hey here,i'm new here and in need of good advice.my jd 4400 has a backhoe that has been mounted for 13 years.when removed recently pto lever was froozen and rear arms are in operable.freed up pto lever but after tearing into the rockshaft it appears new.a new rockshaft control valve cost $500.not sure wether to replace.any help would be appreciated. dave
jd 4400 rockshaft
- Thread starter lemondl
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RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
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- Nov 17, 2001
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- 24,646
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- Bethel, Vermont
- Tractor
- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
I wouldn't tear into it except as a last resort. Start using PB Blaster or Fluid Film and try to work it. Might take a couple days (cheaper then replacing the valve though). Even have someone workt the lower (draft) links and get them freed up (while you're moving the rockshaft lever).
Can't promise this will work...might be rust on the rockshaft's and 3PH pivot points, or there may be an internal problem wth the control valve. If rust, you might work it loose. Worth the try, IMHO...
Can't promise this will work...might be rust on the rockshaft's and 3PH pivot points, or there may be an internal problem wth the control valve. If rust, you might work it loose. Worth the try, IMHO...
DennisFolsom
Gold Member
lemondl -
I assume you know about the valve below the front of the seat that is supposed to control the 3PT system's rate of drop. If that valve is closed all the way, it will not drop.
My JD 4600 tractor had always had the backhoe on before I got it. The rate of drop valve was lightly stuck at first. I just sprayed some WD-40 around the stem and it loosened up. Mine works OK now. You have to open that valve quite a bit for the rockshaft arms to drop under their own weight.
Good luck!
I assume you know about the valve below the front of the seat that is supposed to control the 3PT system's rate of drop. If that valve is closed all the way, it will not drop.
My JD 4600 tractor had always had the backhoe on before I got it. The rate of drop valve was lightly stuck at first. I just sprayed some WD-40 around the stem and it loosened up. Mine works OK now. You have to open that valve quite a bit for the rockshaft arms to drop under their own weight.
Good luck!
pat32rf
Veteran Member
I assume that when you removed the hoe, you got the hydraulic lines back in the right spots? When the hoe is connected, the rockshaft is out of the hydraulic circuit and doesn't move...
DennisFolsom
Gold Member
That is not the case on my JD 4600. You use the rockshaft arms to lift the hoe into place when mounting it, and to lower the hoe when unmounting it, all the while with the hoe hydraulics connected. This is per the manual, and it works well for me,
It might be that the rockshaft would not work if you didn't close the loop again by connecting the Power Beyond output and the Power Beyond return lines together, forming a bypass. I am under the impression that you should not run the tractor with out either the hoe (or other attachment) connected or the bypass connected.
Brimstone10x
Silver Member
A few more details would be helpfull here. So does the rockshaft lever move back and forth as it should? What were you saying about the pto lever ? Tearing into the rockshaft? Are the arms all the way up or down ? Is the rate of drop valve open at least three or four turns? Is the power beyond hose plugged in all the way? Did you use the rockshaft to remove the hoe or the hoe it self?
