Got my L3940. Question on steering

[CAgnoli]

My new L3940 was delivered today, really like it. I'll post pictures when I get a chance, but one thing is really bugging me. Is the steering supposed to feel "notchy"? I'm used to very fluid steering, and regardless of where the RPMs are, with the loader on or off, and at varying speeds, it feels notchy. I can actually see the front tires stuttering when I steer at a stop or very slow speed. If this is normal, that's fine, but I'd like to know for sure.

Thanks!

 

[PHILIP8N]

It should not feel 'notchy', or see the front tires move in steps. It should be fluid like. How many hours and 'miles' do you have on it now? Does it do it on concrete and in grass? I would put a few more hours and 'miles' on it and see if it improves, stays the same, or gets worse. Could be air in system? Make sure your trans/rear axle/hydaulic fluid level is at correct level. Also, check your front axle fluid level, this is notorious for being low. Philip.

 

[dstig1]

That's not normal...

 

[beppington]

My L3940 does that, too. At 400 hrs right now. Seems to usually happen when I try to steer "too fast". Almost like the steering bangs up against a temporary wall, then continues on, but rapidly & several times in a row. I posted about it quite a while ago, but don't recall learning what's causing it or if it's a problem. Doesn't really bother me. I guess it's a combination of "I'm used to it" & I sorta know when to expect it so maybe now I steer just slow enough as to keep it from happening very often. I would like to learn if it's a problem that could be corrected, but it's also fine with me if this is just the way it is. Maybe the hydro oil is too hot, but if that's it, in 400 hours I haven't seen any other effects of that being the case.

 

[CAgnoli]

It should not feel 'notchy', or see the front tires move in steps. It should be fluid like. How many hours and 'miles' do you have on it now? Does it do it on concrete and in grass? I would put a few more hours and 'miles' on it and see if it improves, stays the same, or gets worse. Could be air in system? Make sure your trans/rear axle/hydaulic fluid level is at correct level. Also, check your front axle fluid level, this is notorious for being low. Philip.

It has less than four hours on it. It does it on any surface, and even when I lift the tires off the ground with the loader. I'll check the fluid in the front axle, although, the tractor behaves the same if in 2wd or 4wd. As for air in the system, the dealer did install me new grapple and third function, I know they had to add fluid for that. I guess I'll see how it acts this week, and if it doesnt improve, I'll ask the dealer to swing by and take a look. My B2620 didn't do it, that's for sure, and my JD 3320 was just like driving a car, very fluid and smooth to steer.

 

[kuboman]

Sounds like it could have air in the system. Lift the fronts off the ground and turn it stop to stop a dozen or more times and see if it improves.

 

[4shorts]

Sounds to me there's a problem with the steering pump. Possible valving issue. Should have it checked.

 

[bilrus61]

My new L3940 was delivered today, really like it. I'll post pictures when I get a chance, but one thing is really bugging me. Is the steering supposed to feel "notchy"? I'm used to very fluid steering, and regardless of where the RPMs are, with the loader on or off, and at varying speeds, it feels notchy. I can actually see the front tires stuttering when I steer at a stop or very slow speed. If this is normal, that's fine, but I'd like to know for sure.

Thanks!

You say at slow speed........slow engine speed? The hydrolic pump that powers the steering works off the engine and if you run it at idle there isn't much flowing and it will not turn the wheels as fast as you can turn the steering wheel. Just not enough pump flow at low idle. Solution is to either turn the steering wheel slower or run the engine up around 1500 RPM. Anything under 1500 and you'll have to steer what the pump will let you. Both my Kubotas are like this and its not a defect to be fixed. If your steering works fine at 1600 RPM your good to go and enjoy your new tractor.

 

[koisw]

Mine doesn't do that unless I'm in 3ft of mud. 50 ish hours and never done that no matter the rpm. Under full bucket load and low rpm I could see that.

 

[JOHNINMA]

I would have the dealer check it out for sure especially if it does that with the tires not even touching the ground. I had a similar problem with my L3540 when I first got it and the dealer had to replace some bad components in the steering cylinder.

 

[RTII]

Doesn't sound normal to me. My 3940 steers smoothly at all engine speeds.

 

[mmorisoli]

My L3940 is smooth as can be with 250hrs on it. Low or high engine rpm