tractor steering problem

[donabomb]

Hey All,

I've got a Ford 340A tractor. Whenever I try to turn (left or right) the front wheels kinda slide and lift up, like there is too much weight in the back. I am unable to make turns. I have the hoe all the way up so I don't think it is a weight issue. If someone can shed some light on this, it would be much appreciated.

-=Larry=-

 

[RoyJackson]

Can you remove your backhoe? If so, do that...see how the tractor steers then.

Do you have a front loader or weights to compensate for the backhoe's weight? You should...

Just having the hoe all way up doesn't do anything for the weight distribution which is what I think your problem may be.

 

[donabomb]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Yes I do have a front loader, I am not sure if the backhoe can be removed, and if it can I dont think I would be capable of doing it. This problem had just started recently and nothing I noticed would cause the tractor to do this. Any other ideas?

 

[normde2001]

Do you, by chance, have a rear differential lock that is remaining engaged, locking the rear wheels together?

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> rear differential lock that is remaining engaged </font>
That would be my guess or perhaps the steering drag link bent.

 

[donabomb]

What do you mean by rear differential lock? I am very new to tractors. There is however a pedal near the gas pedal that I don't know what it does. Can that be it?

-=Larry=-

 

[RoyJackson]

"Yes I do have a front loader, I am not sure if the backhoe can be removed, and if it can I don't think I would be capable of doing it. This problem had just started recently and nothing I noticed would cause the tractor to do this. Any other ideas? "

I just looked at a 340A on MachineFinder.com. That tractor had a standard 3PH set up, so I'd guess your hoe can come off. If you don't know how to do it, you could try a NH dealer...just to see if they can get manuals for your tractor and 'hoe. I strongly suggest you not just try to figure it out...that's a heavy unit...the task could be dangerous, or you could damage the equipment if you're not sure what to do.

I'd suggest the next step would be to check the tire pressures (at least on the front) to ensure they are equal. You could try upping the pressure a few pounds to see if that improves the situation.

While you're doing that, make sure those front wheels are secure on the hub (no loose wheel bolts). I've no idea what the torque should be, but if you can figure out the bolt thread, do a search for bolt torque specs on line.

You're problem is going to be difficult to analyze on this forum. Do you think you have the mechanical abilities to do the troubleshooting?

Another question...do you see this slippage on all surfaces? Is it just evident on "off road" usage? If you're this new to tractors, you may not even have a problem. These machines don't have suspensions and they can be pretty bouncy going across a field. You may be traveling faster then you did when you first bought the tractor. Faster often means bouncier...your tractor may be telling you to slow down a bit.

 

[donabomb]

Thanks again for the quick replies.

Heres the story. I borrowed this tractor from a friend. He drove it to my house. When he was here it was working ok, turning and whatnot. He parked it and a few days later when I went to use it, I noticed this turning problem. My friend came over to look at it and can't seem to figure it out. This problem is happening on grass, dirt and asphalt. Also I am driving at slow speeds. I don't think its really a weight problem since it was working before with everything attached. I am going to check the tire pressure and tighten bolts. It almost seems like I'm reading too far into this when it may be something simple that I overlooked. As far as the lock differental, would anyone know where that is located, or is that just the brake locks? I have also noticed that near the gas pedal there is a pedal that I cannot figure out what it does. Mabey that has something to do with the problem?

Thanks again,

-=Larry=-

 

[MMM]

Sounds like diff lock. See if pedal you're not sure about is connected to diff. If so, popping clutch in reverse will usually unlock stubborn linkage.

 

[RoyJackson]

"As far as the lock differential, would anyone know where that is located, or is that just the brake locks? I have also noticed that near the gas pedal there is a pedal that I cannot figure out what it does. Maybe that has something to do with the problem?"

On my tractor, the differential lock comes out of the panel just below the driver's seat (this is a Deere 790). It should only be used if one rear tire is turning and the other is not. The purpose is to lock the axles to both rear wheels to increase traction. The differential lock should only be used if one is operating in a straight line (no turns). Once engaged, the differential lock will remain engaged until the traction is equalized on both rear tires, then it should disengage itself. You could try operating the machjine in reverse...if the lock is sticking, that may break it loose.

I suppose this could be the problem...the differential lock not disengaging...as the rear wheels will try to drive the tractor in a straight line. That's really just a guess.

At this point, I'd ask the friend you borrowed the tractor from if he has a manual (although I'd of thought he would have brought it with him when you tried to troubleshoot). If he doesn't have one, you may have to ask the friend to connect you with whoever maintains his tractor. I'm hoping he does know someone...

If the differential lock is stuck in the engaged position, it may just be the linkage is frozen up (rust or lack of lubrication).

The trouble is, unless you have a reasonably good idea of what is causing the problem, you could make it worse. Or, you could just operate the tractor and see what happens.

I know this puts you in a bad position with your friend...however, there probably won't be any responses on TBN other then guesses (as I'm doing).