3-Point Hitch John Deere 5075M hitch problem

[pclausen]

Dealer told me that he tried putting in an order for the regular hitch arms, and the system told him the part was no longer avaiable and to use the HD hitch part numbers.

Yeah, I'll pull one of the arms apart when I get it home to see what, if anything, has changed with the design.

 

[mbarber84]

Yeah thats strange, everything looks standard to me too, but if the dealer says otherwise, lets see what it looks like when it comes in. Perhaps they did redesign them for more strength and reliability (lets hope so at least)

As far as my problem goes, I havent heard from either the JDCCC or my dealer today. Still waiting to see what the story is.

 

[pclausen]

Well, so here are some shots of my hitch. Sure looks like the same standard duty design you have, or?

 

[Zebrafive]

In picture 2 above I see raised numbers on the inside of the right hand lower 3pt arm (the part the end sides into) pcluasen and mbarber84 should see if they each have the same numbers on their lower 3pt arm.

 

[mbarber84]

Yeah I`d say thats the standard hitch. Same lock-up system as what I have.

I`ll check the numbers on mine.

 

[AKfish]

They look just like mine... I think they're standard duty.

AKfish

 

[mbarber84]

Well...no new updates as of yet guys. I spoke with the JDCCC a few days ago, they couldnt tell me much except that the regional representative was supposed to be on the case. The guy I spoke to at the center pretty much said that, and I quote "If the heavy duty arms arent sold seperately from the upgrade kit, then thats the way it is." Needless to say that is NOT an acceptable answer. My question to him was, if I had spec`d a tractor with the heavy hitch arms, and I accidentally broke one and needed to replace it, I would have to purchase the entire heavy duty upgrade kit just to get the arms?.....didnt get much of an answer. Admittedly, the customer center is somewhat removed from the network and the field, so I`m still working with my dealer as well. He and I have discussed it at length, and both of us are in agreement that this is rediculous. The tractor has now been down for 2 weeks+ ....not what I expected for a $42,000 investment that was paid in full up front.

 

[mbarber84]

I was looking at the first picture pclausen posted above, take note of the telescopic end. Specifically look at the notch where the locking pawl engages. The back face of that notch, the part that takes all the pressure, appears as if its angle in relation to the long axis of the arm is greater than 90°. In my mind, if great pressure was applied to this area between the arm and the pawl, you would think that the pawl could possibly "slide" under pressure to the point that it released....did that make sense? I would think that the angle should be less than 90° to prevent the arm or the pawl from sliding under pressure. Add to that very little space to engage on, and paint build up and you have a potential for disaster. You know, kind of like dropping a $10,000 rotary mower in the field......

I apologize if I seem like Im obsessing on this folks, I`m just about at my wits end. :confused2:

 

[AKfish]

Big companies take alot of time to move on something.... Just like it takes a whole lot more time to get the neighbor's big, 'ol Freisien to a gallop!

And they can have "policies" that are downright laughable! Somebody definitely dropped a capital "C" off from "commonsense" with the heavy duty draft arm replacement policy! Like Forrest Gump was wont to say: "Stupid is as stupid does"!

If other M owner's might be able to help the situation... I'm open to lending a hand in any way you think might be productive. Let us know.

AKfish

 

[mbarber84]

Thanks for the support AK

Im not sure what to do at this point. Im going to give it a few more days before I really jump in to action. I refuse to bow down on this issue. I know Deere is capable of better, and I believe those of us who support them are entitled to some fair treatment.

Im still waiting to see what the regional representative has to say about the whole situation. I suppose if I dont get an acceptable solution from that person, I`ll have to take more action.

I wish I could find more 5M owners who had / have problems with their hitches. We could all get together and file a joint complaint or something of that nature. Im not looking for Deere to bow down and kiss my feet, I just want them to stand behind their product and aknowledge the fact that the standard duty hitches are sub-par and shouldnt be offered. Theres no excuse for it.

I`ll keep you guys posted. If you know of anyone else you could drum up for input, please do so (at your convenience of course) I would greatly appreciate it.