Well, that didnt take long - new 2038R with 32 hours on it.
Put it in H/was driving down to the neighbors on asphalt to move some decorative rock for our subdivision sign landscaping. Got about half way down the hill, appx 1/4 mile from his place to mine.
In 2wd with loader and deck on tractor. Something failed internally in drive line. I am guessing it was the front end but not sure.
Basically from WOT pedal mashed in H to an abrupt stop like a roller coaster at the end of the ride, sounds include high pitched whine and then a loud pop. That was the drive shaft breaking from the transmission to the front end. Thankfully I was wearing my seat belt as i think it would have likely shot me over the hood like a catapult.
It popped the hydro into N and started to freewheel so i braked of course, reduced engine speed and listened for noises. Nothing strange so went on down the hill to move the rocks. Its wet and to keep from tearing up the neighbors yard anymore than I needed I put it in 4wd, it did not work. We have BIG storms coming in so we got the gravel/landscaping done and i came home and put in the barn at dark. I got up Sat Morn and checked and the drive shaft was bent into a curve laying on top of the mower deck. One end that bolts onto a shaft not sure if its the out put of the trannie i didnt pay attention when i removed the shaft - about a 3/4" small shaft is twisted in two. Also the other end it blew out the U joint.
Its always been very difficult to get into 4wd i just attributed that to new gears and tightness. I also noticed its difficult to get the differential lock to work as well. You have to go fwd/rev to get it to mesh in as well. Who knows........just lucky i guess and thank god for seat belts.
So it made no noises and worked ok until i decided to mow last night. I turned on deck and grind/howl turned off quick. When the drive shaft slammed downward and bent it crushed pulleys/brackets on the mower deck. Yeowza what a deal.
Deere is going to come get it thursday. My wife and I had to push mow 1.5 acres yest wow that was quite a joy. Im too old for that !!! Trying to get parts for an older deere rider my kids have and get it going to use until the 2038R is fixed.
I guess i am just lucky to have such odd things happen. They already had to replace the noisy gearbox on the 72 quick connect belly mower I hope this is the last of the gremlins.
I didnt see anything on the internet regarding anything like this so guessing its a rare/odd thing. I always seem to get that type of stuff vs something common.
