JD 5045d Problem

[Slide rule]

My first post here or anywhere.
I needed to replace my old JD 1070 but didn't want the new JD tractors with all the EPA baggage.
Found a low hour 2013 5045D in Tennessee at a good price.
Everything the seller said was accurate but what he didn't mention was the feature that requires the tractor to come to a complete stop before shifting gears.
It has been quite a headache.
The local dealer says the feature can't be disabled to allow shifting on-the-go like I had with my older tractor.
Can someone enlighten me on why JD thought this was a useful idea?
I've never had to use the brake because as soon as the clutch is depressed, the tractor stops dead in it's tracks.
There are times I need to creep into position, like for attaching implements, but this "sudden stop" mechanism prevents that.
The lock also affects the PTO drive spline which remains in locked position when trying to engage a PTO shaft and requires rotating the drive shaft instead of the stubby output shaft.
The seller, 700 miles away, says I should have asked the question, but how am I supposed to ask about something I've never heard of.
Even in the operating manual, the stop to shift feature merits only a single line in 180 pages.
Can someone explain the reason for it or even better, a way to disable it?

 

[CobyRupert]

What transmission do you have? If 9 speed (3x3) you should only have to stop when shifting range (A,B,C) (Unless you've mastered driving an unsynchronized transmission); not gears 1,2 or 3.

Or are you saying the problem is the tractor comes to a stop whenever the clutch is pushed in? Sounds like your brakes are rubbing and stopping you.

What year is your tractor? Does the axle where it meets differential (where the brakes are) feel hot after driving? There's a lot of threads here about 50 series brakes (too little/too much).

 

[Tx Jim]

I wonder if your 5045D has dragging brake linings caused by weak brake disc return springs???

 

[Slide rule]

My comprehensive reply was eaten by a gremlin, so I'll try again.
The left lever is the range lever which choses A, B or R. The right lever is the gear lever which selects 1,2,3 and R.
I have tried every gear in every range and the tractor comes to an abrupt stop as if I slammed on the brakes.
I would think if the brakes were still engaging (dragging) I would sense it or at least pick up a burning odor.
The John Deere rep was sure that this model was operating exactly as intended.
I'm attaching a copy of relevant page from the ops manual so you can read it directly.
No matter, I'll try again with the Local JD Dealer to make absolutely sure that nothing can be done.
.

 

[Tx Jim]

Dragging brake linings bathed in oil such as a JD don't have an odor. It's not Rocket scientist level diagnostics. With engine not running jack up a rear axle to determine how difficult tire is to rotate by hand.

 

[Slide rule]

OK, Jim,
I'll try your recommendation.
While it is a simple method to check as you suggest, it was not apparent to me because I don't know what I don't know.
What may be obvious to you as an experienced JD operator and mechanic, was not obvious to me because my knowledge level is first layer maintenance like changing oil and filters.
But I'm trying my best to know more and with constructive suggestions will try to catch up with talented guys like yourself.

 

[JD5210]

I have a 5210 close in size to your tractor, similar design and it has loaded rear tires. With the loader up, no attachment, gear and range in neutral, engine off and on level ground, I have no problem pushing it a few feet and I am not a big person. If you can not push, then what TX Jim suggests is what I would try.

In looking at JD parts catalog for the 5045d Brake Disk (5045D, 5055d) the brakes are different than in my tractor, but (always one of those) Brake Disk (5045e, 5055e, 5065e) it does looking like mine, in the illustration (see attachment) it says 5045d. Part number AL181919 is known to hang up and cause what you are experiencing. Maybe if you give the dealer your serial number he can answer which applies to your tractor.

John Deere - Parts Catalog

Hope this helps!

 

[fieldman12]

Like Texas Jim said sounds like the brakes are sticking. I will also ad I know that tractor is not Synchronized between gear ranges. I want to say there is maybe forward and reverse only synchronized on the gear selector also. Been a while since I looked at one. This tractor is a good machine but it is a bare bones machine.

 

[RAM2940]

Sounds like you have the 2 range 4 speed collar shift transmission, This trans is and unsychronised trans. You have to stop to shift between gears.

 

[CobyRupert]

Couple of issues getting combined and confused here.
Yes you do have to stop to shift ranges.
No, the tractor shouldn't stop just because you pushed clutch in. This is symptomatic of sticking brakes.

 

[Slide rule]

I can live with topping to shift between ranges but will be sorely disappointed if stopping is required between the three speeds and reverse.

My Monday morning meeting with the JD shop foreman should clear it up.
To Ram, why would JD design such a transmission that is such a headache to use?
The other problem is the locked PTO shaft, even when all levers are in neutral.
I am dreading the hot summer days when trying to match up the PTO drive of my shredder to the PTO shaft of my mower.
Why would any machinery designer think it is a good idea to make that awkward task even harder?
If RAM is correct, then I've bought a turkey.

 

[Slide rule]

I hope you are correct.
I can live with stopping to shift between ranges.
I did that anyway even with my old JD1070.
But stopping between speed shifts is puzzling as to why JD would even produce such a device.

 

[Slide rule]

To JD5210. Very grateful for the diagram and link to the parts manual

 

[Thall303]

My 2013 5045D does not stop abruptly when you depress the clutch to shift gears.
No problem slowly creeping up to an implement.
I do need to stop to shift range and/or gears.

Brakes work perfectly.

I am very happy with this, my first tractor, and it does all I need at present.

If I ever replace, I will buy a synchronized transmission and 4 wheel drive.

Cab and AC would be nice.

 

[Slide rule]

Its finally coming together.
I purchased a tractor with non unsynchronized gears and the brakes are stuck.
I can fix one problem but not the other.
This message board experience was outstanding.

 

[Zebrafive]

I hope you are correct.
I can live with stopping to shift between ranges.
I did that anyway even with my old JD1070.
But stopping between speed shifts is puzzling as to why JD would even produce such a device.

I think once you get the brakes repaired you will find you can shift gears without stopping. The abrupt stops are due to the brakes as other posters have said.

My 41 year old 2030 requires complete stop to shift gears and ranges. Why would JD produce? Lower cost and pretty bullet proof design.

As for your PTO I assume there is a PTO brake that prevents turning it to line up for attachment hookup. My old 2030 has a separate lever to mechanically engage the PTO shaft ( a sliding collar) AND another lever to engage the PTO clutch. Sometimes older is better.

The D is the economy level tractor, so it has less costly features. Do not blame the seller for not telling about standard features of the tractor.

At some point you may want to upgrade. My other tractor has power quad and power reverser. No need to clutch to change gears or direction. I do have to clutch (but not stop) to change ranges.

 

[Slide rule]

You are correct. The due diligence is my responsibility.
On the other hand I did hire a tractor mechanic to check it out since the 3 state distance prevented my own inspection.
This is where I learned that everyone sees things through their own set of visual filters.
The mechanic focused on the pure mechanics of the engine and gave little thought to the operation.
The sales specs contained the word Synchro Transmission, so no warning bells went off to make me question that it meant something else plus I just could not imagine that a tractor could be built today w/o synchronized gears.
I'll keep it and live with the agro because it otherwise seems like a good machine, just not what I had hoped

I just didn't know what I didn't know.
But perhaps some buyer will read all this and avoid the same error.
Thanks to all for the valued input.

 

[JD5210]

The following may or may not be helpful.

I must admit I do very little shifting with my tractor, but my use maybe different than yours. When I have an attachment on, often I just go around in a circle instead of stopping, backing up and going forward again.

On connecting attachments, were the top link attaches on the attachment, I attached a rope on the pin that goes down around the PTO shaft and back up, so that the PTO shaft will be level with the PTO on the tractor after I connect the draft links. This way the rope is holding up the PTO shaft instead of me. On PTO shaft end that connects to the tractor I painted whites lines (front to back) on the outside were the groves are, so I could line up the white line with the notches on the tractors PTO. Hope that made sense. The PTO on my tractor with the tractor off will turn by hand.

If you did not get a manual try this link to find an online copy to view.

John Deere Ag - New Equipment: Technical Publications - Equipment Search

Here is a thread to keep in the back of your mind in case you ever need it.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/329734-5045-will-not-start.html?highlight=5045

 

[Slide rule]

I considered that single speed use as well since I rarely change gears when shredding.
But you know how it is, you want what you don't have.
I bought this tractor to have the power to move a lot of dirt coming out of the pond I'm digging so a quick forward/reverse would have been nice.
Good idea on the rope support of the PTO.
I may use the folded down part of the ROP for that purpose as well as use it for hanging chains for moving logs that float in after a flood.
At first, the folded down ROP bar was a nuisance but ideas like this are turning it into an asset.
Instead of welding to the bar, I had a local spring company cold form some "square U Bolts that fit it to secure 1/2" plates that will be the anchor point for whatever I use as a chain hanger.
Also had some larger U bolts made to fit around the front axle.
They will similarly hold a 3/4" plate from which I will extend a frame for a hitch and drag hook.

The manual that came with the tractor was poorly printed (especially the illustrations) so your link is especially helpful.
I almost didn't take the gamble to jump into a forum because some seeking help become a punching bag for those who see an easy target, but this experience has been rewarding.

 

[RAM2940]

Curious, did you find out from your dealer if you have the 8 speed or 9 speed transmission.