Two more questions/problems

[TGF]

Sorry, this seems like a continuing saga of problems and questions.

Anyhow, today we took out 4 fallen trees with the tractor and a couple chainsaws and reclaimed a pretty big chunk of space in the woods. While cleared I noticed an interesting and dangerous problem with my tractor. The forward and reverse pedals get stuck in the full down position and you have to smack the opposite to make it stop going. It is actually quite scary and makes for a very jerky stop.

Also I hit a chunk of concrete with the RC, but it seem to still be in balance and cut well. I figure i will just sharpen the blades with winter and everything else will be fine.

 

[magicheater]

There should be a grease zerk on that, check for any linkage problems also.

 

[RoyJackson]

Once you grease the pedals, move them back and forth (tractor off) untill they move freely. Also, ensure there is nothing impeding the pedal travel and any return springs operate freely (no binding)
Once you grease the zerks, and everything else looks good but the pedals still stick, it's time to call your dealer since I'd guess the 3038e is still in warranty. This is not a problem you want to live with.

As far as the cutter...those blades pivot if they hit something that can't be cut or pulverized. Anyone who brush cuts fields hits a rock or something of that nature sooner or later. You can raise the cutter (on the 3PH) and look for any damage (use jackstands!!!!) but I doubt you see anything but a nick in the blade. Dress it down and bevel the blade if you want to.

 

[MarkV]

For sure grease the fitting but also so take a look underneath and see if a stick is stuck up there.

MarkV

 

[TGF]

Thanks for the advice guys, I was going to grease the FEL this morning I will see if I can grease up the pedals at the same time and check for vines and stuff because I was driving in a bunch of them yesterday. I will also slide under the cutter and take a look at the blades.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Please do report back on your findings.

 

[TGF]

I wanted to report back. I did the 10 hour maint on the loader yesterday as well as trying to figure out the pedal issue. I could not find a zerk or anything in either manual about greasing the linkage. I will get some pictures taken and post them tomorrow. This is quite a perplexing problem.

 

[Egon]

Consider spraying some oil on all the linkages also.

 

[TGF]

Consider spraying some oil on all the linkages also.

I was wondering about that just like some Rem Oil or something.

 

[Small farm guy]

I posted about a similar thing a month or so ago. Was out bush hogging and my pedals acted funny. Got under the tractor and worked the pedal with my hand while checking out the linkage. Ended up lubing the linkage and got some junk out and all was fine again.

 

[Soundguy]

a light spray lube may help free them up ( pb oil.. etc ).. however it would be nice if they have grease fittings, as externbal lube will collect dirt and grit.

as for the blade, as roy mentioned.. don't really sharpen them.. just file the nick out.. rotary cutter blades actually function on the 'slightly dull' principle.. IE, a 1/32 or 1/16" flat on the blade edge, it actually shatters stemmy weeds and sapplings and help kill them back.. vs making a nic clean cut that may either grow right back, or makes sharp spines to jab tires.

soundguy

 

[Botabill]

Sorry, this seems like a continuing saga of problems and questions.

Anyhow, today we took out 4 fallen trees with the tractor and a couple chainsaws and reclaimed a pretty big chunk of space in the woods. While cleared I noticed an interesting and dangerous problem with my tractor. The forward and reverse pedals get stuck in the full down position and you have to smack the opposite to make it stop going. It is actually quite scary and makes for a very jerky stop.

Also I hit a chunk of concrete with the RC, but it seem to still be in balance and cut well. I figure i will just sharpen the blades with winter and everything else will be fine.

I may have missed it but what kind/model tractor do you have?

 

[TGF]

JD 3038e

 

[mjncad]

As far as the cutter...those blades pivot if they hit something that can't be cut or pulverized. Anyone who brush cuts fields hits a rock or something of that nature sooner or later. You can raise the cutter (on the 3PH) and look for any damage (use jackstands!!!!) but I doubt you see anything but a nick in the blade. Dress it down and bevel the blade if you want to.

Out of curiosity, are cutter blades mild steel, hardened steel, or case-hardened steel?

 

[RoyJackson]

Out of curiosity, are cutter blades mild steel, hardened steel, or case-hardened steel?

I really don't know...

I'd guess a hardened steel of some sort to be able to withstand the beating they take in normal service.
You can get a pretty good idea (of how hard a steel is) if you run a file across the edge but I've never done that. I use a grinder.

 

[banjodunn]

G'day most mower blades are hardened steel the best ones i have sold are made out of stuff called boron steel, hard as anything they are a bit dearer than normal blades but from all reports they are giving excellent life.



Jon

 

[buck12]

On my JD lawnmower the pedals were sticking. Upon investigation I found that a floor board had lossened causing the floor board to bind against the pedals. I lube the pivot points with white spray grease.