LK3054 No forward drive after a few minutes, RPM OK

[madoues]

Hi,

I own this 2005 tractor which has been operating great until this winter.
The problem appeared gradually over three or four snow removal sessions.

The engine seems to be operating fine. Initially, the tractor runs good for a few minutes,
but then gradually over a 30 second period, looses almost all motion.
It moves a tiny bit in reverse, but a slow crawl pace, even with the engine running at high rpm.

I don't know if this is the same problem, but at one point, the engine wouldn't start at all.
At that time, I noticed the transmission oil was low and re-filled it. The tractor then started no problem.
I was hoping this was also the cause of no forward motion after a few minutes, but that problem remains.

The hydraulics seem to be working OK, i.e. the loader operates normally, although there is not a load in it at that time.

Any ideas/help would be appreciated.

Dan

 

[Wagtail]

Your hydraulic filter is clogged?
Or something is clogged so I'd start with the filter.

Whilst 'resting' over night, the hydraulic reservoir has a chance to slowly re-fill. You're OK for a while after starting until the 'system' is starved of hydraulic fluid due to the clog. (my thoughts on it, anyway)

Oh, and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

 

[K5lwq]

I did not know the LK3055 was offered with a Hydrostat transmission. If it is geared, it sounds like your clutch is failing or is out of adjustment. I think it had a 2 stage clutch, but not sure.

Welcome to TBN.

 

[Wagtail]

I did not know the LK3055 was offered with a Hydrostat transmission. If it is geared, it sounds like your clutch is failing or is out of adjustment. I think it had a 2 stage clutch, but not sure.

Welcome to TBN.

You're right K5lwq, it's geared... I should've checked first.

 

[ritcheyvs]

For a gear tractor, the clutch is the only cause I can imagine that would gradual loss of motion with a still good good engine. Clutch adjustment interval is every 100 hours on my DK and it's easy to do: adjust turnbuckle to get spec free play.

BUT if the clutch is toast (which can happen quickly if slipping) repair is a big job that requires splitting the tractor: much labor. The clutch plate has a friction material (like brake shoes) and when it's gone the clutch must be replaced.

So adjust the clutch and see what happens next. With luck, that will fix ya.

 

[madoues]

Thanks for your replies.

I am hoping it is not the clutch because of the work involved.
Not being a mechanic, it is not something I could do myself, so it will be expensive if that is the problem.

At first, I was thinking the clutch also, but the speed at which the problem first appeared and the fact that it operates OK for a few minutes made me think it could be something else.
Is there any way the clutch can operate when cold, then start slipping. Is there oil involved, IOW would an oil leak cause the clutch to slip? Or does the clutch depend on hydraulics to operate on this tractor? Or is it purely mechanical?

Dan

 

[madoues]

Another question that I have which may or may not be related to my problem.
Would that be normal for the motor to refuse to start when the transmission oil was low?
I didn't think hydraulics or the transmission came into play to start the motor.

Dan

 

[K5lwq]

I am sure the hydraulics did not keep the motor from starting. As far as I know, the lk3055 has a dry clutch so should not be related either.

What year is your tractor? 2005

Does it have a 2 stage clutch?

Is it a Lk3054SX?

Hopefully the linkage just needs adjustment.

 

[K5lwq]

Also are the tires filled with liquid?

Another thing to try, does it act the same way with 4WD engaged?

 

[madoues]

Yes, 2005. LK3054, I don't think it is an SX. And yes, it is a dual stage clutch.
!!!EDIT!!! Yes, it is an LK3054XS

It would be a weird coincidence that it did not want to start at that time, i.e. when the trans oil was low;
I usually never have a problem starting this tractor.

I will try the adjustment, but am still wondering what makes it go bad only after a few minutes.

Dan