Popping rear end

FF117 · Oct 18, 2010

My Branson 4720h has a popping noise coming from the rear end when placed under load. It is pretty loud at times and it doesn't always happen. My tractor is still under warranty and only has 25 hrs, so I had the dealer pick it up last week. They tightened the lug nuts and found a drive shaft shield that was a little loose. When they brought it back, the dealer mentioned that the noise he heard was a "pinging" that quit when he tightened the shield. I don't think that he was able to reproduce the same problem that I am having because what I am hearing is definitely a pronounced "pop".

Anyway, the other day I was digging with the loader and it made the noise several times. It's difficult to pinpoint the source, but it doesn't sound like it is coming from the wheels, but does seem like it could be a bolt binding/slipping. Does anyone have suggestions or has anyone had a similar problem? I'm hoping for something simple, but it sounds serious. I should mention that it does this in all ranges, any rpm, 2wd or 4, and it still gets good power to the ground.

Also, is it difficult to check the FEL relief valve setting? There have been a few times when I thought the loader should easily handle a task, but I could hear what sounded like the relief valve kicking in and the loader wouldn't lift.

Thanks for the help.

52wej · Oct 19, 2010

FF I have had the same thing happen on my 2535 Century (3510 Branson). Even after tightening rear wheel lugs, it will still happen periodically. Since it has been doing this for several years and only intermittently, I keep working. No other problems have been observed. It is annoying. Others may have found a solution. w jones

MicroPilot · Oct 19, 2010

This is a common noise heard on the Branson/Century machines. There are a couple threads in here discussing this, and the consensus was it's the wheels/lugs popping when under load. Mine used to do this, but has stopped, or I don't pay any mind to it anymore. Check your lug nut tightness periodically, and it's all good.

FF117 · Oct 19, 2010

Thanks for the replies. I'm not as concerned about it now, but it is very annoying, especially on a new tractor. I'm thinking about loosening all the lugs and then re-tightening them to the proper torque. Or I could just wait to let the dealer check it at the 50 hr service.

Zork · Oct 22, 2010

When I did my initial service I found many of the fasteners loose. Check the bolts that secure the transaxle as well. I noticed that area popping when I would scoop dirt with the loader.

GEB · Oct 23, 2010

Dont know what to tell ya...
My 4720 has been flawless after 300 hours,
other than both my tierods needed to be snugged up.
I would defiantly have the dealer find the problem and fix it soon.

FF117 · Oct 28, 2010

I think/hope its fixed. After reading your posts and some old threads, I checked all of the frame bolts and rim bolts. Everything was plenty tight except the transaxle bolts and they were pretty loose. I put a torque wrench on a couple of them and found they broke loose at about 40 ft/lbs. I tightened them, used the tractor some, and then re-tightened them. I wasn't able to produce the sound again and let's hope it stays that way. Does anyone have a torque spec on those bolts? You guys saved me a trip to the dealer....much appreciated.
Thanks,
Shawn

Zork · Oct 29, 2010

You're welcome! I love this site and that is why many of us are here. If I can remember I will see if I can find them. I do not think you can hurt your tractor if these bolts at the trans-axle aren't just right. I make sure mine are as tight as I can get mine with a large combination wrench.

Have fun and be safe!