Uncle's JD 4230

[bindian]

My son and I are leaving Oct. 6th to get the John Deere. I am excited, a road trip with just my son!

 

[bindian]

We got to the farm yesterday morning. Got everything ready to pump of the tires. 4 pages of checklist of tools to take and I didn't try running my compressor with the borrowed generator. 3300 watt Honda inverter generator didn't do the job. The inverter light would pop on on startup and the compressor never got to full rpm before shutting off. So I lubed the front end and tried to turn the steering wheel, only to have the wheel spin like a roulette wheel. So, I gather steering is not direct linkages and only hydraulic powered. My Mahindra has power steering, but I can turn the wheels with no steering pressure. Am I correct about all hyd. steering? How can you turn the tires without the engine running besides kicking the tires?
I'll have to get my diesel generator running and try the powering the air compressor and plan a trip back next spring, cause my son is out of vacation time to help me at this time.

 

[Gord Baker]

Jack it up on Blocks. Take an Air Pig. Small compressor will take longer but will work.

 

[LouNY]

When the hydraulics are in good shape and have been used in a recent time the hydraulic steering will work with quite a bit of effort. Also a gravity feed bucket to the inlet of the steering motor can often get it to work.

 

[bindian]

It hasn't ran in 13 years and I wasn't planning on trying to get it running. Just get air in the tires and winch it onto the trailer. I am only trying to clarify how the steering works, so I can figure out a work around it not running.

 

[Tx Jim]

Is this 4230 below or above serial # 019,559? If above that serial # it has metering pump steering that doesn't function very well unless engine is operating. Your statement that wheel spins similar to roulette wheel indicates this 4230 has metering pump steering. All 4230's have only hydraulically controlled steering with no mechanical linkage. Before moving tractor very far be sure to put transmission gear selector in "tow position".

 

[bindian]

Jim,
I was so frustrated with the air compressor not getting the power it needed, I forgot to get the serial number. Going to my JD dealer today to see if they might have records of my Uncle's initial and parts purchases. Otherwise, I'll have to wait until my cousin drives 45 minutes to the farm for the number.
Saw a Youtube video on metering valve rebuild last night and it fits (in my mind) what we have. I always thought she was non power steering, as no cylinder was behind the front axle. But the steering arm hanging down in from of the hyd. pump keyed my thoughts to all hyd. steering.

 

[pmsmechanic]

It hasn't ran in 13 years and I wasn't planning on trying to get it running. Just get air in the tires and winch it onto the trailer. I am only trying to clarify how the steering works, so I can figure out a work around it not running.

A long bar between the front tire and the spindle will give you enough leverage to turn the steering to where you want ir. Especially if your winching at the same time.

 

[Tx Jim]

Jim,
I was so frustrated with the air compressor not getting the power it needed, I forgot to get the serial number. Going to my JD dealer today to see if they might have records of my Uncle's initial and parts purchases. Otherwise, I'll have to wait until my cousin drives 45 minutes to the farm for the number.
Saw a Youtube video on metering valve rebuild last night and it fits (in my mind) what we have. I always thought she was non power steering, as no cylinder was behind the front axle. But the steering arm hanging down in from of the hyd. pump keyed my thoughts to all hyd. steering.

4230 will have a hyd steering motor under fuel tank similar to the following link no matter what the serial # is. https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/8899/referrer/navigation/pgId/111377

 

[Tx Jim]

A long bar between the front tire and the spindle will give you enough leverage to turn the steering to where you want ir. Especially if your winching at the same time.

DITTO I used a long bar to guide front tires when loading a non operating tractor on a trailer several times while employed at JD dealership.

 

[bindian]

Thanks, Y'all!

 

[wilso]

We got to the farm yesterday morning. Got everything ready to pump of the tires. 4 pages of checklist of tools to take and I didn't try running my compressor with the borrowed generator. 3300 watt Honda inverter generator didn't do the job. The inverter light would pop on on startup and the compressor never got to full rpm before shutting off. So I lubed the front end and tried to turn the steering wheel, only to have the wheel spin like a roulette wheel. So, I gather steering is not direct linkages and only hydraulic powered. My Mahindra has power steering, but I can turn the wheels with no steering pressure. Am I correct about all hyd. steering? How can you turn the tires without the engine running besides kicking the tires?
I'll have to get my diesel generator running and try the powering the air compressor and plan a trip back next spring, cause my son is out of vacation time to help me at this time.

Sounds like a tough trip. Been there with unexpected tool issues. I’ve used a Central Pneumatic compressor before, and while it’s decent for basic stuff, it can be pretty picky with power sources, especially if the generator doesn’t deliver clean or consistent output. You're right about the hydraulic steering — many tractors, especially newer ones, rely fully on hydraulic pressure, so without the engine (or a power source), the wheels won’t budge unless you manually force them. Good luck getting that diesel generator going for the next round.

 

[LouNY]

Sounds like a tough trip. Been there with unexpected tool issues. I’ve used a Central Pneumatic compressor before, and while it’s decent for basic stuff, it can be pretty picky with power sources, especially if the generator doesn’t deliver clean or consistent output. You're right about the hydraulic steering — many tractors, especially newer ones, rely fully on hydraulic pressure, so without the engine (or a power source), the wheels won’t budge unless you manually force them. Good luck getting that diesel generator going for the next round.

I have seen and run many tractors with "full hydraulic" steering. If the orbitol steering motor/pump is in decent shape the front wheels can be turned while the tractor is moving, rolling or being towed.

 

[bindian]

Sounds like a tough trip. Been there with unexpected tool issues. I’ve used a Central Pneumatic compressor before, and while it’s decent for basic stuff, it can be pretty picky with power sources, especially if the generator doesn’t deliver clean or consistent output. You're right about the hydraulic steering — many tractors, especially newer ones, rely fully on hydraulic pressure, so without the engine (or a power source), the wheels won’t budge unless you manually force them. Good luck getting that diesel generator going for the next round.

My son and I took the recoil starter off and turned the engine over by hand. That freed the compression lever. Tried starting and compression kicked in too soon and almost ripped my arm off. The rope is about 6 foot of pull. Took the valve cover off and the cam on the compression release lever looked worn, so I ordered a new one.