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Shawn, I found that my front wheels were too far toed in. Over 1" if my measurements were correct! I noticed that turning to the right would allow the right side spindle to contact the spindle stop, but when turning to the left, the left spindle stop had over a thumb's clearance between the iron! I aligned the right tire straight ahead by laying a 2x4 on the outside of the rear tire/rim, then measuring the clearance at the front tire so it was aimed completely straight. When I transferred the 2x4 to the left side, I found the excess toe-in. My dealer was out to my place the next day to correct the toe. It still doesn't touch the left side, but 1/8" is better than 1/2" between the spindle stop on the left side. I think my other axle turned tighter, but what good did that do? Tight turning only wore the rubber off the front wheels and dug up whatever I was driving on. It is finally a pleasure to mow with now! I can even be a rebel and mow in 4x4 and not think about damaging the lawn with the exception of complete left or right turn against the stops. By the way, does anyone else have a problem with the handle on the 3rd scv falling off?

Deere 4600 gets new MFWD axle
John Deere Tractors
Replies 13 Post by TROCK

I have not responded for quite a few months on JPLAN. I finally received my axle in June, after waiting for 4 months. The axle does look exactly the same, with the exception of the tie rod/steering ram setup. They also installed the updated 3rd scv lever assembly, which works GREAT, I might add! (I think they reused my old knob, because it still falls off all the time) They also installed some package for the hydro to address my concern of the pedal being too "touchy". (when I drove across my lawn when it was wet from rain or dew, it was very difficult to stop the tractor without the tires coming to a screeching halt, even if I was barely moving. If I were mowing wet ground going forwards, then had to stop to go backwards, it was VERY jumpy and would leave skid marks when it came to the stop and when the tractor moved again, reverse or forward) I was really anxious to drive it again, to see what the front tires would do when I was mowing the grass. I immediately noted that it seemed to turn tighter to the right than to the left. I measured the toe-in, and it was more than 1". I also noted that turning to the right would allow the right side spindle to contact the spindle stop, but a left turn would allow me to insert my middle finger between the axle and the spindle stop. I called the dealer and they fixed it the very next day. Now, I can even mow in 4x4 and make a pretty sharp turn without the infamous scuffing :) I don't think this new axle turns as sharp as the old one, but as long as I can turn on the ends of the lawn without making plow furrows, I am happy!
I do want to add a comment to heartlake. I noticed excess play in both tie rod ends long before I even heard of the scuffing concern. It got to be a real handfull when driving road speed and needing to correct the steering all the time.
As a last question, I want to know how current 4300 users' diff lock is working. After they replaced my rear end washers for the recall last year, my pedal never stays down properly. If I am starting to spin, I have to almost stand on my pedal to get the lock to engage. It used to be just a heel-tap to push it down. It feels like the lock pin is too large for the hole it is engaging and keeps bouncing by each hole as the wheels are turning. (at least this is how I can interpret this to everyone here)
My warranty is going to expire in 4 months. Gettin' a little nervous........

John Deere Scuffing
John Deere Tractors
Replies 54 Post by TROCK

Scott, thank you for clarifying this issue. It is unfortunate that in the push to get information to the customer, some customers have gotten the "early scoop" from the gossip fence, and then it is up to a bold employee or owner of a dealership to straighten it out (as witnessed in the scuff postings). It's too bad that JD corp. did not address this issue themselves, instead of sitting by and watching the posters at this site become frustrated, and then the posters post info that is totally incorrect. Only a few dealers that have been watching this site, trying to keep the soldiers at bay, have had the balls to come forward to give at least some shred of evidence that something WAS being done for the owners of these tractors. We do appreciate the straightforward manner that this was/is presented by those dealers, even though it appears Scott may have been reprimanded by someone higher up the ladder at JD. Some dealers have probably just taken the easy way out and told their customers that they have not heard of any problems at all. I have been there. It really insults my intelligence to get the answer of "you are the ONLY one of my customers that is having these problems". I have also been given information by a commercial tractor rep (JD) last fall that addressed issues like a fogging dash, a loader lock out update, and a hard pedal pressure. Dealer fixed the dash, but hadn't heard of any updates to the loader lock or the hydro pedal. Why does the left hand know one thing, and the right hand is in the dark? I would expect a worldwide company like JD to be more organized in the way that information can get to their people. One dealer that I talked to, mentioning the above issues and what the rep said, stated that sometimes these reps say stuff they shouldn't say. Seems like there is a communication loss somewhere in the JD ranks? Anyways, we do not want to lose you, Scott. Change your name and post here anonymously. I KNOW you will still visit us here, even if you don't respond, just in here browsing. Thanks again!

Deere refusing to deal with tire scuffing problem
John Deere Tractors
Replies 53 Post by TROCK

Ok, so the link thing didn't work. But if you go to www.westhillstractor.com, then go to the newsletter part, the story about the new Boomers is on list. It only gives info about horsepower and 2 pictures.

NEW BIGGER BOOMERS
New Holland Tractors
Replies 3 Post by TROCK

I have seen the front axle design for the new tractors. The center mounted hydraulic cylinder with tie rods extending from each end to each front tire is gone (looked like a rack and pinion steering gear from a car). The new design has a double acting ram but applies the turn to the right front wheel only, and the left follows via a solid tie rod/drag link from the right side. Looks like a very solid design, much less complicated looking. NO mistaking the difference in the two! Completely different design, looks easier to adjust the toe settings. This is all I know at this time.

New MFWD Axle delayed on Deere 4500-4700
John Deere Tractors
Replies 2 Post by TROCK

Ted,
I have to agree with Larry and Terry. What tractor do you drive? I know I didn't buy my tractor to drive across my lawn like it was a 4-wheeler on a race track. Speed isn't the issue, and weight is not the issue. As I have read in previous postings, there are heavier JD tractors, like the 1070 that one guy had that said he was able to turn it completely lock to lock without any scuffing at all. If it is marketed to the public as a commercial tractor used for lawn mowing purposes, it should not cause scrub arcs anywhere on that lawn where the tractor was turned around. If I were paying the bill to that mowing company, I would surely want my grass replanted or to get reimbursed for the damages, then hire someone without a 4000 series tractor/mower. Mine will start scuffing in "A" range, with the throttle at idle, about halfway turned to lock in either direction. You need to take your foot off your differential lock if it wants to keep going straight ahead. This was as eloquent as I could get.

John Deere 4300 scuffing more and more
John Deere Tractors
Replies 115 Post by TRock

Don,
Thanks for the heads-up information. The consumers really do appreciate help like this!! I will contact my dealer Friday, I hope to post back here tomorrow night with results. Thanks again!!

4000 Scuffing Reporting to dealer tip
John Deere Tractors
Replies 3 Post by TRock