Vibrating fenders

cp1969 · Dec 14, 2001

The fenders on my L3000DT seem to be fairly flimsily mounted. Certain rpm's (around 1300-1500, iirc) seem to hit the resonant frequency and they commence flapping something akin to Dumbo attempting take-off.

Anyone else notice this? If so, any easy fixes? At first I thought there must be some bolts loose, but I couldn't find any. It looks like a horizontal tubing brace, running from fender-to-fender in the area of the flasher lights would be easy to do any not get in the way of anything.

Harv · Dec 14, 2001

Charles -

I have the L2500DT, which I believe to be of similar construction, and I can't say that I've noticed as much vibration as you describe. I'm too far (120 miles) from my tractor to run out and see how the fenders are mounted, but are you saying both fenders do it? If it's just one side I would suspect some kind of minor structural failure (busted/missing weld).

Also, other than the flapping fenders, do you feel very much vibration yourself? I guess I want to ask if your engine is running smoothly, but with these 3-cylinder diesels, I'm not sure what "smooth" is myself. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Of course, it could be that the difference between yours and mine is all that extra horsepower you've got. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

cp1969 · Dec 14, 2001

I don't think the engine is running rough or anything like that. It's just that the fenders are cantilevered off the axle housing quite a long way and certain rpm's can really get them going. At the rate they vibrate, I would expect cracks to start showing up soon if one continued to run at that rpm, not to mention how hard it must be on light bulb filaments.

PaulInMi · Dec 15, 2001

cp-

On my L3000 in the mid RPM range, the position control lever will vibrate. My simple solution to that is changing RPM. I can't say that I've ever noticed both fenders vibrating however.

Good Luck.

Paul

john_bud · Dec 16, 2001

CP1969,

The fenders are monted with nuts and bolts. It sounds like some may be loose or missing. If you don't have the assembly manual for your tractor (from the dealer just for asking), you can compare side to side to check for missing and just snug them up to check for looseness. (or have the dealer do it)

John Bud

accordionman · Dec 18, 2001

CHARLES,
my L3000DT has the same problem. i noticed this yesterday, 12-17-01, while moving
some gravel. i was using 8th gear, and moving down the road.
i have checked the bolts, but they seem to be ok. anyone has a solution, i would like to
hear it.
accordionman
william l. brown

mrolson · Dec 18, 2001

It seems that all the L3000's do this. I don't hit that magical RPM very often, but a slight adjustment clears it right up.

Mark

Youare · Dec 18, 2001

I have an L3000DT that does the same thing. The control level for the 3PH vibrates at a certian RPM also, very annoying sound. I pulled the end off the control lever and slipped a piece of 5/8 radiator hose under the end, that helped a little.

The fender shake happens around 1500 - 1800 RPM only when I am driving down the road. I am going to put an aluminum brace between the fenders behind the seat to try to tie them together. I am worried about metal fatigue and filiment breakage in the lights too.

Randy

accordionman · Dec 19, 2001

RANDY,
would like to hear more about this brace you are going to install.
and a pic, if possible. thanks.
accordionman
william l. brown

mrolson · Dec 19, 2001

I wouldn't modify a thing, ya just bump the throttle and vibration stops. I mean we are talking a 25-50 RPM difference to stop it. I have only noticed it while warming up. Never while operating it.

Mark