John Deere 4100 Brakes Locked?

[pastorjeep]

I have just purchased a 4100 from a estate sale and know nothing about it. The engine starts quickly and runs smoothly while the hydraulic lift works well but doesn't hold in the up position long. The problem is that the brakes seem to be sticking. When put in gear you can feel the strain when taking off and if you push in the clutch the tractor stops immediately as if you pushed the brake. The pedal seems to be all the way up and the parking brake seems fully disengaged. any help would be great?

 

[joecdeere]

check where the brake rod arms enter the cast housing, they may be corroded/rusted and stuck in the depressed position

 

[pastorjeep]

check where the brake rod arms enter the cast housing, they may be corroded/rusted and stuck in the depressed position

Thanks for the suggestion, I will check in the morning. Are the rear brakes internal?

 

[joecdeere]

yes they are, you have what are known as "wet disc brakes" if you follow the brake rods down each side of the housing, you will see where they hook to a lever going back into the front of the side axle housings. If you shoot me your email, I will send you a PDF of the deere tech manual for the 4100

Joe

 

[pastorjeep]

Thanks Joe, you got me looking and I just found the PDF, and a Deere manual on fluid changes. I wonder if low trans fluid can cause a sticking brake condition? Do you have a recommended trans fluid that is equivalent to John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD (JDM J20D)?
Eric

 

[joecdeere]

Doubt low fluid would make them stick, I'd still bet on a stuck rod, or even a broken spring

if yours is a hydro, I'd stick with deere fluid.

 

[pastorjeep]

I think mine is a gear drive? On the left is a shifter that has reverse forward lo-hi, and another shifter with 4 speeds 1-4?

 

[Pipestone Kid]

If you have a clutch, it is gear drive.

 

[Tx Jim]

From viewing parts catalog brakes on 4100 appear to be mechanical operated. My vote is sticking operating linkage. Have you lubricated grease fitting(parts key 15)?

 

[pastorjeep]

Thanks Tex, I will hopefully get time this weekend to start servicing this tractor. Fresh fluids, filters and fixing some lights and wiring are in order. I read about "friction modifier " that may help these wet clutches. I am definitely going to go thru the linkage as well.