JD 110 TLB Hydraulic Help

   / JD 110 TLB Hydraulic Help #1  

DIGnVT

New member
Joined
Dec 28, 2010
Messages
10
Location
Vermont
Tractor
John Deere 110 TLB
I have a 2004 JD 110 TLB with approximately 1500 hours. Tonight while moving snow, the hydraulics stopped working. The FEL won't lift and the bucket will not curl. There doesn't appear to be any pressure to the backhoe either. The tractor moves forward and back and turns without issue. I checked the hydraulic fluid level and it is at a normal full level. I had been using the tractor for about 15 minutes when the hydraulics stopped working. There were no warning light flashes, and the hydraulic fluid temp was barely registering in the green. Outside air temp is approximately 15 degrees. No broken hoses or major leaks found. Any help with troubleshooting will be greatly appreciated.
 
   / JD 110 TLB Hydraulic Help #2  
Welcome to TBN:D

Try unplugging the hoses that feed the hoe and then reconnect them.
 
   / JD 110 TLB Hydraulic Help #3  
Check the positions of the SCV switches (page 30 and 31 in the manual).

I have had a similar thing when I inadvertently pushed one of these to the wrong position.
 
   / JD 110 TLB Hydraulic Help
  • Thread Starter
#4  
I will check the switches in the morning and see if that is the source of the problem. I appreciate the quick feedback. I will keep you posted
 
   / JD 110 TLB Hydraulic Help
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Cycled the switches this morning and made sure everything was in the proper position. Started the tractor, let it warm up for about 30 minutes and still no luck. Prior to this I have had no issues with the hydraulic system other than the occasional leak caused by a loose connection. Before I call the dealer to come pick it up (I hate the thought of spending money on something I could have fixed) Is there something else I can check or do?
 
   / JD 110 TLB Hydraulic Help
  • Thread Starter
#7  
My apologies. I forgot to mention I did disconnect the backhoe after you suggested it. No change. Still not able to move the FEL or move the bucket.
 
   / JD 110 TLB Hydraulic Help
  • Thread Starter
#8  
The dealer picked the tractor up this morning. Yesterday I finally had time to pull the suction screen. Needless to say my heart sank when I saw the amount of metal in the screen and fluid. I am looking at the upside. I will have a new pump and a complete dealer service/checkup before I start my spring projects. I told the dealer to go through it top to bottom and front to back. I am sure there will more than just the pump that will need replacing or adjusting, but at this point in time it will be worth it. I will let you know the final cost and what was done as soon as I know.
 
   / JD 110 TLB Hydraulic Help #9  
Man, that really sucks! Thanks for letting us know what happened.
 
   / JD 110 TLB Hydraulic Help
  • Thread Starter
#10  
UPDATE:
I now have an expensive law ornament!
Background:
I grew up around heavy equipment (father was in construction) I am currently in the National Guard as a construction engineer, (20 years) and I have owned various tractors over the years. I am not new to heavy equipment.

I bought the JD 110 TLB that is at issue in these posts used. I bought it approximately 2 months ago (Dec 28, 2010) from a private sale. I was looking specifically for the 110. When I became aware of this one, I looked at, operated it, worked all the hydraulics, etc. Noticed minor problems, hose leaks, cylinder seepage, minor issues, nothing that jumped out.

After a few hours of light use around the house, mostly moving snow I noticed that a few of the bolts that run along the frame below the engine and support the front end loader and the front axle were loose. When I tried to tighten them I noticed that they were stripped and would not stay tight. A few on the other side were missing. I tightened all the others and was planning on purchasing new ones to replace the stripped ones. Before I could get the new bolts (I had planned on getting them on Saturday, the hydraulics quit on Friday) See my prior posts on the hydraulics quitting.

I had the local John Deere dealer pick the tractor up. The initial assessment was that something had failed in the pump. When the mechanics were troubleshooting they found that the coupling from the engine to the pump was busted. In looking further they found that the engine was out of alignment. Yesterday they called me to give me an update and said that the cause was that the bolts I had found loose along with many other were missing/broke/stripped/wrong size. There initial assessment was that I was looking at a $7000.00 repair. By the way, I spent $18,000 for the tractor.

I went to the shop this morning on my way into work. What I learned this morning was, after they called me yesterday the mechanics did some additional checking and found that some of the bellhousing and loader attachment points were broken. We are now somewhere in the $10,000 repair range. The mechanic explained to me that the issue has been going on for some time, that someone had attempted to fix the problem by drilling things adding over sized bolts, and other poor fixes. Holes are now elongated, threads gone, parts bent, components broken. If the problem had been properly fixed initially, this would not have happened.

After much hemming and hawing on my part, I gave them the go ahead to fix it. What other course of action was there? Unusable, no trade-in value, unsellable (too ethical for me to patch it up for sale so that someone is stuck like I am).

As much as I cringed at the $10,000 price tag, I was okay (life lessons can be expensive) About 30 minutes ago the dealer called. The transmission case needs to be replaced because of the misalignment damage. I am now looking at a $16,000 repair. I told the dealer to load it up and bring it home. Date and time of funeral to be provided (I have to laugh at this point)

Lessons learned:
Buyer beware. (knew that already, but dang it hurts to be reminded)
Fix it right the first time (I knew that too, but point driven home)
If you own a JD 110 TLB, make sure that the mount bolts are tight (If you are unsure of the bolts I am talking about, let me know and I will send you pictures)

I guess the upside to all of this, Is I still have all my fingers and toes. My wife hasn't left me (wait, I haven't told her yet...) and my dog will be waiting for me when I get home...my luck my German Shepard ran away to be with a a poodle. I will keep looking for an upside.

At this point I think the best I can do is parts out the tractor and try to recoup some of my losses.

Please do not take this posting as a slam against John Deere products. I just thought it might help someone else if they are starting to see loose bolts or are considering purchasing a used JD 110 tlb to make sure to check the bolts they can see and touch.

Work Safe, Play Hard, and Enjoy Everyday to the fullest
 

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