Tractor Intermittently Hesitating While in Drive.

Willy Wonka · Apr 18, 2018

So I was hoping to get some feed back of what to look into and what might be going on.

1999 New Holland 2120 with about 3500 hours

The issue:

It seems to be more once the tractor is fully warmed up but occasionally I will have it in gear and all of a sudden pause and then not move. Sometimes it just kind of jerks you around... meaning it will stop then pick right back up or sometimes it will be like a 5 second pause and usually what I will do and put the clutch in and then try to go again. That usually works.

Recent work:

About 10 hours ago I replaced the hydraulic pump and changed the oil. I don't think that is the issue but wanted to mention it.

I have noticed that I do have a small hydraulic leak that looks like it is coming from a seal in the front axle. It is very slow and will be maybe 3" round if I let it sit all week. One of my thoughts is that it may be leaking enough for me to get a air bubble and that would cause the hesitation while driving. The other thing it that I never notice a hesitation while I'm using my front end loader. Is it possible that it is an electronic issue? I know there is a button that has a turtle and rabbit on it...I thought that acted as a means for how slow/fast the tractor will engage into gear.

Any tips/ideas are appreciated!

Kernopelli · Apr 18, 2018

Look at NH 2120

Jerry/MT · Apr 19, 2018

Willy Wonka said:
So I was hoping to get some feed back of what to look into and what might be going on.

1999 New Holland 2120 with about 3500 hours

The issue:

It seems to be more once the tractor is fully warmed up but occasionally I will have it in gear and all of a sudden pause and then not move. Sometimes it just kind of jerks you around... meaning it will stop then pick right back up or sometimes it will be like a 5 second pause and usually what I will do and put the clutch in and then try to go again. That usually works.

Recent work:

About 10 hours ago I replaced the hydraulic pump and changed the oil. I don't think that is the issue but wanted to mention it.

I have noticed that I do have a small hydraulic leak that looks like it is coming from a seal in the front axle. It is very slow and will be maybe 3" round if I let it sit all week. One of my thoughts is that it may be leaking enough for me to get a air bubble and that would cause the hesitation while driving. The other thing it that I never notice a hesitation while I'm using my front end loader. Is it possible that it is an electronic issue? I know there is a button that has a turtle and rabbit on it...I thought that acted as a means for how slow/fast the tractor will engage into gear.

Any tips/ideas are appreciated!

is this a gear drive transmission or a hydro static drive? Does the engine speed drop when this occurs?

Willy Wonka · Apr 20, 2018

Its the shuttle shift so I have to change gears. The rpm doesn't change but usually I am in low and medium around the yard doing work.

I checked all of my hydraulic levels and they looked spot on. Then next thing I want to look over is the electrical for any loose /frayed/corroded connections.

One of this possible causes mentioned is a valve not sitting correctly. If this is the case is there any type of cleaning agent that might be helpful to help get gunk out of there?... if that is the problem. I know that can help with auto transmissions for cars, not sure if its the same for tractors. With the hours I have it could very well be just wear and tear too.

BrokenTrack · Apr 20, 2018

I would say for a tractor with 3500 hours at 19 years old, the clutch is shot. Mine is on my Kubota and it only has 2500 hours on it.

How many times have you adjusted the clutch? If never; you can adjust the clutch to make it work (assuming that is the trouble), but if not you will have to split the tractor and change it out. Not really a hard job, nor expensive.

Kernopelli · Apr 20, 2018

I know very little about your tractor and your tractor has more than enough hours to believe it might need a clutch if never replaced but I haven't ever experience a clutch that only slips momentarily in the way you describe. A slipping clutch will generally begin to show itself by slipping when in high gears/ranges under a load. Eventually, you have to start using lower gears/ranges to compensate for the slipping. It sounds like this momentary hesitation is more likely to happen in the lower ranges than high from what you describe.

I really doubt an additive will help the valve. I am not familiar with the shuttle valve is but from the parts diagram, it looks like it can be disassembled. I would CAREFULLY take it apart and inspected for wear, debris or worn seals, that is probably your best bet if it is the issue. I would start with checking the linkages to the valve first though and make sure that they arent the culprit. If you don't have a manual, you can look at parts diagrams at New Holland Parts | Buy Online & Save and get a better idea of how and where parts components are.

Willy Wonka · Apr 20, 2018

BrokenTrack said:
I would say for a tractor with 3500 hours at 19 years old, the clutch is shot. Mine is on my Kubota and it only has 2500 hours on it.

How many times have you adjusted the clutch? If never; you can adjust the clutch to make it work (assuming that is the trouble), but if not you will have to split the tractor and change it out. Not really a hard job, nor expensive.

I am not sure if it is the original clutch. I have only put about 30 hours on it since I bought it last fall.

My gut instinct is that it is not the clutch because it is not consistent. I've had clutches fail on me before on a truck and a 4 wheeler.... so I have a good idea how it would feel. At least I'm trying to convince myself of that!