Brand New 2305 - Hydraulic Problem

2305JD · Feb 6, 2006

What a depressing Sunday I had. It finally snowed and I jumped on my shiny new 2305 with FEL to play, I mean clean the driveway.

I was on the tractor for 2 minutes and the Loader stopped working. the bucket would tilt and I could raise the loader but it would not go down. So here I am with the loader fully raised and no way of bringing it down.

Very Upsetting since the trator has 1 hour on it. Some friend stopped by and we were able to puch it up against a tree and dump so oil out of the hose to release some pressure and then switched the hoses around so that at least I could raise the bucket up and down and use it like a scraper blade.

Then after that I went to clean my parents driveway and went to far onto the grass in a soft spot and burried it up to the axle. I could push my self out with the loader because I only had up and down working and no tilt at this point. One of my buddies was passing by with his brand new Duramax Diesel GMC and pulled me out. At least I finally made my decision on tires. I'm going R4's. My turf tires were completly packed with mud yesterday and looked like slicks on a race car.

I have never heard so many Kubota jokes in all my life.

What a Bad Day... It's at the dealer now so I hope to get it back soon, there's more snow.

I'll post the dealers findings on the problem once I know.

Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

johndeere_2210 · Feb 6, 2006

I do feel your pain. One time, I purchased a John Deere 4100 and once I unloaded it off the trailer, killed it, and tried to restart it, it failed to start. As it turned out, the wire from the starter to ground the machine was loose, but for the 1-2 hour of trying to figure it out was gut wrenching.

It won't be long, Spring will arrive and there will be plenty of days to play. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

EasyE · Feb 6, 2006

You are a better man than me, I would have killed something!

JasonMac · Feb 6, 2006

I have a question? When you say 1 hour on the machine, is that 1 hour total on the hourmeter. Or you only put one hour on it since you've had it. Because if there is only 1 hour on the clock, I would be beating my JD Dealer over the head with a wrench.

What I mean to say is this, if there is only 1 hour on the clock, then the JD Dealer in my opinion didn't do his job and check the tractor out at all. There is no excuse for this.

This is why a good dealer will have anywhere between 3-5 hours on the machine breaking it in and testing every function, making sure everything is right before delivery.

I'm sure it's a simple problem, sounds like a bad coupler, I'm guessing.. one of those things that could happen to any tractor no matter make or model.. But I would have been ready to kill!

Dutch445 · Feb 7, 2006

don't get toooo discouraged yet..
it does sound like something simple,
a bad coupler or something. even a coupler
that isn't pushed in all the way tight can do
the same thing.
as far as getting stuck,, well,,, how much experience do you
have on tractors like this? this could be one of your first
lessons in tractorology.. where you should and shouldn't go when it's muddy!
if your tractor went into the mud up to the axle, with the wider turf tires,, then i'm thinking that most any tractor would have done the same thing, although the R-1's may have given you a little better chance of getting out.
there is a lot to learn about where you can and can't go, and most of that stuff will come by doing what you did, mistakes.
it doesn't mean your tractor is bad, although i'm sure the neighbors like to make it sound that way. amazing at how fast people will criticize something when they see a problem.
as far as your tractor goes... you were using the loader for snow removal, what ballast and additional weights did your tractor have? are you using chains on any of the tires? where are you located? i know around here, (central NY) a lot of the ground was not frozen as of last week. makes for a very muddy winter!
let us know how you make out with the dealer and the loader problem.. and good luck in the future!
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

JDFANATIC · Feb 7, 2006

2305jd,

Hope it gets worked out quickly -- I'm betting it is something very minor. Dutch posted a good response too. Ballasting is critical with these size machines. Pay attention to it; it's amazing and scary how quickly they can get upset. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

2305JD · Feb 7, 2006

Dutch445,

I heard from my dealer today and it was a defective coupler. I guess it fell apart inside and the ball was stuck in place locking the oil and not allowing the bucket to come down.

As far as my experience and lessons in tractorology that was not the issue. I have plenty of tractor experience. My homemade balast box is being modified by the JD dealer so that was my first problem. The second problem was that I drowned my sorrows in a liquid lunch on Sunday after seeing my new tractor malfunction. Therefore my judegement was a bit off. If I had my FEl working properly I would have easily been able to push myself out, and I do believe the R4's would have had more bite the turfs. The weight goes without question.

I am located in Soutwestern Ontario across from Detroit Michigan and you are 100% right the ground was not frozen which made it easy to get stuck.

So after I find out my tractor is good the dealer tells me that his truck broke down and he will not be able to bring my 2305 back until Thursday.

Snow is on the way Friday. I cant wait to try this thing out.

Thanks...

2305JD · Feb 7, 2006

JasonMAc,

Yes, the wrench should come out it had 1 hour when I got it and currently has 2 hours.

Luckily, just a defective coupler.

I must say though, I'm not impressed with JD part supply system. I have had the 2305 a my house for 2 weeks and made a deal on this thing over a week ago. I am still waiting for the cruis control and muclh kit for my MMC to arrive so he can get the tractor back and we can finalize our deal. Not that I need a mowing deck now, but I am shocked at how long it takes to get in a couple of parts and finalize this deal.

Oh well, hopefully my dealer fixes his truck and I get my tractor back in a couple fo days.

I just think it's not the best scenario after spending so much money.

thanks,

mario /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

JasonMac · Feb 7, 2006

I had to wait for three different things for my Cab tractor. I was getting a little irrate after waiting and spending all that money. But everything is done now, and we haven't had much snow to speak of. But I also figured brand new model line, and being one of the first guys to have the new model, I had to wait for the upgrades to circulate.... Oh well... I'm happy now.... I'd be more happy if we had a real winter this year though.

JDFANATIC · Feb 7, 2006

Guys,

One thing to remember, is, that for the most part, these tractors are new models (not that I would be any less irate if my bright new green machine had even a single defect). But, things do happen. I'm guessing those initially most disappointed with their machines, in a few short months will be hard-pressed to remember their angst if asked. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

JasonMac · Feb 8, 2006

This is a problem that could have happened on any tractor, no matter brand name, make, model, old series, new series. My point is, why I would be angry is because the dealer didn't do his job. Not with only 1 hour on the clock. We all know by now that tractors should have at least 3 hours on the clock upon delivery. Simple things like this happen, but simple things like this should have been checked out before delivery.

Dutch445 · Feb 8, 2006

I find it hard to believe that their only truck is broke down
and they can't find a way to get you your tractor,, especially if it is going to SNOW!
Don't they have another truck, with maybe a landscape trailer? That could work if they did, your tractor isn't all
that heavy for most twin axle trailers..
Glad it wasn't anything major, we just had a coupler blow lunch on an X585 this week.
I also understand your pain with the delay in getting some of the other attachments in.. we have to deal with that frequently now as Deere is trying to keep inventory down and stocking levels are low for many items, often outside suppliers of parts are the culprit.
Good luck with the tractor in the future!
and now that colder air is coming, the ground may freeze up
a bit before one final thaw!
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

2305JD · Feb 9, 2006

Hi guys,

I stopped by the dealer this morning to see what is going on with my 2305. The cruise control arrived and was installed yesterday but they are having problems with it staying engaged (go figure...). The independent lift kit arrived today and they have the mulch kit, so he promissed that that would be done today. My ballast box has been modified (wasnt there for me to see - I hope it's right). They still have to run me an auxillary power switch to the rear for my JD electric sprayer rigged up on 3 pt hitch. They are going to mount a hook on my FEL bucket. They forgot to order the toolbox. He is waiting for the forward facing light kit. Finally, I have to wait about 1 month for the next 2305 to come in with R4's so he can swap my turfs.

Anyway, now that I got that off my chest does everyone understand why I drowned my sorrows in beer last Sunday.

Okay, the good news is they really are a good dealer and have been around for a long time. Now that most of the parts have arrived (except toolbox, R4's and lights), he thinks they can get everythign wrapped up today.

Hopefully, it will be back home tonight or tommorow morning.

I will post pictures eventually once this little deal is done.

Smile, forcast calls for snow, and I have an FEL that works now....

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

johndeere_2210 · Feb 9, 2006

Hopefully this will all be a funny memory at some point down the road, but I'm confident you will greatly enjoy the 2305 as many do their 2210's. I'm really surprised the dealer don't just order these in with R4's because they are a tiny bit cheaper than turf models.

Can't wait to see some pics /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JohnnyTractor · Feb 12, 2006

I too had some initial problems, and know how pissed a person can get. I agree that the dealers need to work out the machines prior to parking them on the lot. The problem is, most people don't like any hours on the meter, at least that's what my dealer said.

Anyway, glad to see another 2305 in the hood.

JohnnyTractor · Feb 12, 2006

Can you post more information about your pull lawn roller?

2305JD · Feb 12, 2006

Well finally I'm getting somewhere. Got the 2305 back on Friday afternoon. All I need is he R4's and toolbox and the deal is complete.

First thing I noticed is that the tractor had 5.5 hours on it when it returned. They did a few hours of test driving.

I installed the forward lights and rear utility light on the ROPS this weekend. It took some time but I like to take it slow and do things right when doing that kind of stuff.

It's been a crazy weekend and I ran out of time. As soon as I have a chance to wash and wax it I'll post some pics. I really like the way the lights worked out. I used 2 Bosch lights that came off of a Jeep Cherokee (my buddy is a Chrsyler mechanic and had an extra set). I put them on a separate toggle switch so I can kill them when not needed.

Anyway, I'll show detail with pics later.

As for the lawn roller, it's one my father had made 15 years ago. It basically a sheet of steel that was rolled into a circle and they welded sides on. It just pulls like a wagon. I'll post pics.

thanks... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

JohnnyTractor · Feb 18, 2006

I've got to wire some lights, both forward and back facing. Hope to see some of your pictures /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

2305JD · Feb 20, 2006

Hi,

I've been out of town. It's very easy and you dont need to buy any special John Deere parts or wiring harness as the 2305 already has power that's tied to the light switch at the rear of the tractor under the PTO selector.

I actually figured out a way to mount a tool box on the JD2305 as well. I used an electrical weatherproof box (8" x 6" x 4") with a hinged door on it. It's perfect for holding pins, a small wrench, gloves, etc...

I hope to get pics posted tonight or tomorow.

Thanks,

Mario