Transmision woes

[HorseHusband]

Was wondering if anyone has experienced the following problem with their tractor?

I have a 4310 eHydro with about 80 fun-filled hours on it. Was mowing the field this weekend when the tractor came to a halt. Engine was running, but I had no control with either the forward or backward pedals. PTO was still running, and all of the other hydraulics appeared to be working just fine (FEL, rear lift, etc.).

After confirming that I wasn't in neutral, I jumped off to check the transmission oil sight glass on the rear of the tractor. Sure enough, the sight glass appeared empty. I ran out and added a gallon of hydraulic oil, which brought the sight glass up to the middle position. Jumped back on the tractor, started it up...and still no movement with the forward pedal. Now I was mad. Re-checked the rear sight glass, which looked empty again. No visible sign of leaking oil. Re-started the tractor one last time out of desperation, still no reaction to the forward pedal, but I did discover that the back pedal worked. So I backed the tractor out of the field and called it a day.

Dealer is going to pick up the tractor tomorrow, but told me on our call that he does not know what the problem is. Has anyone experienced anything similar? I really want to get the tractor back for the 3-day weekend so I can get some playtime in (oops, I mean get some work done).

One final point that might be relevant for troubleshooting. About a month ago I noticed that I was leaking oil. The dealer checked it out and discovered that I had pulled a seal on the back axle, which was apparently caused by too much tall grass that got wrapped around the axle. The dealer replaced the seal and I was back in business. Now I wonder if the two problems might be related...

Any insights are much appreciated. This forum has never steered this newbie wrong before! Thanks in advance for your time.

 

[JEP]

The oil level can only be checked accurately when level. When the tractor has the front slightly lower than the rear, you won't see the oil. And it also changes slightly when running on level ground. The pumping action will lower it slightly. The dealer made it sound like you could be low by quite a lot before running low enough to affect the hydro drive.

As to the halting, I had similar problems on my 2 year old 4410 during its first year. It was random and had to do with releasing the pedal too quickly. The dealer had to redo the controller by updating the software with a PDA (palm pilot) that they had to buy. Since this, I have not had this problem. This update required a dealer service because they had to do some calibrations with the rear wheels off.

Not sure this is the problem you have.

JEP

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Under the platform behind the hst pedals, they are connected under a plastic shield(#23 in drawing). My bet is that something wedged in there and disconnected them, or down stream. Sounds like you would like the rental upgrade kit (skid plates) ...

Hope this helps you back to more happy tractor hours!!

 

[mopar]

i would tend to agree with the other 2 people before me,sounds like an electric connection or calibration problem,the pedals are only hooked to sensors not actual valves,let us know what you find /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[GoodGuy]

With my 4210 E-Hydro, I had a couple scares but found out that they don't like to have the 2 pedals touched at the same time (winter insulated boots) & also when I turned backward in the seat, I must have moved up and took the pressure off the seat switch - she stopped in a hurry !!! Doesn't sound exactly like your problem but these are scenerios that have happened to me. These cause your MIL to flash a series of codes but you're Ok.
Eric

 

[NIXON]

I'm with Rocky ridgefarm
If it was a fluid problem you'd have slowly lost power while slowly overheating . Sounds like more of a mechanical problem like linkage . John

 

[HorseHusband]

As usual, Rockyridgefarm was right! Not a fluid problem (the tractor likely wasn't level when I was looking at the sight glass), but rather disconnected wires underneath the pedals.

Presto, and my tractor is back in business for pasture mowing theis weekend. Thanks to all.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Am I GOOD or what?!!

Actually MrsRR and I were just under there straightening out the same (almost) problem.

Glad yer up n runnin!!!

 

[stuart]

Good Call Rockyridge.

 

[SteveH_CT]

Given the two choices I'll go with "What" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

OK - Good Call.