TC40DA Hydro Pedals have a mind of their own! Dangerous! Need help.

[tc40da-rg]

I have a 2004 TC40DA with FEL and backhoe. The last time I used the tractor it began sort of sticking in forward or reverse motion and needed a tap on the opposing pedal to return to neutral position. Today, the tractors hydrostatic pedals WILL NOT stay in neutral position. In fact, the forward pedal immediately lunges down/ forward as soon as the tractor starts; and, I have to hold the brake pedal while trying to center the two hydro pedals (with my right foot) to keep any kind of control of the tractor. If I press too far on the reverse pedal (without countering on the forward pedal), the tractor will lunge in reverse! This is extremely dangerous and equally frustrating. Help!?

 

[Wagtail]

The first thing that comes to mind is lubrication of the pedal(s). My Owner Manual doesn't include the grease nipples (zerks) located underneath the pedals of my 4105. I wouldn't have known, or even looked for them, if I hadn't been shown by my dealership's mechanic during the 50hr service (part of the purchase deal).

The other thing would be that the 'return spring' has lost it's tensile strength. ("springallity" as I call it) So it now won't return to the 'correct' neutral position.

 

[RobertN]

My first thought is cleaning and lubrication. When was the last time that area was cleaned and lubed? Visual check to make sure nothings loose, missing etc?

My TC40D HST(2001) works fine, but I have been generally following the manual for lube, filters etc intervals.

I was surprised; my old Kubota had like 10 zerks to lube, the TC40 has a lot more!When I got the TC40 I went and got the air powered grease gun...

 

[MiserableOldFart]

I don't know for sure, but it would seem there have to be springs in both directions to keep the pedal returning to the middle position. If it's not binding underneath where you grease, there is likely a missing, broken or overstretched spring somewhere, no? There must also be something to hold it at center, perhaps a dip in a rod that meshes with the pedal rod? My smaller tractor doesn't have much visible there beyond a grease fitting, but there must be something to hold it at center until you push forward or back on it. Whatever it is could be worn. Might even be some kind of band that keeps tension on the bar? Looking at Messicks, I see you have the separate pedals, not the treadle. There must be a spring that pulls each back to neutral, then.

 

[tc40da-rg]

Thanks, WagTail, RobertN, and MiserableOldFart, for the input. I understand that lack of lubrication can definitely be a factor with these pedals operation, but this time, the linkage, etc., are freely moving.

What the tractor is doing this time is not like a stuck pedal or linkage. It literally sucks the pedal to the forward, all out, position as soon as the engine starts… Without anyone ever touching the pedals. I had to have a cylinder rebuilt a little while back, and I think when I topped the fluid off that I overfilled it. This, along with a far too over used filter, may be what the problem is?

I am in the process of changing the HST/tranny and the main hydraulics filters and making sure the fluid level isn’t too high. Hoping this will correct the problem. ��

 

[jloven]

Thanks, WagTail, RobertN, and MiserableOldFart, for the input. I understand that lack of lubrication can definitely be a factor with these pedals operation, but this time, the linkage, etc., are freely moving.

What the tractor is doing this time is not like a stuck pedal or linkage. It literally sucks the pedal to the forward, all out, position as soon as the engine starts… Without anyone ever touching the pedals. I had to have a cylinder rebuilt a little while back, and I think when I topped the fluid off that I overfilled it. This, along with a far too over used filter, may be what the problem is?

I am in the process of changing the HST/tranny and the main hydraulics filters and making sure the fluid level isn’t too high. Hoping this will correct the problem.

I have a 2002 TC45d that did the same thing. The pedals are out of adjustment. There is a bolt you loosen and adjust them back to center. I will try to pull up a diagram and get you specific info on which bolt it is. I removed the platform to get to it easily but that is a huge undertaking. I had to remove the platform to repair a separate hydro leak and fixed the pedal problem while it was off. If I can’t get a diagram I’ll at least shoot a pic of the bolt.

 

[jloven]

New Holland (TC4D) - 4 CYL COMPACT TRACTOR - NORTH AMERICA (11/98-12/5) Parts Diagrams
Here is the link to the Hydro pedal diagram at Messicks.

And here is the actual image.


Loosen bolt #7 and rotate #19 to re-center the pedals. It is a bit of trial and error but after 3 -4 attempts you will get it where everything is centered. My TC45 would actually move forward with no pressure on the pedal. I could press the reverse pedal to stop it but then when i let off it would move again. I messed with the spring mechanism for hours before realizing the pedal linkage had rotated out of center. Was an easy fix once I found out how it worked. While you are in that area, add a little grease to the fitting. If you have the same situation that I did, then that's not your problem but cannot hurt.

Good luck.

 

[tc40da-rg]

Thank you jlovin, I have been on another project for the last two days and am just now getting back to the forum. That’s great information. After I changed both hydraulic filters, the tractor did better, and the pedals centered at neutral. But the transmission now “growls”, especially when first pressing a pedal.
I will definitely check the adjustment for that bolt.

 

[dynasim]

growling after a filter change is likely caused by air ingress. The filters are under vacuum, and a small amount of air will cavitate the hst pump.

The adjustment bolt is eccentric(loosen the little one, turn the big one). Frankly, it doesn't sound like that is your problem, though. Be careful. That adjustment is where you would get run over if you make a mistake.

 

[tc40da-rg]

Thanks to everyone for all the great advice and information. It turns out that the pedal adjustment was just fine. The culprit definitely seems to have been a very badly clogged up filter. Growling after that also seems that it was injested air, even though I filled the filter with fluid before putting it on the tractor. All that seems to be OK now.
My next issue with the tractor is to get the four-wheel-drive to actually engage and disengage once again. Seems it’s always something.