Whining/howling 40D

[Anonymous Poster]

I've never had a hydrostatic transmission before so maybe I'm just overly sensative to this but, my new tractor makes a whining/howling noise when in motion. It's not like something is being torn up, or wearing terribly, its just a very annoying noise that seems to come from the drivetrain. The minute I put it in range I or II, and push on the hydro pedals, it starts. The harder I push, the more noticeable it is. The higher the range, the more noticeable. In I and turtle, it's barely noticeable, in II and rabbit, it most noticeable and varies accordingly in between. The noise changes pitch slightly based on engine speed and it doesn't do it at all if the tractor is just standing still. It seems to quiet down a little above 2300 rpm. It also gets louder based on the load. Going level its fairly noticeable - going up a hill it's more and going down it significantly less.

Is this sound familiar? Does your 35D, 40D or 45D do this? Have you found it annoying but liveable? I've only had the 40D for a couple of weeks. Before that I had a 1720 with 12x12 shuttle that didn't make anything similar. It's been somewhat cold here in Michigan, but not below normal. Mostly I've been operating the tractor in the 20-30 degree F range so far. I would greatly appreciate hearing about any similar experiences, before I pursue this further with my dealer.

 

[dieselpwr]

Djradz

Yup its just the hydro noise. I came from owning a John Deere with the syncro range tranny which also was silent before getting my NH with the hydro. The noise took a little getting used to at first, but now I really don't notice it all that much. The ease & efficiency of operation more than makes up for it. Another up side is that its another thing you can listen to besides the sound of the engine to guage how hard your pulling your machine.

Troy

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I am a relatively new TC25D owner and had the same noise. I found it to be coming from the drive train near the front. There is a rubber boot that covers the u joint. The drive shaft just in front of this boot has a grease zerk. If you apply grease here, the noise will go away. At least it did in my case. Two minutes and you're on your way.

 

[JohnT]

I've got a TC45D with about 90 hours on it. When I first go it I also experinced the "noise." However, now there is no noticeable noise.

JT

 

[RobertN]

I get that on my B8200 Kubota too. It comes and goes though, which bothers me... Definitely seems to be a Hydro thing, and appears in all the brands.

RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif

 

[Bird]

It seems to me that my B2710 has more howl or whine than my B7100 did, but I won't swear it's not my imagination.

Bird

 

[gandalf]

I have a new TC40D Boomer and have over 150 hours of use since I bought it. The noise you hear is the Hydrostat and the HYD fluid flowing thru it. It is normal. The drive train must be greased periodically and some owners have said that some of the noise goes away when lubed. When the HYD fluid is cold it makes more noise than when warm. Check all of your fluid levels because there are several different places that have dip sticks. I also recommend using the block heater, if you have the option, since it makes the tractor start much easier and warm up sooner. I have had no problems at all with my tractor and I've used and abused it almost everyday, however, I am meticulous about maintenance and do it all myself. You made a good decision- enjoy your tractor! Sam /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

"I love the smell of diesel in the morning."
Cummins powered 24V Dodge Rams rule!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Thanks for the replies. I too have noticed that when it was warmer, (not that it gets all that warm here in Michigan in February) that the noice decreased. Next Question: Has anyone switched to the synthetic NH hydro fluid and noticed any difference?

 

[JohnT]

Does NH make a synthetic hydro fluid?????

 

[Bird]

I've long been skeptical where the synthetic oils are concerned. I think they're good, but have always doubted that they are worth what they cost. However, UPS delivered me a bucket of Amsoil this evening, so if nothing else too important comes up, I'll try to change the hydraulic oil and filter on my B2710 tomorrow and see if I can tell any difference.

Bird

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Is the Amsoil synthetic? I think they make both, but I'm not sure. I'll be curious to here your results.

 

[Bird]

Amsoil makes a wide variety of products, but yes, the synthetic ATH hydraulic oil is what I put in yesterday. But I don't know when I'll learn the results. This weather is not cooperating at all this year. It's just staying wet, raining again this morning when everything is already saturated, and 100% humidity. It's really weird. The tractor has not been out of the shop building in several days, but the frame, axles, and tires were dripping a puddle of water in the floor yesterday while I was changing the oil, just from the humidity and condensation. Everything is greening up, I need to get the garden planted, and already need to mow the yard. Whenever it dries up the tractor will definitely get a workout and we'll see how it does.

Bird