New JD 3520 and 300X loader alignment (?)

[jrm075]

Hi folks, I just purchased a new 3520 and had the 300X loader installed at the dealership prior to delivery. Once delivered, I immediately noticed that the round tubing welded between the loader arms, behind the bucket, did not run parallel with the rest of the tractor. Facing the bucket, it runs up hill to the left and back to the left. The bucket also sits about 1/2" to an 1" higher on the left side. The dealer picked it up and claimed they aligned it and added proper pressure to the rear tires (the main culprit to the bucket being out of level, they claim). Obviously, the tire pressure does not help the loader frame / alignment. I can't help but think that this was not the way Deere intended it. I can fix it, but don't know where to look. It appears as if there is no way to straighten / align, but I don't know. All the other loaders on the lot appear to be right, but no 3000 tractors where there to compare, only 2000 series, which again appear to be straight.

This may sound peculiar, but I'm peculiar about stuff like this. Any help is greatly appreciated.

By the way, I watched this forum for probably a year or longer prior to purchasing. I'm impressed with the knowledge and appreciate the feedback that has been given to others. It helped me choose between the JD, Kubota, and New Holland.

 

[DT86]

It sounds like it was welded crooked to begin with. Got any pictures?

 

[kevinwak]

If you have something flat to park on such as a concrete slab or trailer deck you could park it in there. Then you could take measurements from the ground to confirm that it is twisted. Then you have a physical number to take to the dealer, as opposed to a feeling. If they won't help contact a JD company rep. Just make sure that the rear tires are identically inflated, as this really effects the loader. Front tires won't affect it as they are on a pivot.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

 

[jrm075]

I'll get some detailed photos up tomorrow. It's not bad, and many may / will think I'm too picky. I only like things to be right, and I feel it is not right, something is off. Thanks for the responses, I'll get some photos when the sun is out.

 

[jrm075]

Thanks, Kevinwak. The tires are inflated the same. Once I get some photos, you'll see that the loader arms, and consequently, the bucket, is not 'square' with the rest of the tractor (eyeballing it against the front bumper).

 

[jrm075]

Here's the best I can do in the confined space I keep my tractor. I'll try to get some better photos tomorrow. I tried to 'square' the tractor's bumper with the bottom edge of the photo to help illustrate the alignment of the loader.

Thanks in advance for looking and considering.

 

[DT86]

It is very obvious that something is not right.

 

[jrm075]

I went to take some photos, and became determined to figure out why this loader was not 'square.' I started at the mounts, took different measurements, and found that the hydraulic cylinders that raise and lower the loader arms are not the same length. There is only 1/2" difference, but seemingly enough to cock the front of the loader approximately 1/2". So I think I found the culprit as all other measurements seemed within reason. Now, how do I, can I, 'sync' the cylinders?

Forgive my lack of proper tractor vocabulary.

Thanks again.

 

[Willl]

Double check those mount brackets.

Wouldn't be the first time they failed the left/right test.

 

[mcgill72143]

Yup.... I would be checking to see if the dealer installed the leader mounts on the wrong sides..... Not the first time it's happened.....