JD X475 hydraulic issues and sometimes has a miss

[RG1]

Glad you got it sorted. I wouldn't worry too much just yet, but I would definitely keep an eye on things, and maybe change out the fluid one more time soon. It is a lot cheaper than repair bills. Using the diff lock a lot definitely accelerates wear, and that could be the shiny particulates you see in the fluid. How much you use the actual brakes matters too, since they run in the same fluid as everything else. Try to lay off using the diff lock whenever possible unless you really need it. Maybe add weight to the rear wheels and tires instead. I rarely ever needed my diff lock on either of the two 445's I've owned.

 

[travisH3]

Glad you got it sorted. I wouldn't worry too much just yet, but I would definitely keep an eye on things, and maybe change out the fluid one more time soon. It is a lot cheaper than repair bills. Using the diff lock a lot definitely accelerates wear, and that could be the shiny particulates you see in the fluid. How much you use the actual brakes matters too, since they run in the same fluid as everything else. Try to lay off using the diff lock whenever possible unless you really need it. Maybe add weight to the rear wheels and tires instead. I rarely ever needed my diff lock on either of the two 445's I've owned.

With this thing being 2wd and plowing the diff lock is engaged a lot of the time. A lot of the driveways around here are steep. I use the parking brake every time I turn it off. I will definitely keep an eye on it. Should I change fluid again in like 10 hours? How many hours should I be going between hydro changes? Am I doing it enough? I thought I was doing it more than manual suggested.

 

[RG1]

Well, since you have been having trouble, and have now changed the oil again only to find particulates in it, I would want to do it again. No more than 10 hours. You want to flush as much of the stuff in the oil/trans out as you can. Also, it gives you the opportunity to check to see if it looks like it is still clean or gathering matter again. Otherwise, I'd go by the manual for fluid change intervals.

I plowed lots of snow with my 445's, and I never needed my diff lock more than a handful of times on both machines combines. I built my own weight bracket for the rear and kept 6 of the 42 lb suitcase weights on it. No wheel weights either, but I did use chains.

Keep us posted on what you find when you do change the oil.

 

[travisH3]

ok. I will change when I get 5-10 more hours and report back. My x475 i just have my own weight of 195lbs and using diff lock ive never gotten stuck. I run my AG tires aired down in the rear although they prolly need replacing here soon. not much tread left so they havent been doing as good in the mud. here is a picture for you all to see what you've been helping me with!

 

[RG1]

I can't tell, but it doesn't look like you have chains on the rear. If not, get some. Huge difference in traction. You won't need the diff lock much at all. Are those rears actually ag/R1's? Looking at the tracks in the snow on the side of the drive it appears that you have R1's. They will do a lot better with chains on pavement. I've used all three types of tire combos- R1, turf, and R4. They all do better with chains on pavement, especially with smaller machines.

 

[sunnyside360]

Chains and rear weights do make a huge difference in traction as mentioned above. I had an X485 with front snow blower a few years ago which I used on steep hills. I went with the thick rubber type cross chains to prevent damage to over 1/4 mile new asphalt driveway -- worked great. The X485 was a fantastic machine to move snow and mow over 6 acres of lawn but I did have to add weights and chains. Never had an issue with it and had around 500 hrs on it when traded for 3720.

 

[travisH3]

No chains. tires are carlisle tru power AT 26x12x12. I never ran chains because with the diff lock I never had an issue but i didnt know it would be harmful if used alot. im not using it on dry concrete, just on the slick ice and hills. may have to go see what kind of deal they will make me on a 4wd x748 or x758 ultimate since this ol girl is 10 years old already(time flies!!). I will definitely look into weight for the rear now. Its gonna be hitting the 50's this week so snow may be done for this year. also are JD batteries that good? I have the original battery in this thing from 2004 and its still starts fine. multi-meter is showing over 13 volts??? I just thought that was weird because it isnt kept on a trickle charger or anything. im lucky to get 3-4 years out of all the batteries in our diesels.

 

[RG1]

All my JD Strong Box batteries have been outstanding and worth the money they get for them.

Just because you get a 4wd won't mean that you shouldn't still use chains. I have a JD 4115 CUT, with loaded rear tires (165 lbs per tire 75% loaded with Rim Gard), and I still need 4wd most of the time. I will be getting chains for next winter for sure. Ice under snow or packed snow will make any tire slip.