Noisy steering on 4120

[CrownHawg]

Hey all, I recently acquired a 4120 w/FEL and have been getting acquainted with it (read playing). It was 2 yrs old with about 280 hours when I bought it about 2 months ago. Everything seems to be fine with it however I have started to notice the steering can get a little noisy at times. As I understand, it has two pumps (one for hydraulics and one for steering). I have checked the fluids and they look fine. The noise may just be normal but it seems to whine a little more when unloaded (not steering). It will quiet up when I turn the wheel but go back to whining when I straighten up. Is this noise normal?

 

[CrownHawg]

Guess I stumped everyone. I'll figure it out myself.

 

[jeffster]

Don't know if it will help you or not, but my 3520 steering is somewhat noisy as well. I have owned it since new and have about 65 hours on it now. Been that way since I brought it home.

 

[MT. Sparky]

Mine is loud also, but I have not noticed any problems with it. I think its just loud.

 

[AKfish]

Congrats on your 4120. 4000 series JD's are great machines.

Your steering is probably normal..

Curious, was the hydraulic system ever serviced? I believe the service time is 400 hours for the hydraulic system. So, you should be OK.

Do you have the eHydro transmission? The PowerReverser transmission has a "wet" clutch (hydraulic) for the reverser - if you have that transmission type. Everything OK with tranny operation?

AKfish

 

[jgrreed]

My 4720 has 'whiny' steering as well, especially if the wheels are turned against resistance. As far as I can tell everythings OK.

Good question.... it's one I've been wondering about (and praying that there's nothing wrong with my machine!!)

-Jer.

 

[CrownHawg]

Thanks guys for the responses. Yes it is a E-hydro, and everything seems to be working great. This thing amazes me all the time of how powerful this little tractor is. My problem is that I bought it used and haven't been able to get the service records from the dealer. I will keep trying to get those but thought about just picking up from the 200 hour point and servicing from there. I'm sure I am just paranoid about the steering noise, it is not extremely loud, just enough that I notice it. You guys are probably right though, it sounds like a hydraulic noise(duh! it IS).

On another note, I recently saw a bucket grapple (hydraulic device on front bucket) and thought that would be the bomb for me since I do alot of brush moving and all around junk cleanup. About how much would one of those things cost for my setup and are they very hard to install? This is my first "real" tractor and I am clueless. I have learned volumes by just reading every thread here on TBN. Thanks again.

 

[jgrreed]

Hey.....

Markham is the best value in grapples..... ~1000$ for the light duty (LD, everyone on here says the LD is 'enough'). You'll need a 3rd hydraulic setup (SCV) to run it. If you have a rear 3rd SCV already you can run hoses all the way to the front, or you're so inclined you can add an extra front set (more involved, but certainly more 'tidy', and 'pro looking').

They make them so they'll hook right up to the loader you already have.

Email or call Melissa at Markham, she'll help you out.

-Jer.

 

[BudinTenn]

I have a 5203 that seems to make the same noise. As long as the hydraulics are being used (3ph, fel or steering being operated) there is no sound. Setting still is when you notice it. I also hope the noise is normal. If it were an industrial hyd power unit with gear pump I would say it sounds like it is going across the relief valve. Sure to overheat over time.

 

[GalwayBoy]

I think that there may have been a Deere PIP on some of them. My 4120 has a steering noise sometimes, but very rarely. I recall some posts about Deere changing bushings or something in the steering. Might have been just adding some sound insulation.

I probably have the fix confused with my Silverado. That got a steering column bearing for sure.

Try searching this forum.

Good Luck,

Jon