TC34DA HST Pedal Return Issues (slow)

BarnStangz · May 20, 2011

Anybody else out there have issues with their HST pedal not returning fast enough? I lubbed mine, but it still seems to take a little time to return to center when I'm mowing. It was not as bad as it was before, but is there any thing else I can check to grease or lube? It also looks like some linkage goes up to the center cowl (by the steering wheel). The NH book that came with my tractor is little help... Maybe I need to get a service manual... Any ideas or help would be great. I can post pictures if need be, for other people with this model that are having issue. Thanks in advance!

Max

barbqranch · May 20, 2011

Did you pull the cover off around the steering column? At least on my TC29D there are linkages that go up there to the magnet that operates the "cruise control". They might need to be lubed. Also, on mine, if I turn the cruise control on then later off, it takes a while to let go and can slowly return if I don't force the pedal down. The cruise control is a steel plate that moves next to an electro-magnet. When the magnet is energized, it locks the plate in place. These steel core electro-magnets pick up a residual field that can hang around as long as the plate is in contact.

BarnStangz · May 20, 2011

barbqranch said:
Did you pull the cover off around the steering column? At least on my TC29D there are linkages that go up there to the magnet that operates the "cruise control". They might need to be lubed. Also, on mine, if I turn the cruise control on then later off, it takes a while to let go and can slowly return if I don't force the pedal down. The cruise control is a steel plate that moves next to an electro-magnet. When the magnet is energized, it locks the plate in place. These steel core electro-magnets pick up a residual field that can hang around as long as the plate is in contact.

Thanks for the info my friend! I was going to take off that cover by the steering column, but I was running out of time... (had to finish cutting the grASS) but, yeah, as soon as we get some better weather (today was actually okay here in N.W. Ohio) I'm going to fully was my tractor and then hit everything with the old grease gun. I'll do what you mentioned and remove the cover and blow everything out and then hit it with some lube or WD40... It is crazy how much dust gets into all these places. I'll also give the magnets a look over, my cruise control has been working okay, but I figure if everything else is removed I might as well check it out.

I did notice that the one grease fitting for the HST pedal was VERY hard to reach, I almost need a little extension to get to it... When I did get attached on it, it was VERY hard to pump grease through (and this was with an air powered gun) I hope I don't have to fully remove things in-order to lube them up, but I guess I'll do what ever is needed.

I'd be interested to hear if other people out on this forum had/have issues with this... A quick Google search show LOTS of people have HST pedal return problems, not just us Blue guys/gals... Thanks!

Max

jinman · May 20, 2011

Whenever I hear someone with HST pedal return issues, I always ask them what rpm they are operating when the problem occurs. I've found the rpm at 2000 or above produces much quicker pedal centering on my tractor. Also, many/most tractors have return spring and an adjustment for a bit more tension. I don't know if either of these apply to you, but they are just my two cents worth.

Chooglin · May 20, 2011

I have the same problem with my GC 2310. It seems to be worse when under load (climbing a hill).It has become a habit now,to just tap it, in the opposite direction to get it to center.I really need to take a look at it and see whats up.

BarnStangz · May 21, 2011

jinman said:
Whenever I hear someone with HST pedal return issues, I always ask them what rpm they are operating when the problem occurs. I've found the rpm at 2000 or above produces much quicker pedal centering on my tractor. Also, many/most tractors have return spring and an adjustment for a bit more tension. I don't know if either of these apply to you, but they are just my two cents worth.

Come to think of it, the pedal return was worse at high RPM... I was cutting at PTO speed and when the pedal wouldn't come back right away I was a little taken back... Since it can be dangerous. That is when I stopped and took the tractor back to my shop to investigate. I greased everything and looked over things and it was then better. But there still seems to be a stick to it. I'll have to take things apart and check for an adjustment spring. I'm sure there is something and now with the tractor closing in on 400 hrs. I'm sure it would have needed adjustment anyway...

BarnStangz · May 21, 2011

Chooglin said:
I have the same problem with my GC 2310. It seems to be worse when under load (climbing a hill).It has become a habit now,to just tap it, in the opposite direction to get it to center.I really need to take a look at it and see whats up.

Yeah, try and make time to check it out, you don't want to be in a dangerous situation... At least, that is how I feel about it!

jinman · May 21, 2011

maxfior said:
Come to think of it, the pedal return was worse at high RPM... I was cutting at PTO speed and when the pedal wouldn't come back right away I was a little taken back... Since it can be dangerous. That is when I stopped and took the tractor back to my shop to investigate. I greased everything and looked over things and it was then better. But there still seems to be a stick to it. I'll have to take things apart and check for an adjustment spring. I'm sure there is something and now with the tractor closing in on 400 hrs. I'm sure it would have needed adjustment anyway...

Max, I put an illustration of your pedal mechanism below. If you look at the circled part, item #16 is a Centering Spring and item #11 is a threaded rod. Probably by adjusting the nut on the threaded rod, you can increase your return to center pressure. I would lube up all the parts once you get your covers off and see if that fixes your problem. If not, you might try making an adjustment a small amount at a time to see if it improves operation.

dqdave1 · May 21, 2011

Be careful adjusting # 16 ; a small adjustment changes it alot. I bet after you lube all points of movement; it will work fine. Just remember if you have the tractor under a load, pedal may not return to neutral as quick. Cowl ( center cover has a total of 6 bolts; 2 in center and two on each side on firewall.)

BarnStangz · May 22, 2011

Thanks Jinman and DQdave, I've noticed that once the oil was able to sit on the parts the return to neutral seems to be fixed. Having said that, when I do my next oil change, which will be soon, I'm going to take the covers off and blow all the dust out and then lube again. I have a feeling that it will be okay, like DQDave stated, BUT, I'll also keep that blown up parts picture on hand in case I need to adjust! Thanks a lot guys!

Max