[deere73]

So, just got myself a 140 h3. Serial number is 29,xxx. Anyways, never had a tractor with this hydro unit. Have had plenty of 300, 312, 316kohlers. The hydro seems weak. I can get into loose dirt and stop the wheels completely. Is there any easy fixes to try or should I plan on pushing that one down the road? Will a newer hydro fit it that tractor?

Thanks in advance,
John

 

[inspired_metal]

John,one of the patios at plow day had a early rear end. That guy may be able to give some advice.
Dom

 

[charms]

Is the T-handle valve under the seat completely closed (clockwise)?

 

[deere73]

Dominic, Jeremy and I have talked about it at the plow day. He knows about as much about hydros as I do ( VERY LITTLE!)

Cliff, the t handle is completely closed. I checked that right away...

John

 

[mikeduwe]

Fluid level fine? Fresh JD Low Vis Hygard and JD filter?

 

[deere73]

Mike, yes, yes, and yes.
John

 

[shivelyt]

JD,
Just to eliminate a broken roll pin in the drive shaft or a slipping clutch, have someone watch the hydro fan while this is happening to see if it is still turning.
Tom

 

[drew]

Does it happen in forward and reverse?

 

[deere73]

It slips in both directions.

Tom, I haven't had time to check the hydro fan yet. Hopefully tonight

 

[mikeduwe]

Not much that can "slip" inside rearend other than the actual hydraulic pump and motor.

Might be a pressure test you could conduct?

Those early tractors had keyways for the rear wheel hubs and they would tend to wear out over time. Might be worth pulling the hubs and checking the condition of them, the key, and the keyway in the axle.

Fan on those is in the front of the tranny not the rear like the later. May need a helper to sit on the tractor with it chained CAREFULLY to a tree or something and have someone CAREFULLY look undernieth to see if the driveshaft is still spinning to eliminate the clutch. Or could probably do it from the top down with the fendedeck off.

 

[rosco611]

I have an early h3 that when plowing it slips and does some jerking. I have changed the fluid/filter. Still have the same problem. I also have notice that when I pull the hydro back to neutral it seems to (for lack of terms) coast to a stop. It doesn't free wheel far but all my other hydros will lock the tires up if pulled to neutral to quick. I haven't dug into it to far yet.

 

[mikeduwe]

The early 140 was a different setup than all the JD garden tractors after it.

It had a variable piston pump, but instead of a piston motor, it had a gear motor.

Should have nothing to do with slipping, but might feel different that other tractors.

 

[chris]

Just as a frame of reference, I have a 69 140 that I think will twist the axles of before it slips. I can really lug it down with a load so I know mine works like it should. Im using Amsoil ATF.

 

[hanse1bd]

I would also check to see if one of your wheels is spinning inside the tire. I had a 4100 compact with loaded tires and this happened to me. The tire went flat and the beet juice lubed up the bead.

 

[cubby]

Just a thought, could the mechanical clutch be slipping? It would probably do it both directions. Could have gotten a little grease or oil in it. I've seen a lot of abused hydros and about the only thing I've seen really wear out was the swash-plate.

 

[rosco611]

I'm starting to lean towards my pump wearing out. It isn't slipping the wheel in the tire or anything like that. I has started making a whining or squalling noise to.

 

[sybesma07]

I have owned mainly all 140's under 30,000 and mike Duwe might be right on one of the axle keyed could be weak or broke. The two I have taken apart have been worn and close to being completely broke. If one is broke and will take a minute to stop because one wheel is not being stopped on the axle. Had them welded up by john Deere dealer.

Ross miller I have had the same problem with one of mine whinning loader then it should and I have swapped out valve box and tranny for a good one and fixed it for about 5 minutes and that one started making the same noise. So I just keep using it and changing oil often hoping to get it to cleans out. Let me know if you fixer out what causes it.

 

[deere73]

So, I pulled the fenders off to watch the driveshaft- fan. I walked the tractor back to a farm tractor and let one tire push against tractor tire. I put it in reverse and the "free" tire can't spin itself on a concrete floor with floor dry on it. The hydro fan never slows down. The tires are not spinning on wheels. With the tractor off I went underneath and watched hydro linkage move. The can moves from end to end. The hydro lever on the dash only moves about half way in reverse tho. I would say I'm stumped, but I'm way past that.

John

 

[wyogreen]

I might as well put forth my thoughts on this. First, a disclaimer, I have no experience with the earlier 140's.
On the later 140's there are 2 check valves, an implement relief valve, and a charge relief valve. If the earlier 140's have these check valves, perhaps the charge relief valve is defective, leading to low system pressure?

Only idea I have, Steve