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JD belly mower problems

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Dennis M. Schweiger
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2001-06-01          28844

Hi, I have a JD4400HST with a JD 60" belly mower attached. The other day (first time this season) my daughter went out to mow the lawn. Unfortunately the retaining pin on the rod of the belly lift cylinder fell off (it's hidden behind the cylinder bracket so you can't see it even to check if it's there) and the cylinder rod dropped in line with the cross shaft link mechanism. When she tried to raise the mower deck, the cylinder extended, pushed on the shaft and broke the belly casting on the tractor. As a result of this the oil in the reservoir ran out, and I've got an almost new (<130hrs)tractor in the repair shop. Current estimates on the repair are anywhere from $3500-$4000. I can't believe that this is the best JD could do for this design!!! Does anyone have a contact number or e-mail address for John Deere, and for those of you with the belly mowers, make sure you check that clip. Thank you in advance.

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JD belly mower problems

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JeffM
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2001-06-04          28947

Dennis, I looked at the 60" belly mower on my 4400 and can't figure out the chain of events you described. I'm confused as to what the "cross shaft link mechanism" is that you referred to. The retaining pins on both ends of the mower lift cylinder use "locking" spring rings in a drilled pin and the rings are visible when I look under the tractor from the left side, so I can easily verify that they are in place, which I certainly do now that you describe this situation you had occur. I don't see any "clips" that you say to check, either. My mower is brand new, maybe we have different model mowers? ....

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JD belly mower problems

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Dennis M. Schweiger
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2001-06-04          28949

Jeff, my tractor/mower setup is about 20 months old. When you look at the left hand side of the lift mechanism, under the tractor platform, just about where the height adjustment rod ends, there is a trapezoidal bracket that is slotted where the rod of the cylinder fastens. The pin that I had fall out traverses in this slot to raise and lower the mower deck. Apparently the retaining clip/spring, whatever it was, fell out of this pin and allowed the cylinder to drop down so that it was in-line with the cross linkage that transfers the lifting action to both sides of the mower deck. When the cylinder was extended to raise the mower deck, it pushed on the shaft. Near as I can tell, this push is tranlated into stess on the casting and broke it where the shaft bearings fasten to the casting. I also have the 3rd SCV at the rear of the tractor. This control is mounted in the right hand fender. Do you have this same set up? ....

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JD belly mower problems

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JeffM
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2001-06-04          28950

Dennis, I'm a couple hours away from my tractor right now, but yeah, that sounds like the same setup. Your explanation is more clear to me now, but without my tractor in front of me, I can't exactly replicate it in my mind. I couldn't tell if the casting that broke is on the belly mower deck or on the tractor itself. Must be on the tractor, right? I'm sure when I go look at my tractor it will be clear to me. Thanks for the detailed explanation and the heads-up. ....

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JD belly mower problems

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Dennis M. Schweiger
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2001-06-04          28952

Jeff, yes, it's actually the tranmission housing/reservoir that is broken. ....

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JD belly mower problems

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Dennis M. Schweiger
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2001-06-07          29010

Jeff, I just wanted to let you know how the saga finally played out. After some serious negotiations on my part, and the help of my sales rep, JD has decided to repair my tractor under warranty. I am a very happy man :). It seems that this has happened before, and they were aware of the problem. You might want to keep an eye on your set up. To give you some idea of the hours I've used the mower, I have about 125hrs on my tractor, of that, about 25 are actual mowing hours, and of the 125, the mower has only been on the tractor about 50 hours since it first arrived. Good luck with your unit. ....

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JD belly mower problems

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JeffM
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2001-06-08          29067

Thanks for the follow-up, Dennis. I'll be watching that puppy close now. ....

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JD belly mower problems

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rdunstan
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2001-06-12          29212

Just a warning to all JD owners of 4x00 series tractors. JD has changed from spring clips to those rings. The rings have a propensity to catch on things like brush and stretch out. In one case, I watched one get tangled on a hazelnet tree sucker, unwrap and pull out. Was pretty amazing. When I spoke with my JD dealer he said they were aware of the problem and offered me some big cotter pins which I have now installed.

In another case, one of these rings came off from the left rear drag on our belly mover and the pin vanished. When my better half backed the tractor up, the drag bent all up, but did not damage the undercarriage of the tractor. The dealer replaced the drag aand pin. Actually came out to my place and did it on the spot - no hassel. ....

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