Problems with the J2023H...Help!

[Silverside]

Hey folks, I am having a number of issues with my J2023H. I just hit 60 hours and have performed the first fluid change. It went to the dealer for repairs to fix a number of initial problems including a leaky front axle and problems with the MMM. The leaky front axle still leaks and the deck was reconfigured. Apparently the original location of the gearbox was incorrect and LS has a service bulletin to relocate some of the components. Well the dealer made the changes and now I have significant vibration which was not there before.

I disconnected the mid PTO shaft to the MMM to verify whether the vibration is coming from the transmission or the deck. Its smooth so its in the deck. I also have a lot of general vibration from the Mitsubishi engine. I feel it right in the seat above 2100 RPM. The engine is generally very rough at idle. Its so rough I do not like to keep it at idle for long. I usually like to take it to about 1200 RPM as soon as I feel like the oil has had a chance to circulate. I am lost on the engine vibration. I know its a diesel and they typically have more vibration but this is high. I first thought I put too much oil in it because the oil dipstick stopper moves up and down on the stick. It stops close to the rivet which I assume is where it should be. I drained a little oil out and still have quite a bit of vibration.

The dealer asked me to check the components on the mower deck to see if they are loose. I checked and everything appears to be tight. The center blade pulley does not have enough belt contact as its less than 50% of the circumference of the pulley...my opinion is that its too low for good power transmission. Because of this the pulley can easily rotate by hand with the belt in contact. I feel that this might be some of the vibration issue but still I am out of ideas.

I tried engaging the rear PTO just to take it out of mid for while and not I can't even get it to go back!!! I am stuck in the rear PTO position.

Anyone else out there with a J2023H or 20 or 30 having any of the same issues? I want the dealer to fix it under warranty but they charged me for pick-up and delivery for the first warranty service and I really don't have the budget to keep having them come get the darn thing.

 

[ProdaddyTX]

Wish I had more to add here, Silverside, but we haven't encountered the problems you mention. On the PTO selector being stuck in rear.... Generally with this sort of thing, shifting the range selector, engaging/disengaging 4x4, feathering an HST pedal very slightly, etc. will let things "un-bind" and shift normally.... I'm assuming that you've got the PTO switched off when you're trying to shift it. I don't know if an unresolved issue with the MMM could be contributing to the PTO shifting issue...we don't really do much (any) belly mower business...again, wish I could be more help.
Those 3 cylinder Mitsu engines do shimmy a little bit...especially at start up... and LS rubber mounts them for that reason.
I'm sure LS will get you squared away one way or another. Their tech. services managers are outstanding...really good, knowledgeable, and professional people. Good luck.

 

[Olympus]

I've had a couple issues with my 2023, but the dealer has fixed them under the warranty. I can see the dealer charging for pickup and delivery. I'm sure LS doesn't cover those costs in the warranty. It's best to borrow a trailer if you have to in order to get your machine to the dealer so they can address the issues.

I also notice increased engine vibration, especially at idle speed and when the engine is cold. Seems to go away mostly after it warms up. Mine idles at around 1050 so bumping it up a little isn't a big deal to me.

But I'd make a list of all the issues you're having and figure out a way to get it to your dealer. Then I would verify each are addressed prior to the dealer returning or you picking up the machine.

 

[BLUE ME]

135 hours and have had no problems.
Works great so far.
Cheers.

 

[Silverside]

Well, thanks for the confidence. I just removed the deck tonight to inspect and everything seems tight. I did notice a good reason for engine vibration though...broken u-joint knuckle on the engine side of the main drive shaft. Not sure why this happened but it being loose also caused a few blades from the cooling fan to be torn off. More bad news is that the PTO doesn't engage at all now and just causes the engine to stall. I waited about a day from my last post and went out to try and move the PTO selector and it moved right out of the rear position. And here I thought all was good at that point.

Looks like its going back to the dealer for some major warranty work. I take care of things and do not run them too hard. I guess I just got a bad egg?? I'll keep everyone informed of the progress.

Thanks again.

 

[jaydee325]

Since it appears that some of your problems did not get fixed on your first visit to the dealer, I would politely discuss with him either a reduced or free pickup and delivery of your tractor this time around.

Also, I would call LS Tractor USA and talk to someone to ensure they are following up with the dealer to ensure they get you squared away this time around.

I'll add to keep all of your documentation, even keep a log and notes of any conversations (names, dates, times, etc) you have related to this issue.

Good luck.

 

[Underdog57]

Since it appears that some of your problems did not get fixed on your first visit to the dealer, I would politely discuss with him either a reduced or free pickup and delivery of your tractor this time around.

Also, I would call LS Tractor USA and talk to someone to ensure they are following up with the dealer to ensure they get you squared away this time around.

I'll add to keep all of your documentation, even keep a log and notes of any conversations (names, dates, times, etc) you have related to this issue.

Good luck.

Very good advice about the way to handle the problem jaydee!!! :thumbsup:

 

[Silverside]

Re: Update...Problems with the J2023H

Well...Weaver Turf Power really took care of me. They covered the transportation to the shop. All work was covered under warranty and the tractor has been back in action of 2 weeks now.

Apparently, the clutch failed in a major way. A large retaining ring that nearly holds the whole thing together busted into two. The failure was unusual and seemed like the metal may have been a poor quality casting/forging. A guy from another LS/Montana dealer was in the shop when they were working on mine and he had never seen a clutch fail quite like mine did. He had been selling LS brand tractors for over 10 years.

Needless to say I am happy to have it back working hard. I can confirm what others on this site have been saying about LS...they have some decent factory techs and work hard with their local shops to fix the problem. Thanks for all of the advice.