Dk45 low transmission power

[Neosastan]

My dk45 only has 357 hours. Today I had no power from the transmission. It struggled to go up a small grade in the road in medium. The engine runs great and the hydrostatic oil is at the correct level. Any thing else I should look for? I love this tractor, this is the first problem I've had with it.
Thanks in advance...

 

[grsthegreat]

My dk45 only has 357 hours. Today I had no power from the transmission. It struggled to go up a small grade in the road in medium. The engine runs great and the hydrostatic oil is at the correct level. Any thing else I should look for? I love this tractor, this is the first problem I've had with it.
Thanks in advance...

were you in high range (if its an HST) or was engine cold?

 

[Neosastan]

I was in medium range 2. I'm always able to go in high 3 on this drive. It is not a hydrostat drive.

 

[DK35vince]

Sounds like your clutch is slipping.

 

[VictorW]

I'd have to agree with Vince. If the engine is running fine, not lugging down, and you're just not going to well, the clutch might be slipping. If the engine was working hard to try and keep you going, then maybe the brakes are dragging or your remote lever is in the on position laboring the hydro pump. Maybe a few more particulars and we can help with narrowing down what to possibly look at.

 

[Neosastan]

It almost feels like the brakes are dragging. I thought about the clutch, but it seems like it "just" happened. I will check everything again in the morning. how would I check the brakes? Would I have to split the tractor to replace the clutch? I never did anything like that before.

 

[BTI]

Make sure you didn't trip the hydraulic remote lever.
The hydraulics deadheading will suck the power down too.

BTI

 

[IndyIan]

Brakes sticking perhaps? Maybe try each one individually to see. I guess also the govenor might be sticking and not adding more fuel as the rpms drop?

 

[BTI]

Check fuel filter for contamination also.

BTI

 

[robarosa]

On my Cub Cadet DK45, the axillary rear remote lever would stick either up or down when my leg bumped it and caused something like this. Found later the cotter pin was bent on the lever/control valve. Mine started around the 300 hour mark.

Hope this helps.

 

[grsthegreat]

well, i had my remote lever stice once (before i installed a loop of hose) and it wouldnt even allow the engine to start,,,.. it just deadheaded the entire thing

 

[LaVoie Equipment]

What ended up being wrong with your tractor? Did you check the clutch as previously advised? Make sure you have free play in clutch pedal.

Tony

 

[Neosastan]

I cannot find anything out of the ordinary...
1. My remote lever is fine.
2. My clutch engages as normal.
3. I'm not sure how to check if I have a sticking brake.
4. Fluids are good.


How big a job is it to put a clutch in?

 

[VictorW]

It's hard to believe the clutch is gone already and yes, you have to split the tractor to install a new one. Pretty big job. I guess the easiest way to check the brakes would be to have the tractor moving (fast walk pace is fine) and press down each pedal separately. Watch you don't make a fast turn if you hit it really hard. The tractor should show a noticeable difference of slowing down if it's working and try to turn the tractor if you press hard enough. You could jack up the back and try to turn the wheels by hand. Mine are stiff to turn because of turning the gears etc., but they will turn. If the brake is locked up enough to bog the engine, then you won't move it by hand. Did you check the air and fuel filter as others suggested?

 

[DK35vince]

To check if the brakes are sticking, park on a slight incline.
Push in the clutch or put the transmission in neutral.
If the tractor coasts down the hill normally the brakes are not sticking.
If the tractor stays sitting there or drags hard like the parking brake is on = stuck brakes

 

[BTI]

Does the engine bog down when climbing the hill? If so it's unlikely to be the clutch.

BTI

 

[Coyote machine]

Try not to assume it is anything in particular until you are certain of the cause and effect.
If you want to rule out the clutch put the tractor in a higher gear and apply the brakes while letting the clutch out. If the tractor stalls out then the clutch is not slipping; whereas if it does not stall then there could be a slipping clutch due to a leaking rear seal or something like a glazed clutch disk due to improper release of pressure on the disk when in use.

 

[Lloyd_E]

I was in medium range 2. I'm always able to go in high 3 on this drive. It is not a hydrostat drive.

Is it a shuttle shift or hydrostatic tractor?

 

[LaVoie Equipment]

I cannot find anything out of the ordinary...
1. My remote lever is fine.
2. My clutch engages as normal.
3. I'm not sure how to check if I have a sticking brake.
4. Fluids are good.

How big a job is it to put a clutch in?

The clutch job is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Cab tractors are tough because of ac and heat and most important removal of cab. Rops tractors quick and easy.

To check brakes, chock wheels so as not to let tractor roll over you. Remove brake linkage under tractor. Take channel lock pliers and grab lever attached to brake. If you can move it, brakes are free. If you cannot they are stuck. Two fixes. Hardest is to pull tractor brakes out and fix. Easiest and can be done - spray lever with favorite penetrating lube. Work until levers free up. This does happen on occasion and will typically resolve itself with a couple of lubrications. No there is no grease fitting on this.

Call me if you need more help.

Tony

 

[Coyote machine]

Is it a shuttle shift or hydrostatic tractor?

Hey Lloyd, maybe you missed it- the quote you quote from the OP states it is NOT a hydrostat trans?!

Hello OP, what's the status on the clutch test?