TC40D issues

[wannabefarmer]

Hello All,

I just wanted to share a couple issues with my TC40D with you. I bought the tractor in June and have been very, very, satisified with it. Yesterday though, my girlfriend was mowing a field while I was fighting with multi-flora rose bushes and just as she finished, she told me that the tractor had just turned 50.0 hours. After we got done celebrating this monumental occasion /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif, we went to put the tractor to bed. But as she went to dissengage the brake, the lever that holds the brake in place did not disengage like normal, you actually had to push it down. Probably not a big deal. Also, as she was backing into the barn, I noticed a piece of the subframe was completely off on one end. It's that 1/4" strip of metal going from the rear wheels to the front just under the forward/reverse pedals. The two bolts in front were missing and it was hanging down. I told the dealer about the issues and he was very cooperative and promised to be up tomorrow to fix the problems & do the 50 hour service. My dealer had promised to come out and do the 50 hour service for free when I purchased the tractor (I pay for the oil & filters). I just thought it was ironic that at 50.0 hours these issues popped up. I have read on here to watch out for loose bolts on new tractors, but there are so many, it's impossible to catch every one. I don't want to this to come off as negative for the tractor because we absolutely love the tractor. I say "we" because of those 50 hours, probably 35 are my girlfriends. Since she never thought she'd step foot on a tractor, I love rubbing it in /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[TCowner]

I had the one bolt come loose (fell out) on the left side on my TC40D as well. Mine happend at about 120 hours. The dealer gave me another and its been fine since.

 

[jinman]

Jeremy, I had a similar problem with my parking brake when I first got my tractor. There is a pivot point which is not greased and will sometimes bind. It's located down under the left platform near the brake pedals. I finally got enough spray lube into mine that the mechanism loosened up and no longer binds. I think your problem will go away with usage, but have your dealer look at it during your 50 hr check. I suspect he has seen this same problem on several tractors.

As far as bolts coming loose, I had two bolts loosen on my TC45D within the first few months I owned it. Mine were the bolts that attach the front axle pivot to the frame. I was sure lucky I saw them before losing my axle. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif After that happened, I checked and tightened every bolt on the frame and attachments I could find. It's probably a good thing to do at least once per year anyhow. I guess it's like going to the doctor for an annual physical. It ain't fun, but you gotta do it. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[DKinWA]

One thing I do to lessen the chance of bolts coming out without my approval is to do a quick walk around prior to starting for the day. This gives me a chance to look for anything out of the ordinary. The other thing I do every once in awhile is park my tractor on the grass in the shade somewhere and let it cool down. Once it cools down, I crawl underneath it and look for loose bolts and any oil leaks, or anthing else that might need repair. I find the grass is a lot more comfortable than rolling around on the creeper. I also usually get lots of help from our four legged critters which makes my job easier. If theres anything oily or greasy, one of our critters will get it in their hair then rub it on me /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif It that happens I know I need to look around some more till I find the source /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bobnewjersey]

I lost two bolts at approx. 60 hrs, which the dealer replaced for free. Makes you wonder who torqued them at the factory.

 

[techinNY]

I had the same problem with my parking brake lever as soon as I got it home. I ended up taking the pivot apart and filing the plastic bushing inside to get it to move freely. In case you are wondering why I did not call the dealer to fix it, my service manager probably would have sent me to fix it any way. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[markie61]

Wow! All of us NH owners should feel VERY fortunate:

We now have 2 dealers and a NH tech participating in the forum. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Maybe there are more.....?

Mark