It is time for us ALL to write NH re: sticky hydro

farmacist · Feb 17, 2004

We are all bothered by our "sticky hydro pedal" THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. It is time that WE ALL write NH with our safety concerns. I just wrote giving them my serial #, stateing the problem, and informing them that it is dangerous and I am afraid that it will cause me to get hurt. I stressed that I feel this is a SAFETY defect and they should recall all affected units even if my warranty has expired. I wrote to Service Dept.,New Holland North America Inc., 500 Diller Avenue, New Holland, Pa 17557

beenthere · Feb 17, 2004

Deere had a problem (I doubt it is related) when I bought my Deere 4300, that involved a pad on the cruise control binding with the forward Hydro pedal, thus delaying the forward pedal returning to "stop". This was replaced with a Deere recall (letter in the mail) immediately, as it indeed was a safety issue.

Think of a child suddenly in your path, and unable to stop the normal way (remove foot from forward pedal) and not have the time to apply the brakes. Not pretty. There are hundreds of other circumstances where it is a safety issue as well.

Hope you are able to create some responsibility with your campaign.

jinman · Feb 17, 2004

That's not a bad idea to start a writing campaign. It won't guarantee results, but it sure can't hurt. I'll get a letter off to them too. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

KrisHansen · Feb 18, 2004

I would CC your dealer as well. Actually, I would contact them first if you have not already. going over their head directly to NH might ruffle feathers, and harm your ongoing relationship with them..

BillyP · Feb 18, 2004

A very wise decision indeed.

If most (with this problem) took it on their own to fix/try to fix the problem, why would a company bother with it. The best thing, as consumers, is to let the facts be known. If they get enough complaints, someone, up there, will see the light. Even if it doesn't help you, it will help the next guy.

OverlyRun · Feb 18, 2004

( We are all bothered by our "sticky hydro pedal" )

Except those of us who are geared! (See age-old debate in Owning Operating Forum).

Campaign sounds good. I have often wondered if manufacturers monitor these forums....lots of free product testing it seems to me....and not just on trivial issues.

Chas

TCowner · Feb 19, 2004

I agree. My TC40D is starting to act up again. It is a safety issue that should addressed. We can minimize the problem by trying to keep the linkage lubricated but I doubt this will take care of all of the problem.

In the new issue of Compact Equipment Magazine the famous recall of the 4000 Ten Series Compact Utility Tractors (as well as the 110) with the hydro is mentioned. The article states: "The failure prevents the transmission from returning to neutral after the pedals are released. This can allow unexpected motion or cause the tractor to continue moving."
(This sound like the identical problem we are experiencing).

The article goes on to describe the recall: "Do not drive the tractor until your John Deere dealer has repaired it. Inform everyone who operates the tractor of the potential danger." It goes on: "Do not drive the tractor until it has been repaired."

I know there has been a bit of controversy because John Deere is supplying a rebuilt transmission but at least John Deere stepped up to the plate and accepted responsibility. Now it may be more of a case of their lawyers pushing the recall more than John Deere's love for customers. Frankly, I don't care. John Deere owners don't have to worry about the next time the tractor will continue moving.

I'm not sure if compact utility tractors are covered by the same goverment agency that deals with safety defects in cars/trucks but it might be worth it to advise them of the problem. I'm not a big fan of big government policing every aspect of our life but this might be a case for some help.

New Holland should immediately develop a permanent "fix" for the problem and recall every class III tractor for a repair. I would guess that NewHolland's product liability insurance (they are probably self insured) is quite expensive. An injury or death related to this safety problem would probably cost more than a permanent fix and a recall.