Was bush-hogging today and started noticing some jerky motion from the hydraulics - bucket, steering, 3-pt, along with a whining noise when they hydraulic system was activated. No problems noted when I started. After a few minutes of this (and after I lowered the bucket) the hydraulics stopped altogether. I sat there a minute and checked the fluid level again (Ok) and tried the bucket. I got it to raise about a foot and then it stopped. I was now able to drive back to the house. I got back, parked and shut down all with out hydraulics working. Several minutes later I had to move the tractor and the hydraulics worked for a short time again (was able to lift the bucket another foot - but no more). Any ideas on where to start with this problem? Thanks.
John Deere 4100 (Gear Drive) Hydraulic System Problem Question
- Thread starter dgr321
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mjncad
Super Member
When was the last time you changed the hydraulic oil and filters and cleaned the suction screen? That would be the quick and cheap thing to consider first before you get into subjects such as pump failure and the like. How many hours are on this 4100?
Unknown hours. The meter stopped at ~550. The previous owner said the hour meter broke shortly before he put it up for sale (so who knows...). So the maintenance is unknown but based on what else I've found in the months I've owned it it wasn't good. Hydraulic servicing was next on my list so that's in work now. Anything else to look for while I go through this? Any recommendation on hydraulic fluid? I don't have a JD dealer nearby so I might be looking in an auto parts store or Tractor Supply? Thanks.
mjncad
Super Member
It sounds like you got an abused by the previous owner 4100. I'd do the hydraulic maintenance first and see what you find. I use Deere hydraulic oil; so I have no clue as to what TSC, et al have to offer. The biggest thing to look for is metal shavings and bits where they shouldn't be (e.g. suction screen) as that will give you an idea as to whether or not there is more internal damage.
You don't say where you're located; but if you're in a high humidity state, you may want to check the fluid for water too. If water is in the oil, it will have a milky appearance instead of being clear.
In any case, dirt is the enemy of hydraulic systems.
Please keep us informed as to what you run in to.
You don't say where you're located; but if you're in a high humidity state, you may want to check the fluid for water too. If water is in the oil, it will have a milky appearance instead of being clear.
In any case, dirt is the enemy of hydraulic systems.
Please keep us informed as to what you run in to.
stingray1
Veteran Member
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- Jun 21, 2012
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- East Tennessee
- Tractor
- John Deere 4200 w/backhoe, Ford 3000,Case 580 backhoe
Found out anything yet?
Borderpond
New member
I have a JD4100 Gear that was doing the exact same thing this spring. Dealer told me to clean the suction screen.Thats all it was.Screen was so clogged nothing could get through. Very easy fix. After cleaning and changing fluid, hydraulics worked better than when I first bought it a year before.
stingray1
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2012
- Messages
- 1,212
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- East Tennessee
- Tractor
- John Deere 4200 w/backhoe, Ford 3000,Case 580 backhoe
Glad to hear you got it. On top of this I had to replace a cracked 90 deg. Pump hose.
N4WJT
New member
My JD 4100 has same problem. 3-pt hitch doesn't want to lift and steering is not very responsive. After dragging the tiller at the end of the rows for a while, it seems like the systems begins to work. The lift and steering will start to work. You can leave the lift up, turn off for a while, the lift will remain up but if you drop the tiller it won't lift again until after running the tractor for a while. I cleaned the suction screen and replacd the hydraulic fluid with JD recommended fluid but did not help. Any advice appreciated.