Clutch Question....

WEJ · Dec 22, 2007

I now have 100 hrs. on my 4340cab. My question is about the clutch. Ever since day one it has not been smooth. I must pull the throtle all the way down to go forward and even then I encounter the 'Jumps" some times. The tractor just shakes and jumps like it would like to explode, instead of going forward!! I have learned to start in a lower gear and use the foot thortle to get going, but I think the clutch should be a lot smoother.... I can not "feather" the clutch to get a smooth start. Going in reverse I do not have this problem. Any suggestions ... Has anyone else had this experience?

ToadHill · Dec 22, 2007

It sounds like you have a clutch from a dragster, no play, I'd suspect a problem with the clutch lining.

montanaman · Dec 22, 2007

WEJ said:
I now have 100 hrs. on my 4340cab. My question is about the clutch. Ever since day one it has not been smooth. I must pull the throtle all the way down to go forward and even then I encounter the 'Jumps" some times. The tractor just shakes and jumps like it would like to explode, instead of going forward!! I have learned to start in a lower gear and use the foot thortle to get going, but I think the clutch should be a lot smoother.... I can not "feather" the clutch to get a smooth start. Going in reverse I do not have this problem. Any suggestions ... Has anyone else had this experience?

Call your dealer. The fact that you say it doesn't do it when backing up, but going forward leads me to think it is the cab mounts. There were some that had cab shudder issues and there is a harder rubber mount available that will solve the problem.

Ken

WEJ · Dec 22, 2007

Hey Montanaman,

Tell me more about this "Cab Stutter" thing. When I first got my tractor the rear cab mount bolt had some up and down play in it. It would bang like metal on metal.... I took it back to the dealer and they just put a thicker bolt in and it solved the up and down movement problem... but Stutter is a good way to describe what I am experiencing. When I contact my deal is there any recalls or bulletins from Montana I should have him research?

Thanks,
Bill

Maka · Dec 23, 2007

Ken is right. It is most likely the rear cab mounts. Some were a bit soft but they have a much harder neoprene one that you switch out and all is good. Seen this a couple of time. No big deal, your dealer should be able to replace them fairly quickly and easily.

Maka

WEJ · Dec 23, 2007

Thanks Ken & Maka,

I sure did not think I was having a Cab issue!!!

I was sure I was in for a LARGE tear-down. Like I said before I did have a problem with the rear cab mounts not being tight when I first got the tractor and I was having issues getting it to start to move forward from a stop smoothly. Never working with a cab or desiel tractor before, I thought it was just me and I was not used to the clutch. I did wonder though, way it was not a problem when going in reverse. Anyway, after the holidays I am going to contact my dealer and tell him what both of you have said and let him try to get me going smoothly!!

Just for my own information though.... What is going on here that the cab mounts can effect my clutch engagement so much???

Bill

montanaman · Dec 29, 2007

WEJ said:
Just for my own information though.... What is going on here that the cab mounts can effect my clutch engagement so much???

Bill

It really isn't an issue with the clutch at all but when you let the clutch out, the cab rocks back and then rebounds giving the shudder.

Years back when working on cars, I almost wrecked a car because the customer failed to inform me his seat mount was broken. He kept the car as clean as a bird cage and I didn't even want to touch the steering wheel. When I let the clutch out, the seat flipped back and took my foot off of the gas, this caused the car to stop and the seat fell back down and I smashed the gas again. This cycle happened a half a dozen times in about two seconds until I grabbed the wheel hard enough to hold the seat still. I think that's what the cab is doing in a much less violent way! The clutch starts the tractor moving and the cab will shudder for a short bit till it settles on the mounts.

New mounts should fix it 100%.

Ken

WEJ · May 16, 2008

Update on my 'Cab Stutter' situation.... I just got my tractor back today from the dealer. He only had it for a day and switched out the rear cab mounts.... The problem is, I still have the cab stutter.... I can see no difference.... I have called Montana and they are looking into it. I will keep everyone posted.... but for now I am still looking for help here..... Is anyone else having this problem? When I try to engage the clutch and go forward the cab jumps and shakes like it want to fly off the tractor!!! HELP!!!

rcowan · Aug 5, 2008

Hey TEJ did they fix it?

WEJ · Aug 6, 2008

Did they fix my clutch problem..... I have been working with Montana and my dealer for several months now on the stutter problem.... First they put in new rear cab mounts..... Did not help..... Next they put in a new clutch..... A NEW CLUTCH!! Did not help.... Today then put in new front cab mounts..... PROBLEM SOLVED!!!! SOLVED!!! It worked. Apparently the front mounts were too soft.... As of today the stutter is GONE!!! I am one happy Montana owner.... Yes I did have to keep after them, but it has payed off for me. I have looked at a lot of other tractors, here in the last few months, but I still don't see any that are built as heavy as my Montana or has as many options. Like I said, at this time with 200 hours on the tractor, I am very happy... and during those 200 hours I have not babied it all... 8 foot brush hog.... Lots of road grading.... Many trees pulled.... With the stutter problem gone I am now looking forward to years of happy tractoring...