JD 4700 strange hyd leak

[Kevin H]

Hi Everyone

Not sure how this site works as I am a newbie. I posted this on the main forum page and then saw the JD specific forum and thought I would post it here.

I inherited a 2001, 4700 4X4 with loader and Hydro transmission. It has approximately 3,500hrs on it. My Uncle owned it from new and took extremely good care of it. All maintenances done, minor problems fixed right away including fuel solenoids that burnt out on a regular basis.

My problem is the starter went on it (grinding sound). I replaced the starter and all is good but I did notice that the flywheel area inside was soaked with hyd oil. Now on the right hand side of the tractor, half way up the bell housing hyd oil is leaking. I cannot see from exactly where but it is dripping down the side and the side of bell house is soaked and small puddle of oil on the shop floor forms when parked. After is sits for a couple of days, It starts up is fine and I go to move forward, it squeals for about 5-10 sec (sounds like it is coming from the front of the tractor) and then it runs perfectly fine.

What could this possibly be? I didn't think there was anything in there but a dry fly wheel.

Is it a difficult and or expensive repair?

Would you bother fixing the tractor or just scrap it?

With 3,500 hrs on it how much life could be left in it. Not sure if it is worth it. It runs great other than the leak and bit of squealing.

Any help and advise you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Kevin

 

[Tx Jim]

Welcome to TBN
I think tractor should be worth repairing. Sounds as if rear engine seal or trans input shaft seal is leaking which will require a tractor split to correct BUT oil in clutch housing may be normal on hydro-trans. Can you determine if oil in question is from engine or hyd system?

 

[Zebrafive]

I too would fix it, or have it fixed. Since you inherited it, you should be willing to put some $$$ into it. It's not like you have too much money in it, so you should scrap it.
If you do want to scrap it, post your location and price.

 

[Kevin H]

Hi Everyone

Thank you for the reply and welcome.

It is hydraulic oil for sure as it is clear oil and not black.

I was not sure what the value of the unit was and if 3500 hrs was a lot of hours on the unit and the start of major stuff going wrong with it. I do not want to start throwing money into a money pit is all.

Any ballpark on hours to split it?

Has anyone done a similiar repair to one of their's.

Is this common for this tractor with that many hours on it?

Like I said, I am a newbie and this is all new to me.

Thanks again for the help.

Kevin

 

[texasranger556]

If you don't have a cab or any subframes to deal with (backhoe, aftermarket loader, etc), then splitting isn't terrible but does take time and patience. Basically have to drain the transmission, disconnect all linkages, electrical, hydraulics, mfwd drive shaft, remove the floor pan and whatever covers are in the way. Put wedges between the frame and front axle so it can't flop to the side once unbolted from the back half. Unbolt. I usually stabilize the front with a bottle jack in the center, then a floor jack under the back half and roll the back away from the front. Push against the tall back tires, gives you extra leverage. Usually have to rock back and forth a little. You can roll the front away from the back too, personal preference really.

If you know what you're doing can probably go apart and back together same day, but first time allow a couple days. Make sure to bag and tag the bolts to make re-assembly easier, especially if it sits apart for any length of time.