Heads up - 4x4 Lock Springs

jwhite · Apr 7, 2003

It is VERY easy to knock off the low hanging springs on the 4x4 lock cable on the TC33D. Look straight down from the dipstick and you will see a bracket that has two springs connected to it: a large, heavy spring (1" diameter, 5" long, maybe 14 ga) and a small, light spring (1/2" diameter, 8" long, maybe 20 ga). I popped mine off on a dirt hump (box blade load) I was backing over.

Saw them laying on the dirt pile. There is VERY little "hook" to the ends of these springs and no protection for them. I am going to put a safety lanyard though them so I don't loose them in the woods somewhere.

Jay

MODiesel · Apr 7, 2003

Interesting...

I've had my TC29D in a few very messy spots where the front axle even buried in the mud. In all cases, I've yet to have the springs pop off or even disengage the FWD. This is with a SuperSteer-equipped unit. I'll look tonight at my springs to see how well they "hook." No matter what, this is a good "heads up!"

Later,
Jay

bnixon · Apr 9, 2003

jwhite,

Thanks for the heads up on this. I will take a look at mine tonight as well.

thanks again,

jwhite · Apr 9, 2003

A little more information. The large spring is totally slack when the 4x4 lever is NOT locked (Senitrac position). You can just take it on and off with ease then by hand, no tools. It can easily be knocked off if something catches under the tractor when backing up over at an angle.

Jay

thcri · Apr 9, 2003

Ok guys, I have a question,

My TC29D when I put it in 4 wheel drive it seems like there is a lot of pressure on the linkage. Very rubbery??, when I engage it and if I don't engage all the way and lock it will fly back. When I go to take it out it will fly back and actually hurt your hand if it gets in the way. Is this normal or is there some adjustment I need to do.

murph

jwhite · Apr 10, 2003

I would make sure both springs are still there first. If they are there is a cable adjustment down there toward the dash from the springs but in line with the springs. THe cable housing could be adjusted there. I am not sure of the proper adjustement tension though. You may need to look in a factory shop manual for the correct procedure.

Jay

Boomer33 · Apr 13, 2003

Jay: Thanks for posting this "heads up". I should have done it before you! My apologies to this board for not sharing my findings. I have "lost" this spring three (3) times and found it twice! I had to go to my NH Dealer to order a replacement. So, I ordered two. They were $4 & change for each. The good news is the replacements that NH sells has soo much "hook" to the springs, that you have to file away some of it in order to reattach them! I assure you that once you buy a NH replacement, you will never loose another. The original springs are prone to falling off when not under tension. They should have given the replacements to me! I have an extra if anyone is in need. I also suspect that newer tractors woun't have the same problem since Nh is aware of there mistake! Thanks to all on this board for providing the best in information sharing on these great machines, Arthur

bnixon · Apr 14, 2003

Jay,

I looked under my TC33D and didn't see the springs you described. Do you have any pictures?

Were are they located. The only springs that I saw were under the left floor pan and didn't appear to have anything to do with the 4X4 lock?

Thanks for the feedback. I am really curious if I could have the same problem? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

jwhite · Apr 14, 2003

I haven't taken a picture. Go to the side with the Oil dipstick. Look down and forward about a foot. It is just behind the front axle on the "passenger" side. You will see the bracket and springs. It is almost the lowest thing on the tractor between the wheels. Mine is a TC33D Hydro with Supersteer. I doubt it would be on a non-hydro, but am not sure.

Jay

jwhite · Apr 15, 2003

Dang it, I just lost the spring today - didn't get to wiring it on in time. Boomer23, do you have that part number handy? I will buy a couple of them.

Jay