3-Point Hitch pto will not turn

[countrykim]

Hello,
My john deere 4020 pto was working great with the snowblower and the next time I went out, hydraulics worked, the chain on the blower would not budge, the pto was not turning. What can I try? What type of oil and where do I put it? cheers

 

[bullbreaker]

Have you started out with the obvious is the pto lever/button engaged ? Have you tried wiggling them around ? Fuse ? Not really familiar with that model but I'am sure someone with more experience with that JD will respond soon.

Boone

 

[trlong]

countrykim,

Welcome to the forums. They have been invaluable to me. I am not familiar with your model either. Please excuse if I am stating the obvious you may have already tried. If at all similar to my 4115 I would:

1. Make sure the PTO switch/light are on.
2. Make sure the seat cut-out switch has not frozen up (I've had to shut down(!) lift my seat, jube the underseat switch with WD-40 [electrically neutral], get back on and that was it...ice formed preventing contact).
3. All ignition off, key out, check that the PTO shaft locking collar is latched. I would assume so or the shaft would probably be on the ground.
4. If both front and rear PTO, shift to the other PTO position and while you are on the seat, engage the PTO and have some one else (at safe distance!...the Safety Forum is a must for those working with equipment that can kill you in a second) check if that shaft is spinning. If so, re-check and re-lube the PTO drive shift mechanisms and all linkage. [NOTE: With everything shut down, gear in neutral, "Parking Brake" on (i.e. imobilize before getting under the tractor), you should be able to take a big As__'ed screw drive and turn the shaft and PTO drive by sliding the screwdriver in one of the universal joints. If not, something is still not in a neutral position...I think.

Just my two cents without knowing your machine or going outside to verify my thoughs are accurate.

 

[beenthere]

countrykim
:welcome:

Your JD 4020 is about a 1970's farm tractor and has a PTO clutch lever that engages an internal PTO clutch (if I remember right).

Now verify for us what part of the PTO is not turning? Coming out of the tractor? or closer to the snowblower?

 

[Tx Jim]

4020's were built '64-'72. Will need to know yr or sn and type of trans(SR or PS) to successfully diagnose pto problem. If it's a syncro-range trans the brg that applies pressure to 3 fingers on clutch may have worn the ends off the fingers. If SR trans you can remove inspection plate off the bottom of clutch housing and have a look.

 

[grsthegreat]

also....once i sheared off the bolts on the top end of my snowblower pto shaft. it only looked like the pto wasn't working. when i removed my shaft from the snowblower, i could tell the pto was indeed turning. after closer exam under the plastic pro shield, i found 2 shear bolts. hard to spot.

 

[beenthere]

I think we lost countrykim.

Hasn't logged back in since posting.

Sent a PM

 

[Glen Watkins]

Hope she comes back!

 

[countrykim]

Oh Dear! lost my way around the site....oops! I look forward to reading all the posts. Cheers!

 

[countrykim]

Thank you to all of you!

bullbreaker - I had to laugh when you said "obvious", I'm still giggling. I am a girly girl, that shows horses, pulls a trailer and when I have to toughen up I can or at least try. Ex is not allowed on the property (violent person) so here I am learning about my tractor. I have awesome neighbours to help, they have their lives and I am not one to impose without trying on my own. This is all new to me. Obvious is not in my vocabulary when it comes to tractor talk. lol

trlong - thank you so much for your detailed suggestions, I will go try what I can on the list that only requires me and then if not I will get a neighbour to help me.

beenthere - yes it is a 1970, I am going to check for sure what is and isn't turning and get back to you, thank you

tx jim - your going to laugh but " me no understand", sorry

grsthegreat - my sheer pins are intact, I will see how I make out on the rest of your suggestions, thank you

Weather is crazy here so I will respond as soon as I get out there. No shed for me, just natures elements.

Cheers,

 

[beenthere]

We'll be here to help you out, and/or to ask more questions if we need more info.

Hopefully you have reviewed the problem with your Deere dealer, and you may even ask for some update (trade-in) to a compact utility tractor that will do the jobs/tasks for you with less "big" farm tractor than the 4020. The 4020's carry a high value in the market so don't let it trade in "cheap"

 

[Glen Watkins]

Welcome back countrykim! You might want to ask your neighbors for a quick course on your tractor. Have them show you the basics on safe operation and location of controls and how to check fluids. We are here for you if you need any help and there is a wealth of information to be had here. What part of the country are you in?

 

[countrykim]

Hi All,

My particular 4020 has a C cover over the plate at the tractor end of the shaft. Under the c plate the bolts are good. Turns out it was not the pto, it was the turn blade that propels the the snow out wasn't moving because of a thin layer of ice that I hadn't noticed. Its all good now. Note to self, next time check the exterior before diving into the tractor components. Thank you to all of you for your suggestions. Cheers, Kim

 

[dmay]

Hi All,

My particular 4020 has a C cover over the plate at the tractor end of the shaft. Under the c plate the bolts are good. Turns out it was not the pto, it was the turn blade that propels the the snow out wasn't moving because of a thin layer of ice that I hadn't noticed. Its all good now. Note to self, next time check the exterior before diving into the tractor components. Thank you to all of you for your suggestions. Cheers, Kim

2 stage snowblowers have an auger and an impeller. The first stage auger brings the snow into the second stage impeller (the turn blade) which propels the snow out the chute. You need to make sure both the auger and impeller are unimpeded. The best way to do this is to make sure you clean out the snowblower after every use so leftover snow buildup does not freeze solid. Something else to note is the auger will have shear bolts that will break if you encounter something other then soft snow. This may also occur if you turn the PTO on and the auger turns and hits a clump of frozen snow. Make sure you have a few spare shear bolts/nuts.

 

[Tx Jim]

Thank you to all of you! yes it is a 1970,
tx jim - your going to laugh but " me no understand", sorryCheers,

countrykim
You may not understand but I will try to help you learn about your tractor. Ok for your future reference if your 4020 is a 1970 model then the pto is hyd activated. The type transmission will determine which pto control valve type. Your 4020 could have a syncro-range trans which is a standard shift with a zig-zag shift pattern or a powershift(semi-auto) with a "J" shift pattern. Just curious what country do you reside in?

 

[countrykim]

Thank you so much for that! I have a large rebar I use to dig out any ice build up and yes I alway clean it out after, but I sure didn't do it good enough. I do now. Cheers