WHEEL FELL OFF!!!

LilRhody · Mar 6, 2001

Here is the newest problem with my 4100 HST: Just finished clearing the 20+" of snow from my driveway (put 3 hrs. on the machine for a grand total of just under 23 hrs.). Was just cleaning up the banks and felt a wobble. Thought I got a flat on the left rear tire. When I checked it, I found out that 5 out of the 6 wheel lugs came out! The tire was being held on by the last bolt. Found 2 out of the missing 5 bolts within a couple of feet of where I stopped. Was able to tighten the last bolt, but, could not replace the other 2 due to being stripped. The hub looks like it will need to be replaced along with the rim. I think the rim got bent around the loose lugs.
Has this happened to anyone else? I tried to do a search...I'm thinking that the heat from the left rear brake caused the bolts to expand and contract, thus falling out. I thought loc-tite is used on these things. The other wheels seem fine. The dealer better fix this fast; another storm is coming on Friday.

Steve in RI

Wheeldog · Mar 6, 2001

There has been some conversation over on jplan.com about this problem, so you should try a search there. I don't remember the 4100 being mentioned, think it was the 4300 instead. If I remember right, it is always the left-rear wheel that is affected.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 6, 2001

First, I'd take a moment and thank the man upstairs...

Now check your manual and with a torque wrench, check the other wheel fasteners along with any "dealer" installed devices such as FEL and mid-mower mounts for proper spec's.

If you find other fasteners out of spec, it would lead me to believe the dealer prep was improper.

But now it's your job to do the pm on your machine. Make it a habit to check the "nuts & bolts" every 50 hours, just like you will do the scheduled greasing and oil & filter changes, etc.

Again, you're a fortunate man. I don't think you'll have any problem with your dealer "correcting" this near disaster.

LilRhody · Mar 6, 2001

WheelDog....Thanks for the info (I did not know of the JPLAN.com site). You were right; it did refer to 4300 series, but, further reading revealed that it may be a problem with the whole 4000 series.
For the record...I did thank the 'Man Upstairs' that it turned out the way it did.

Steve in RI

Thomas · Mar 7, 2001

Steve,
OUCH sorry to read that!!
Loc-tite on on rim bolts..I haven't heard of a dealer doing that yet.

By the sounds the rim wasn't place on just right before it was tighten,but to have all 5 bolts fall out I'm puzzle.
I do hope your dealer checks the other 3 rims etc..also makes repairs before Friday noonish.

I got in the habit of doing a walk {checks} around before and after useing a tractor..yep kick the tires and than. light the fire.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Branch · Mar 7, 2001

Although I've not had this happen to me, I'd read about it in posts some time ago. I asked my dealer about the problem and he said that JD had had a problem with the face of the hub not being machined squarely on some axels causing the wheels to work loose.
My book says that with a new tractor, or after changing wheels :
After driving tractor about 100m (109 yards), and before placing it under load, retighten hardware to specified torque (114 ft-lbs)
Check hardware after operating tractor for 3 hours and again after 10 hours.

I painted lines across the lug nuts and on to the rims after tightening them. Now as the tractor is warming up, I walk around it looking at all the lug nut lines making sure they line up with the line on the rim.
My lug nuts did loosen up a little for the first 10 to 20 hours but have never budged since then.
Branch

Anonymous Poster · Mar 7, 2001

Steve,
I just talked to my JD dealer and he seemed very surprised about the wheel bolt problems (also mentioned Jplan threads). He's been a pretty straight shooter with me. He said they have a number of 4000 series units in stock and he was going to have his men check their inventory for torque settings.

He said back in the remarked Yanmars, X55 series, when they were crated and "dealer" installed wheels, they had periodic problems. Now the 4000 series units come from JD warehouse with all wheels mounted. These are not dealer installed items anymore.

I wasn't trying to be "smart" with you, about you checking the torque on the remaining wheel fasteners. I meant you can "depend" on yourself to do something right and not take the word of the factory or dealer.

I don't blame you one bit to be po'd over this. It's very odd everyone is saying the same thing... "left rear wheel" and all these JD dealers don't know anything. They either all belong to the same club, or they are truly telling the truth...and JD factory keeps all these "problems" in-house until they decide to address these issues... very strange way to do business.

LilRhody · Mar 8, 2001

My dealer picked up the 4100 this afternoon. Spoke with the manager at 4:00 pm who told me that it appears the bolts "just came loose". He rethreaded the hub and placed new bolts in. Does not appear that any long term damage took place. When I asked about similar things with 4300 series, one of the mechanics said "only with the Gators" had he heard of a wheel loosing all of its bolts. I am looking at this as a learning experience. I plan on marking the bolts and rims for a quick visual.
P.S. Thomas, I do make a pre/post inspection of my tractor when I wipe it down and during warm-up. This really perplexes me that it happened after 3+ hours of moving snow. Oh Well...No Blood...No Foul

Steve in RI

Thomas · Mar 8, 2001

Steve,
Glad there was a good ending for you.

Looks like folks are going to get some heavy wet snow starting Friday than rain to follow w/warm temps.

So you to wipe your tractor down after use even in the winter. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif