Hydraulic Noise in 4120

Willie71 · Nov 11, 2008

First let me say thanks to all the replies I have received when first posting about my tractor - I really love the size & power it has. The local JD dealer did correct the problem I had with the loader not being level - replaced both mounting brackets - still not right - evidently there was some play to readjust the bolts in the frame member that runs from the front weight bracket mount to the rear mast.

While the tractor was there I had the service manager listen to the noise the tractor makes when you shift from Neutral to Forward or Reverse with the power reverser - the noise is constant when the shifter is in either direction. It does not matter is the tractor is sitting still or moving still a constant whining noise - move the power reverser to neutral stops instantly. Service manager says it is ok don't worry- I have never had a power reverser transmission - I purchased the tractor used - it is supposed to be covered bumper to bumper until 3/09 and then an additional year on the powertrain.

IS THIS NOISE NORMAL OR AM I HAVING A PROBLEM I NEED TO FIX BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES.

Thanks in advance for your help.

W.

AKfish · Nov 12, 2008

I wouldn't be worried about the noise - especially given that the service manager has already given you a green light!

You've got plenty of warranty left. The transmission is part of the powertrain, so if I understand your post; you should be covered thru March/2010.

If you don't have any other problems with the operation of the tranny; i.e. hard shifting, pops out of gear, smells hot, gears grind all the time when shifting, etc. that justify being concerned --

Then, I'd recommend that you plunk yourself in the seat and enjoy the heck out of it!

AKfish

rperk · Mar 19, 2012

First off hello, new member here. Second, I know this is an old thread, but I had to tell you what I found with my 4120 making the same noise. We took the tractor in for a hydraulic leak on the loader. When we got it home it was making the whining noise when in forward and reverse, especially when turning the steering wheel. I changed the spin on suction filter and the noise went away (105 hrs). This year when I got on it (140 hrs) it was doing it again. I thought was just cause it was pretty cool out and ran the tractor for several hrs to get the fluid good and hot, same noise. I drained all the hyd. fluid out and pulled the suction elbow and screen out and it was clean as can be. Sent my wife to the J.D. dealer to pick up a spin on hyd. filter and hyd fluid for a J.D. 4120 2008 model. I changed the spin on suction filter again (I think book says 400 hrs) and put the required amount of fluid in. I started the tractor and same dadgum noise. My wife seeing how frustrated I was got to looking at the older container I had and said,"why does that one say low viscosity on it and the new ones don't?" Well turns out the dealer give me the wrong fluid, and basically told me after talking to his mechanic that fluid would not hurt anything. I told him my theory that it was too thick and was'nt flowing through the filter good and causing some cavitation or something at the pump. I asked him to refund me for the wrong fluid and he again told me it would be fine not to worry their had been lots of complaints of noise in the steering. Then I asked him if he would give me a deal on 10 more gal. of hyd. fluid, he gave it to me for $10 less per 5 gal bucket. GREAT DEAL! I put in the new low vis. fluid and noise is gone, it even says low vis. in the manual. So I'm wondering how many of these noise complaints were from the dealer putting the wrong fluid in them on repairs or selling people the wrong fluid and them not noticing. Seems like all the dealerships around here are braindead! Oh, the Chevrolet dealer, but that's another forum. Long story short, use low viscosity in 4000 series tractors and don't let the dealer tell you different. Way I see it J.D. owes me $140 plus labor plus two filters that did'nt need to be changed. So throw away the steering compartment insulation. HERE'S YOUR SERVICE BULLETIN JOHN DEERE!

rperk · Apr 12, 2012

:anyone:

AKfish · Apr 13, 2012

Welcome to TBN, rperk. Glad to hear that changing the hyd fluid to Lo-Vis solved your noise problems. That's a cheap and easy fix! :thumbsup:

Gotta ask, though. Did you also pull the sump filter and clean it? That's one - very important - item in the 400 hour transmission service along with the fluid replacement and a new spin-on filter.

My JD110TLB has the eHydro transmission, too. Really like working the tractor with the eHydro. But, it's always "talking" too.. it's got a low whine that varies with pedal pressure and throttle setting. Just does. Not serious. And I've ALWAYS used Lo-Vis. Have to up here - even that stuff gets thick at -35F!

And, my 110 has always had a power steering "chirp" and a slight pulse that will cause the front wheels to slightly jump. Kinda annoying.. and probably related to a machining defect in the steering valve. 1,000 hours now on the tractor and it's never quit working or even leaked - just makes noise! I guess I'll keep using the tractor until the valve quits and then replace it.

I'll bet I replaced the (2) spin on filters on the 110 at least 3 times in the first 250 hours because of that steering pump noise. Of course, I changed both spin-ons AND the sump filter and hyd oil at 400 hours, too. Everything is still "talking" to me as I work, though. The tranny and the steering... oh, well; still works just fine.

AKfish

rperk · May 3, 2012

AKfish said:
Gotta ask, though. Did you also pull the sump filter and clean it? That's one - very important - item in the 400 hour transmission service along with the fluid replacement and a new spin-on filter.

AKfish

Sorry, I have not been on here in a while, due to two kids playing t-ball and baseball. Yes, I did pull the sump screen and nothing was in it. I have put about 10 more hours on the tractor, I,m just now approaching 140 hrs, and no more issues or noise. I bet it does really give problems with those cold AK temps. They need to come out with some super low vis for you guys.

dtrimble · Jul 7, 2012

Hello, I'm a new member also and have a question on your old thread about the hydraulic's. I have the JD 4120 pwr rev with 117 hr's and I too am having the noise but also having a shutter or hesitation in the function of the bucket, grapple etc. Does anyone know if deere puts the reg hy-gard or the low vis hy-gard at the factory? Wondering if I have the same issue. Have'nt done anything yet accept check the fluid level. Thank's to all in advance!
dtrimble

rperk · Jul 11, 2012

I would just pull the suction elbow and check the screen, then change the spin on filter. If that does'nt fix it then get some low vis fluid and change it to make sure. I would'nt worry about checking the strainer or changing the spin on filter again if you have to go as far as changing the fluid, until it's due again.