Traction No front-wheel assist on DK40

[bullebak]

My DK40 has manual change from/to front-wheel assist (no convenient push-button). I have used it mainly in front-wheel assist and has done about 600 hours.

Problem is, the front-wheel assist does not work anymore (but the indicator is ON and the lever is definately pushed down).

This renders the tractor rather useless in my case.

Any hints, or do I call the dealer?

Thanks in advance.

 

[bluechip]

Could be several things. you can do a quick simple check on front differential by raising the front end off the ground with your loader, engage 4wd, turn one front wheel forward, the other should roll the oposite direction the same amount. then lower one wheel to the ground, you should not be able to turn the wheel that is off the ground. if you can, you need to uncover the drive shaft and see if it is turning. The idea is to find out if the problem is in the front axles/final drives, front differntial, drive shaft couplings or transfer case.

 

[kubotalinc]

my ck 20 is doing the same thing? wheels off the grond and drive shaft uncovered only one wheel spins by hand?

 

[kubotalinc]

some one out there has to have had this happen to them???

 

[bullebak]

Could be several things. you can do a quick simple check on front differential by raising the front end off the ground with your loader, engage 4wd, turn one front wheel forward, the other should roll the oposite direction the same amount. then lower one wheel to the ground, you should not be able to turn the wheel that is off the ground. if you can, you need to uncover the drive shaft and see if it is turning. The idea is to find out if the problem is in the front axles/final drives, front differntial, drive shaft couplings or transfer case.

Bluechip,

Thanks for your reply.

Yesterday I went to my hobby farm and had a good look at it, and report as follows:

1. I raised the font wheels using the FEL. In 4WD (lever down), each front wheel could be freely turned without affecting the other wheel (no movement there).

2. I then lowered one wheel letting it rest on a double pile of bricks, with the other wheel free. Also in that situation it freely turned.

3. I did notice what appeared to be a drive shaft to the front axles (about 1" thick), but as I turned the wheels, it did not turn. With the forward/reverse lever in forward, a slight sound could be heard coming from the front axle when turning the wheel.

What do you think?

 

[kubotalinc]

I did the same test with my ck20 and just a clicking noise from the front end? tractor is pretty useless without four wheel drive. the dealer is coming over today to take a look at it.

 

[MichiganIron]

"Sounds" like the front differential failed. You may want to contact your dealer.

 

[kubotalinc]

"Sounds" like the front differential failed. You may want to contact your dealer.

my carrier failed (broke)

 

[bullebak]

Much much later...

Yep, the diff failed, and turned out to be a very expensive repair. Will upload pics later.

But few days ago it happened AGAIN!!! While digging the bucket into soil, a loud bang came from that spot.

I am NOT happy... more tomorrow.

 

[bullebak]

Invoice dated July 29, 2010...

"Dismantle front axle and found broken diff carrier and damage to crown wheel and pinion."

Parts replaced (in relation to this issue):

Oring AUD 3.0
Crown & Pinion AUD 928.35
Cover diff case AUD 176.35
Nut lock AUD 31.71
Seal AUD 19.98

Labour AUD 1500 (appox relating to this repair including travel). Total bill including a service AUD 3694.75

And now the same thing... kubotalink had the same issue... perhaps this model is a lemon???