Weird Problem tonight

[Mark3101]

My 3520 Cab has been used to blow with the front 59" blower two seasons now. There has been times the whole front of the tractor is covered in blown snow. So far no problems like above. A cooling fan coming on would place a high current draw intermittently. The problem seems from the description to be in the alternator. Can you test voltage when the machine is running normally coming out of the alternator (should be around 14v) and then when the problem is occurring?

My 3320 is covered EVERY time I blow snow. The entire hood may have 4 inches on it. Even the roof has lots of snow when I get done. I have tested the alt. when the tractor is running and I get 14.7 to 14.85 volts depending on how much stuff is on. I have not yet gotten a reading when it fails, but will try to get one.

My cooling fan is belt driven, so that would not impact current draw. I am still leaning towards the alternator or ecu. I still have lots of winter to play. Hope I can figure it out!

 

[turbotime]

Thats one thing I don't like about the new style hoods on the Deere's. Too open on the sides to the weather.

Sincerely, Dirt

We custom made big rubber covers for the sides of the unit. They shield the engine from snow, ice and road salt.

They should be a stock item on these tractors, but then again some of them never see cold or snow in their life. However, Deere should offer some sort of full winter weather option for these. Those sides are open for anything...

And when operating, it does not operate hotter than usual. I'd look into it guys, they're a great investment. Just cut a template, buy a big sheet of rubber if you can find it, and go to it. Hope that helps

Merry Christmas guys!

 

[turbotime]

My 3320 is covered EVERY time I blow snow. The entire hood may have 4 inches on it. Even the roof has lots of snow when I get done. I have tested the alt. when the tractor is running and I get 14.7 to 14.85 volts depending on how much stuff is on. I have not yet gotten a reading when it fails, but will try to get one.

My cooling fan is belt driven, so that would not impact current draw. I am still leaning towards the alternator or ecu. I still have lots of winter to play. Hope I can figure it out!

Yeah it can be a pain. When snowblowing a laneway I try to work according to wind direction and speed, and place the chute deflector accordingly, to minimize the snow on the tractor. Even so, the grille is always clogged with snow within an hour. Not sure what could prevent this

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I got out and looked at the side of the alternator and found that it was full of ice. The windings were totally covered in a good thick coating of ice as was the starter and other exposed metal parts.

My guess is you figured out the problem yourself. Snow is covering the alternator, melting and maybe shorting out the system???

 

[PILOON]

The more I read of this thread, the more I believe you are experiencing slippage caused by snow.

Sure everything is OK until the loads (lights heaters etc) draw the battery down.
Higher charging rates will really load up the belt and if wet it will slip without any signs of doing so as it will be 'water cooled'.

When I plowed with my 6,2 GMC 4x4 in big storms I often had those kind of problems as snow would work its way under the hood.

The cure for THAT problem was to use 'belt dressing' which is a bar of some sort of waxy substance
Worked real good.
Also some brands available in spray form.

 

[Mark3101]

The more I read of this thread, the more I believe you are experiencing slippage caused by snow.

Sure everything is OK until the loads (lights heaters etc) draw the battery down.
Higher charging rates will really load up the belt and if wet it will slip without any signs of doing so as it will be 'water cooled'.

When I plowed with my 6,2 GMC 4x4 in big storms I often had those kind of problems as snow would work its way under the hood.

The cure for THAT problem was to use 'belt dressing' which is a bar of some sort of waxy substance
Worked real good.
Also some brands available in spray form.

I suppose it could be that, but even with hardly any load on the electrical system, it will sometimes do it. I will see how it goes with the cardboard shield for the next couple of storms. Maybe that will be the fix.

I am also waiting for my dealer to get back to me with feedback from John Deere. He has a case pending with the techs.

 

[Mark3101]

I suppose it could be that, but even with hardly any load on the electrical system, it will sometimes do it. I will see how it goes with the cardboard shield for the next couple of storms. Maybe that will be the fix.

I am also waiting for my dealer to get back to me with feedback from John Deere. He has a case pending with the techs.

Since I placed a piece of cardboard in the left side screen area of the hood, I have had no more trouble. I have about 4 hours of blowing snow since I installed the cardboard with lots of windy conditions that blow this light fluffy stuff around quite well.

I no longer get the alternator or starter covered with ice. In fact the entire left side is pretty dry compared to before the cardboard shield. I still get icing on the right side FWIW, but it does not seem to bother anything.

My dealer has contacted John Deere, but received no answer from them as yet. They are going to replace the alternator belt when they come out next time to put the air ride seat in. More for piece of mind than anything else.

We are supposed to get more snow this week. If anything changes, I will post an update!