LS Tractor XR4046H Broken Tie Rod Flange

ProdaddyTX · Oct 12, 2014

The XR4000's use the same front axle as several earlier models, like the R4041, 4047, and their predecessors the R4010 and 4020.... so it's been in service at least since LS launched 5-ish years ago, and maybe prior to that in some Montanas, but I really don't know about that last part. We've had a couple people run their tie-rods into things hard enough to bend them and break an end off the tie rod, but we've never seen a broken flange like what's described here. My best estimate off the top of my head on a Sunday afternoon is that to-date we've put around 85-90 units in the field that use this front axle.
...just another data point....

Guesseral · Oct 14, 2014

My Montana R4944 2009 model is an LS R4020 I have never had a problem with mine got 450 hours on it knock on wood (my head)!

YardNinjas · Jul 24, 2015

I am considering an ls xr 4046 and the only real problem I can find is this tue rod flange issue. Did the dealer or yourself ever determine what was causing the tie rod flange to break and has the issue been resolved?

Matt P · Jul 28, 2015

Hi, i had it happen 3 times before they (Haney Equipment) identified the problem. For some reason the Factory only drilled and tapped one side of the tierod flange with a stop bolt, the otherside did not have one so it would cause a stress fracture and subsequent failure.. They drilled, tapped and installed a bolt stop on the other flange and I've gone 150 hours without any problems... LOVE my 4046 and Haney Equipment in Athens, AL.. If anyone is still having this problem, look them up and call their service department and they will tell you what needs to be done.

kingrace78 · Jul 29, 2015

I had the tie rod flange break again on my XR4046H for the second time. The dealer talked to the regional rep and they ordered and installed a new housing on the right hand side that was machined for stop bolts. They think this should fix the breaking problem. I have been very happy with my LS and my dealer. The tie rod is the only problem I have had. It looks like to me, the breaking is caused by turning the wheels too far. With the hydraulic steering you can not feel the stop and it has large steering cylinders. Stops on both sides should fix this.

catton93 · Aug 18, 2015

Just had my tie rod break also on my xr4040. I have had quite a few problems with my tractor and I am regreting I went with the LS

catton93 · Aug 18, 2015

mine broke this weekend on my xr4040. I have had a few problems with mine and only have 80 hours on it. I am very dissapointed in the reliabilty of this tractor. I am thinking I my have a lemon

chris1006 · Oct 5, 2015

Not sure this could be a contributing factor or not to this issue but after getting mine (XR4046H), I looked it over good and noticed the front end alignment was way out (towed out) right from the factory. When one wheel looked straight the other was noticeably not straight. I adjusted it ( there is instructions on this in the manual and is actually part of the maintenance) and have yet to have a problem with it so far. Make sure the lock nuts on the tie rod are tight. Like I said, not sure if it could contribute to it but one would think it could put a lot of stress on those parts. especially when in 4X4 and/or on hard packed surfaces.

RKJeepXJ · Oct 5, 2015

You want some toe out. Around 1/2 to 3/4 inch at front of tire is sufficient for a tractor.

Some would argue toe in is needed. This will add to directional stability, but will create a bad Ackerman angle and tear up the ground more with the inside tire in a tight turn. Most tractor steering I've seen look to have no thought to Ackerman so you can compensate slightly by toeing out.