Teenager broke my tractor, need advice!

[Piney Woods Rooter]

DK55C

My teenage son was pulling up brush, in 4WD, in reverse when the back wheels came up off the ground about the same time all the weight shifted to the left front wheel - you can imagine what happened - something broke!

I need advice regarding the repairs - not my son.

How difficult is the front end to work with on these tractors? I've got all the air tools I need to get it apart but I'm wondering what I'll find when I get in there. I'm thinking the problem should be pretty easy to spot but is there anything unusual I should be looking for?

Do I need to spend almost $100 for a shop manual (if I can find one?)

I decided to do the work myself when the two dealers closest to me quoted a price for them to pick-up and return the tractor. I could deliver to them but I'd have to borrow a trailer big enough to haul it, which I don't like doing.

Thanks

 

[Transit]

That's hard to answer without knowing what is wrong. parts and shop manuals may show the break down of each component, but they may not be available piece by piece, it may be cost effective to replace the final drive?

 

[beenthere]

When you say "something broke", do you have an idea what broke, or where it broke?

Is it still sitting where it broke and won't move?

Just shifting the weight to the left front wheel shouldn't cause a break as the other wheels would spin when they didn't get traction (IMO).

So what more can you tell us about "something broke" ??

 

[Piney Woods Rooter]

There's a popping noise that sounds like it's coming from the front end, and the front wheels momentary lock-up when it's rolling. I skidded it along on the bucket to get it home and there was definitely something binding in the front end, even in 2WD. When I get back home, I'm going to raise the front end and turn the wheels by hand and see what happens.

 

[Transit]

Sounds like a broken tooth on a gear that could be anywhere from the final drive to the differential. You have to eyeball it. I would start with the wheel in question.

 

[tawilson]

If you have a good relationship with a dealer you could see if they would print out the pages from the service manual that apply to your situation.

 

[o2batsea]

I'm going to raise the front end and turn the wheels by hand and see what happens.

I guess you probably have already done that. What has happened is that the reduction gears have sheared a tooth. I would see if the tractor is still under warranty whether this is covered before tackling it myself.
The assembly isn't anything you can't figure out once you get it apart. Just a big PITA.
I'd also be sure the kid understands physics a little better.

 

[MichiganIron]

If it's the left side, start by pulling off the axle cover. The final drive bevel gear will come with the axle cover. You probably won't need to go any furher to find the problem.

 

[ayelvington]

It sounds like your son got away without getting hurt, and that's a good thing.

 

[charleyfarmall]

Front corner drive tooth is broken most likely. You could have the dealer come and get it if it is under warrantee. Otherwise, jacking it and rolling the wheels should tell you where to start. It won't take long to find the broken gear... ouch.