tc45d four wheel drive not working

[meanstreak]

I have a tc45d with supersteer,i was in full time 4 wheel drive while scooping out the ditches from the last snow storm . I heard a bang and no more 4 wheel drive. My question is where do i start looking to fix the problem? The drive shaft appears to be intact. also i have chains on the front tires because there is not enough clearence on the rear, would that have contributed to the problem
thanks
Blake

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

Yes the front chains could have caused the problem. Raise one tire off the ground. Engage the FWD.Try to turn the front tire.It shouldn't turn. Do the same on the other front tire. If you can turn both front tires, drain the oil from the center section of the front axle and look for chunks of metal. If you can only turn one tire drain the oil on that housing and look for chunks. Any way you look at it it is not going to be a cheap or easy repair.
Bill

 

[jinman]

Blake, this problem seems to be becoming more common on Class III Boomers. Here is a link to thread and some very good info. Please scroll down to the posts in this thread by RickB. He is an extremely knowledgeable NH Service Technician and knows this problem intimately. Unfortunately, having chains on the front wheels probably significantly contributed to the problem as you surmised in your original post.

4WD Problem

 

[RickB]

Here is another current thread on chain use:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/134553-chains-front-tires-only-vs.html

 

[meanstreak]

thank you for your quick reply i will let everyone know how i made out
kind regards
Blake

 

[meanstreak]

well i got my machine back, to make a long story short the dealer said loose the chains on the front . why didnt he tell me that when i purchased them. final cost 799.93 not to mention the cost of the chains that im now stuck with. thanks for eveyones advice.
maybe studs is the answer.

 

[IH3444]

What did the dealer say went wrong with your front end? If he rebuilt the front diff for $800. That's a bargain. I would think the gears alone cost that much. Sorry to read about your troubles.....

 

[jinman]

Glad you got your tractor back and working. I agree with IH3444 in that your cost could have been a lot more. It's a shame you were allowed to make the front tire chain mistake without being cautioned by the dealer. Perhaps your experience will change that in the future and they will warn other buyers before they make the same mistake. One would hope. . . .

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

so it's not ok to run chains on the front?

is it ok to run chains on the rear? what about with no chains on the front and in 4x4?

 

[AndyMA]

so it's not ok to run chains on the front?

is it ok to run chains on the rear? what about with no chains on the front and in 4x4?

Chains on the rear are fine. Chains on the front are a big no-no!!!

Andy

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

what about in 4x4.....chains on the rear change the traction......i guess the ring, pinion and shafts in the front are there just to "assist" you....where as the running gears in the rear can take it...

Chains on the rear are fine. Chains on the front are a big no-no!!!

Andy

 

[meanstreak]

i think you answered your own question, front wheel drive just there to assist. my dealer handed me a bunch of bolts that broke off and said i was lucky that they didnt get into the gears, i find that hard to believe since the broken bolts and heads were worn smooth and very shiney, like someone polished them. my bill could have reached 2000 or more . ended up being 799.93 included replacing my block heater that went south, 30 some bucks. right now im looking into getting studs since there is so little clearence for chains on the rear
kind regards
Blake