contols and seat also open can on the exhaust stack.

Egon · Mar 10, 2002

Bill:

I've got that problem with the ignition switch on my B7100. It can be a real pain. I use a little propane torch or pour alcohol on it.
From the pictures posted of the controls the propane torch would be a no no.
I have the same type of problem with some of the locks on my camper geting road spray and then freezing.
Poignant point you made!
Attached a picture of a winter hospice but taken in summer.

Egon

Hillbilly · Mar 10, 2002

A good solution would have been a little cover for the switches,that could be raised while the tractor is being used and closed when access to the switches was not needed./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

markcg2000 · Mar 10, 2002

Wouldn't a better solution been to have placed the switches on the dash, under the steering wheel, with a slight over hang? I think those controls look pretty, but if there's no cab, I wouldn't want them so totally exposed to rain and sun.

Hillbilly · Mar 10, 2002

Yes it would have.Thats the best idea yet./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Thomas · Mar 10, 2002

The best way I found out is to remove the key and keep it warm.or use a lighter and pre heat the key.

blurrybill · Mar 10, 2002

Egon,

Great picture -- I know you're hundreds of miles away, but it reminds me of backpacking above timberline in the West; boy, I miss the steel-bluegrey mountain lakes fly fishing for Native trout. Oh, well....

For all concerned: I have a '92 Isuzu Trooper with 157K that is built like a tank. No major mechanical problems whatsoever and no reason to get rid of it. It even still looks really good BUT - the rocker arm switches for the electric windows, as well as the cruise control master switch had to be replaced. They look very much like what JD is putting on the 4x10 series tractors. What concerns me is that they will be continually exposed to the elements. BTW those switches were VERY expensive to replace. Wonder how long JD will stand behind them. I really WANT my 4310, but also feel I should consider all the angles.

Bill