A couple of new owner questions

rockyridgefarm · Apr 28, 2003

OK gere are a few questions on the 4310:

When mowing we have noticed a "squeak" from the left front wheel. It sounds like rubber, like a flat tire would make (its air pressure is fine). It happens frequently, but isn't regular. I have been torqueing the weel lug bolts, only the front have been loose, is this what it would sound like?

Is there any stop on the Boom on the backhoe? It'll sure bang hard coming up...

Is it normal to often be difficult to shift the range selector? It seems that tapping an HST pedal will free it up...

JATO_RaT · Apr 28, 2003

Mike, the issue with the range selector on your tractor seems pretty typical of most tractors. On my L48, I would give the hydro pedal a very small amount of pressure, just enough to slightly rotate the gears while maintaining a slight pressure on the range selector. It always did the trick. The manual mentions depressing the clutch but I found it rarely allowed the gears to realign to allow the gear change. The method I use never grinds the gears and I find the range selector will almost fall into place.

My experience on the hoe is that it is indeed normal and that practice will have you easing up on the stick as it retracts.

Heath · Apr 28, 2003

Ditto on what Rat said regarding the range selector issue. My dealer told me that tapping one of the hydro pedals is the best way to get the selector to go into "gear".
I don't really have any input into the other two issues you asked about. I don't have a backhoe, and I haven't noticed a squeak on my 4110. I have retorqued the lugs a few times however.
Good luck!

JDGREEN4ME · Apr 28, 2003

I haven't heard any "sounds" from my wheels. I have a 4110 so the BH isn't an option for me. In regards to the difficult range selector I have had that same problem and have used the same solution stated...

prosperity · Apr 28, 2003

( When mowing we have noticed a "squeak" from the left front wheel. )

You say when mowing - are you sure the sound isn't coming from one of the gage wheels on the mower? Not sure about yours, but they are usually plastic with no bearing. Try squirting a little oil on the gage wheel shafts and see if that stops it.

cowboydoc · Apr 28, 2003

Another reason to buy a geared tractor, not hard to shift the selector at all. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif On the backhoe you just have to become a little more proficient with it. You'll develop a little more "touch" as you use it more and that won't be an issue.

rockyridgefarm · Apr 28, 2003

( You'll develop a little more "touch" as you use it more and that won't be an issue. )

Thanks! I am already getting the hang of it - just wanted to sure I wasn''t missing something.

No guage wheels prosperity , it is almost certainly the front wheel, or maybe, the left side of the engine (likke a noisy belt)

A mechanic friend suggested the lug bolts, without prior knowledge of the machines ever loosening lug nuts. That would make sense, since it seems to develope after some use, and I frequently torque them...

prosperity · Apr 28, 2003

One more thing comes to mind ---
Check the fluid in the front axle - you never know!

JATO_RaT · Apr 28, 2003

The range selector is not so much of a problem Richard as it is a method to slightly rotate the gears to allow it to drop in easily and its not needed everytime, only on occasion. Its quick and very easy. I find most manual transmissions (especially non synchromesh) on occasion also require this method although its the clutch that gets depressed and released while the engine is running. The other thing to bear in mind is that there are many times you use a HST tractor that you never need to change the range selector since medium range covers every speed from about 0 to 7.5 mph, easily the range a manual takes about 4, 5 or 6 gears to cover. Low is one of those ranges that sees infrequent use (0 mph to about 4 MPH) and high, well, thats a tall gear that like manuals is needed only to get from point A to point B quickly having a ballpark range of 0 to 17 mph. I think Rockyridge is going to really like having HST. Rat...