DK40se 4wd problem and solution

[IslandTractor]

I was grappling brush earlier this week and driving through partially cleared land when I noticed my 4WD was not working. I'd been using 4WD all afternoon as I was "bulldozing" and grappling bushes and suddenly I noted that I was spinning rear wheels but not the front wheels. The 4WD switch and dash showed "on". (For those of you unfamiliar with the new DKse models, both the PTO and 4WD are electrically operated).

I called the dealer and spoke with a mechanic who talked me through some electrical checks at the switch itself and at the soloniod for the 4WD. All checked out OK so he though there was a problem with the wiring harness. I started to trace that under the tractor and came across a connector that had been knocked loose, presumably by the brush I had driven over. Reconnected it and everything works fine. The connector was under the operator platform just next to the step on the left side. There is quite a lot of wiring right there.

Although it is a good 18 inches or more off the ground and tucked into the operator station pan, I think the wiring is a bit more exposed than I am happy with considering the type of land clearing I spend most of my time doing. The wiring is not at risk of being hit by a stump or rock up there but flexible brush can be knocked down by the FEL and then spring back into that area. I will make up a protective plate this winter to give it additional protection from brush.

Photos show area under the operator station with wiring and various connectors.

 

[mark.r]

Good to know as I assume the 45SE is the same. Which plug is actually the one that came loose?

 

[IslandTractor]

Good to know as I assume the 45SE is the same. Which plug is actually the one that came loose?

Outboard and to the rear of the cluster.

 

[northcreek2624]

A protective plate will certainly help but, you would think that the factory could have found a more protected spot to put all that delicate wiring.
A few years ago we rented some heavy equipment to construct a motocross track, the renter said we could use it as we saw fit.Days later he stopped by and saw me clearing brush and pulled his stuff off of the project.
Seems that brush clearing is notorious for pulling off wiring and hydraulic lines and those in the business would rather stay away from it....Mike.

PS I still do it though.

 

[IslandTractor]

A protective plate will certainly help but, you would think that the factory could have found a more protected spot to put all that delicate wiring.

It is actually a pretty protected spot given the need to somehow route wiring from the front to the rear of the tractor. The only more protected spot would be above the transmission and that would be very cramped for access. I don't think you could hit the wiring with anything other than flexible brush as the motor, axles, BH mount, operator station step and various other hunks of metal do surround this area. Still, a one inch thick and 2ft long remains of a sapling can pretty easily snap back after being knocked down by the FEL and scrape against this area. I don't think it will require a very substantial "skid plate" to protect the area better so I'll see what I can do and will post better before and after photos when I get around to it.

 

[PA hayseed]

send a template to kioti, so I can get a free upgrade later on. I have no welding skills. Although I am beginning to believe I need to learn.

 

[IslandTractor]

I wasn't planning on welding. Just cutting a piece of sheet metal and then doing a little bending to make tabs to bolt it in place. It might be an excuse to get a plasma cutter though.