Hydro sticks under load; finally did some damage

David2 · Feb 13, 2004

TC40D hydro pedals still stick down when under heavy load, even after adjusting linkage, lube, etc. Resigned to the fact that I may as well get used to it. While pushing up saplings the other day, I was using a rear blade for a small dozer by backing into saplings. Once, had wheels turned all the way to the left while shoving a pile of brush farther into the woods when left corner of blade snagged a hidden stump. Of course, wheels kept turning after I released rear pedal. By the time I got my foot on foward pedal, engine shut off. After cranking and pulling forward I noticed left side of blade dragging ground. Then I saw why; the lower left lift arm on 3ph was well on the way to becoming a perfect U shape. Now I get to pay NH $175.00 for a new one. Don't know if that includes sliding hitch on end or not [probably not, that would cost another $100.00 ]. Too bad NH won't address a common problem on an otherwise fine tractor. Just wanted to pass on for free experience [ I define experience as no more than a series of mistakes].

tawilson · Feb 14, 2004

I bent the lift arm on my 2120 a few weeks ago. I straightened it with a piece of angle iron and a torch. When I mentioned it to my dealer he said next time bring it in and he has a press and he'll straighten it for me. Heating it takes the temper out. It's been under load since then and held up. I bent mine on a stump also. I was using a winch and didn't see the stump in the snow on the right side of the blade. The logs hung up and I gave the winch a yank and bang. I told my dealer I was thinking of beefing the lift arms up, and he said bad idea. Better to fix/replace a lift arm than to break something on the tractor. Makes sense to me. I'll leave them alone.

tc35dforme · Feb 14, 2004

David2,
Most of us hydro drivers have noticed that issue with the hydro 'lock-up'. I do think, that you may have been better using the loader to do that kind of work. I'm not lecturing, but the three point is not designed to operate as a heavy pushing assembly ( dozer ). Just search the archieves for boxblade user damage stories !!

Good luck in the future...maybe the financial cost is minor compared to the education gained ??

jinman · Feb 14, 2004

David, I don't know how old your tractor is or if you still have any warranty left, but here is some info that helped me get both of my lift arms replaced for free under warranty. I have the dark grey running gear tractor that was one of the early ones with weak lift arms.

This info from SPENCER200:
( If you are still under warranty New Holland should replace your bent arms. They are aware that the original steel in these was too soft and replaced them. Have your dealer refer to asist bulletin Rq8908 Class 3 boomers Serial number g508677 and up came with the improved arms. If you do have the improved arm New Holland will still replace if under warranty. Standard Warranty applies to this problem
)

I'm attaching a photo of my bent lift arm. My new arms are painted black.

David2 · Feb 14, 2004

Thanks for the feedback. I wish I had a FEL, just can't justify the cost. I use my tractor for 70% mowing; 20% scraping and ditching a long gravel driveway and 5% gardening. The FEL would just be extra weight during most of my use [although it would nice to have the other 5% of the time]. We had a major ice-storm recently and I was cleaning up some of the damage.
I too considered trying to straighten and strengthen mine, but had second thoughts about the possible results.
Mine is serial #506672, purchased in March 01. I will ask about the assist bulletin, but I don't expect much to happen. I asked the service manager about the coolant-bypass problem, and he said I was the only one that he had heard of.
He did contact NH though and I received the new type drain/bypass fitting directly from NH [told him I had already taken care of it from info. from this board].
Does anyone know how to register a comment/complaint directly to NH? I had the dealer order the new lift arm and it will be here next week, so I know I am out $175.00. Just doesen't seem quite right for NH to make profits off of their damaged goods [caused by a flawed hydro system and/or bad steel. $175.00 for a two-foot long steel bar is unreasonable in my opinion.
Thanks to all,
David

PineRidge · Feb 14, 2004

David send your complaint to:
Service Department
New Holland North America, Inc.
500 Diller Avenue
New Holland, PA 17557
(717) 355-1121

Good luck to you.

markie61 · Feb 14, 2004

( Mine is serial #506672, purchased in March 01 )

Bumper-to-bumper warranty is 2 years
Powertrain warranty is 3 years

Which means your HST sticking pedal repair should be covered since is is part of the powertrain. Mine doesn't stick nor do most peoples'. This sounds dangerous and should be addressed by NH. It would also seem that damage caused by the defective NH powertrain should be covered.

Better move, because 3 years is up next month!

Mark

Soundguy · Feb 15, 2004

Thinking back to the great gear vs hydro wars.. the more and more common problem of sticky hydro pedals seems to be eroding the 'ease of use', and 'safety' arguments on the hydro side. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Seriously though. This really needs to be addressed by the dealer / manufacturer from a technical standpoint.

Everyone knows that if a clutch sticks to a flywheel it is from surface rust or oil (from a leaky seal ).. easy to identify.. and more or less easy to fix. With the problem happening on these hydro units.. the dealer / manufacture needs to study the problem.. document the reason why it happens.. then fix it or inform how to fix it..

Soundguy

markie61 · Mar 2, 2004

( I have the dark grey running gear tractor that was one of the early ones with weak lift arms. )

Used my TC40D for SERIOUS 3ph work yesterday - using a 2-bottom plow on my wife's garden. I thought the HST was wonderful for plowing - much easier to use that the old Ford 2000, which always stalled when I hit a root.

Anyway....I was taking off the plow to hook up the disk harrow and I noticed the right lift arm beginning to distort in the manner of your picture. A quick check of the s/n shows my tractor was built before the ones spencer200 listed. My dealer is getting a call this morning since my warranty is up next month. I'm glad you posted this information again, Jim.

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

 I LOVE THIS WEBSITE!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Mark

jinman · Mar 2, 2004

( I'm glad you posted this information again, Jim.
)

Us old guys tend to tell the same stories over and over. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif