TC33D Hydro trans issues

Williecoyote · Aug 20, 2006

I am having trouble with my '01 TC33D hydro transmission. I got the tractor a year ago. I noticed then, that while going downhill, the tractor trans would 'chatter' like the drive was not meshing. Thought this normal for hydro drive as we had a Case riding mower that always did that. If I stopped the tractor and then went forward again it was ok until the next time I would go downhill. Now, once in awhile, when I push down on the hydro pedal I go nowhere for about 10 seconds and then the tractor lerches forward. It does it in any gear range. Yesterday, while mowing downhill, the tractor trans did it's 'chatter' noise. I let off the hydro pedal and stopped, but when I went to go forward again nothing happened. I tried several things to make the tractor move either forward or backward and nothing. Then I just pushed the hydro pedal down and waited for about 30 seconds and finally it lerched forward again. Drove it into the garage. Any ideas?

Doc_Bob · Aug 20, 2006

I am assuming all maintenance has been done filter, fluid and that you used NH spec fluids. Also assume all fluids are at correct levels.
Bob

Williecoyote · Aug 20, 2006

I have checked the common sump at rear axle and the fluid is clean and full. I am checking the fluid when tractor is cold and not running. Don't know if that is the correct way to check trans fluid level. Is their a trans filter? If so, where is it located? Tractor has 340 hours on it. Bought it with 280 hours on it.

JerryG · Aug 20, 2006

WC,
The first thing that I would suggest for you to try is change the hydraulic fluid, replace the filter and clean the suction screen. I think that it has a suction screen. If that screen is plugged up, it will cause a lot of bad things to happen.

RickB · Aug 20, 2006

There is a transmission filter and a hydraulic filter. The oil supply to the transmission must pass through both. Time to buy both filters, enough of the proper spec oil to do a hydraulic oil change, and an operator's manual. The hydraulic filter is just in front of the rght rear tire. The hydrostatic filter is just in front of the clutch pedal below the LH engine covers. The last I knew there was no suitable match for the hydrostatic filter available in the aftermarket.

PineRidge · Aug 20, 2006

I could understand all of the symptoms that you describe associated with restricted hydro filters or screens with the exception of the chattering noise that you hear. My guess is that filters aren't going to fix a problem like that. Please keep us updated.

RickB · Aug 21, 2006

Clean oil and fresh filters are the first step in a sound troubleshooting proceedure. I am open to suggestion as to what would be more cost effective and/or appropriate. No one guaranteed this would cure the problems.

jinman · Aug 21, 2006

Williecoyote said:
Tractor has 340 hours on it. Bought it with 280 hours on it.

I think we need much more info to make solid suggestions. With 340 hours, has the 300 service been done? The hydraulic fluid and filter change is supposed to be done at 300 hours. Did you get that done and then this problem showed up? If it has not been done, then you are certainly needing a change whether you are doing it as a troubleshooting procedure or not.

I'm also curious about how the transmission acted going downhill. When you let off the hydro pedal, does the tractor slow down dramatically or does it "coast" while the clicking is going on? It sure sounds like you have an internal leak or fluid starvation to your transmission. I just can't figure anything that would take 10-30 seconds to get the pump primed/charged and working again. I also can't figure a fluid feed problem that would not show itself with the pedal depressed and then show up when the pedal is placed at neutral or very near to it as you go downhill. Actually, if you are maintaining your speed and going downhill, your pedal is almost depressed as much as going uphill or on the level. The transmission is just not under as much load. You may actually find that the problem is related to the position of the tractor (nose lower than rear) rather than speed or load.

All this is guessing and just brainstorming based on how the hydro works. I just cannot figure what would be making a clicking sound. Maybe the problem is in your mechanical/gear transmission instead of the hydro portion. Have you tried changing ranges when the problem is happening? Very baffling....

PineRidge · Aug 21, 2006

Rick I'm not taking pot-shots at you sorry if that's what it sounded like. I personally value your input and I'm sure the other TBN members do as well. My post was merely my personal opinion. I don't think any info given on this site is guaranteed, least the exchange of information might quit flowing altogether.

Soundguy · Aug 21, 2006

Hey .. wait a minute.. this is a hydro tranny... they don't -ever- have -any- problems. now if this was a gear unit.. it would be frought with problems.. from design all the way up.

Ok.. tounge in cheek... inside joke.. most of you will get it..

Soundguy

jinman said:
I think we need much more info to make solid suggestions. With 340 hours, has the 300 service been done? The hydraulic fluid and filter change is supposed to be done at 300 hours. Did you get that done and then this problem showed up? If it has not been done, then you are certainly needing a change whether you are doing it as a troubleshooting procedure or not.

I'm also curious about how the transmission acted going downhill. When you let off the hydro pedal, does the tractor slow down dramatically or does it "coast" while the clicking is going on? It sure sounds like you have an internal leak or fluid starvation to your transmission. I just can't figure anything that would take 10-30 seconds to get the pump primed/charged and working again. I also can't figure a fluid feed problem that would not show itself with the pedal depressed and then show up when the pedal is placed at neutral or very near to it as you go downhill. Actually, if you are maintaining your speed and going downhill, your pedal is almost depressed as much as going uphill or on the level. The transmission is just not under as much load. You may actually find that the problem is related to the position of the tractor (nose lower than rear) rather than speed or load.

All this is guessing and just brainstorming based on how the hydro works. I just cannot figure what would be making a clicking sound. Maybe the problem is in your mechanical/gear transmission instead of the hydro portion. Have you tried changing ranges when the problem is happening? Very baffling....