[dmarchelle]

I have a 54" power angle blade that I recently hooked up to my 140 H3. This is the first time I'm trying to use the hydraulics on this tractor. I have used this blade on my 317 and 318 with no problems.

My first problem was that the blade would not lift. I could see the cylinder trying but it could not lift the blade. The action was reversed so I switched the hoses and now the blade lifts fine. Isn't this strange? It does not seem to have much down force though.

My second and more serious problem is that the blade will not angle at all. I tried changing the hoses and it did not make a difference. I can hear the engine change pitch a bit like it's being put under a load but the blade does not move.

When I got the tractor the outer lever was stuck but I was able to convince it to move and now it feels ok. Could I have damaged the valve? Can anyone offer suggestions? Thanks, Dan

 

[jdjake49]

Dan,
Sounds like your valve is attempting to lift but is blocked. I would suggest that you make sure the balls in the front hydraulic couplers are not stuck. First, make sure there is no pressure on the lines by operating the lever in both directions. Spray a little Liquid Wrench in the couplers and tap the ball with something like a 3/8 extension.

Ocassionaly, I have the same problem and then find out I just did not have the tips plugged in all the way.

George of Buford

 

[dmarchelle]

Well I finally found time to get back to my problem and try George's suggestion. Thanks George. I tried what you said to no avail and even tried pushing on the ball with the engine running while moving the valve. No luck. I decided to finally get down and look underneath the thing a found that the lines had been disconnected from the valve and plugged at both ends. I was hoping for a easy fix but noOoOoO....not me. I hooked up the lines and found out why they were disconnected in the first place. They must have worn through where they go through the frame and are leaking like mad. So now I'm looking at pulling the motor and replacing the lines. I hope I can find a set. So much for "everythings been checked out and is working fine" from the previous owner. It's a good thing I really like working on these tractors.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Jeremy_renninghoff]

Hope I'm not too late. You can replace the lines without removing the engine. I had a line with a hairline crack and one that was looked ready to crack, so I had new Aeroquips made up at a hydraulics shop. They're great and don't need the bushings through the frame holes at the back of the engine compartment.

 

[dmarchelle]

Jeremy, thanks for the info. You're not too late. I'll give it a try. Could you please explain what Aeroquips are? I'm not familiar with that.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[tktrain]

Dan: The "Aeroquips" Jeremy is referring to is a brand name of hydraulic fluid connectors. He had new lines or hoses made at an Aeroquip dealer. I personally would go to a Parker fluid connector dealer/store, that is what John Deere used as OEM on these machines and the replacements will be exact in fit, form, and function.

 

[428_pi]

Hi guys, just visited with our local JD dealer the other day. It seems that the 2013 X700 Series is much lighter than the 2012's and older. He said OSHA told Deere they had to lighten em up or put roll-over protection on them. Deere opted to go lighter, so now you cannot hang a loader on one I am told. I don't know about other implements but this disturbs me greatly. It seems Deere has done styling changes and greatly upped the list price as well. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Remember when they introduced the 320 and 325, 345? Made the heavy duty 318 and others go away, they made the 300 Series into an overgrown lawn tractor. I might be in the wrong forum for this but can anyone shed some light on this subject? Thanks, Fred

 

[woodpecker41]

Fred when JD made the 1975 model 400 it was rated at 19.9 HP because at the time the Feds said any garden tractor with 20 HP or more needed ROPs. Not something new. Another reason to not keep up with the neighbors and keep your old tractor going. Roger

 

[428_pi]

Roger, I am not trying to keep up with the neighbors. I am just concerned for our following generation. Wow, even a round fender 110 could handle a loader. My 2 Cents.

 

[woodpecker41]

Fred I looked at the new 2013s and my feeling is JD is trying to push people who want a loader into the sub compacts that they make. The cost of the garden tractor 700s was so high that they were in the price range of of the sub compacts. For what its worth JD never made a loader for 110s. After market did and many 110 owners ended up breaking front axles and other things using them. Roger

 

[T-Mo]

I haven't seen one in person yet, but from the pictures I've seen on JD's website, I just don't like the looks of the 2013 X700 series. They look too much like the entry level D-series in the hood area.

I also agree that for the price of a X700, the 1-Series SCUTs are more attractive. Bigger tractor, more capability and not that much of a price jump. I do think JD and other competitors are moving out of the super garden tractor market and going into the sub-compact market more. The 1-Series SCUTs are pretty nice.

 

[flymo]

it does look more plasticky. But then again, I didn't like the look of the previous series compared to my 455, and I suspect the 430 owners would say the same thing compared to the 455. Time moves on.

I do think the SCUTs are providing good value these days compared to the high end garden tractors.

Tim

 

[428_pi]

I admit I am humbly beat on this one, yes I wouldn't trade my 1992 430 for any new one but I'd prefer something great like that is carried on. I still believe that Deere makes some fine products, just stuck on quality, that's all.

 

[428_pi]

I did see the new X700 at our local dealer this week. Very nice looking, indeed lighter with a drive-over mower deck with auto-connect, slick I must say. Back to a steel fender deck, light gauge, lighter frame with no cross bracing, lighter power steering parts they told me. Other changes I guess. All MCS systems are different because of the new decks. I give it a thumbs up afterall.

Fred

 

[flymo]

Auto-connect on the deck is silly. I really enjoy laying on my back in the dirt and reaching under to connect a greasy driveshaft.

Tim

 

[T-Mo]

I haven't seen one in person yet, so my opinion is based on pictures. And from that, they look too much like the D-series in the hood area. If I saw one in person, I might change my mind on that, but I doubt it. It's good to get back to steel fender deck, and having the auto-connect deck would be nice also. I have to with hold my overall opinion until I see one up close and personal.

 

[mikeduwe]

As much as if the components on the tractor can handle a loader, its also probably the liability of someone rolling the tractor or dumping something on themselves.

The Deere loaders on the garden tractors dont have as much lifting capacity as some of the aftermarkets from my experience....but the frames are built a lot beefier so they could likely handle the load structurally.

 

[harbertm]

Good post, Mike.

 

[bobstillwagon]

Just a curiosity question but here goes. Does anyone know for sure if a 45 loader (and it's brackets, etc) will still fit the 2013 tractors? So we know Deere doesn't endorse it, but if it still fits without mods then the 2013 isn't necessarily ruled out for someone who requires a loader.

 

[ron_white]

Fred,

I hear what you are saying. It just so happens that we have been so used to John Deere building a heavy duty garden tractor since its inception and we are now seeing them change as other manufactures already have.

I think that we thought it wouldn't happen but the times mandate the changes so it on to the SCUT's to get the durability of old.

The X7 series are very nice and I would think for most users they will last a lifetime like the 300 & 400 series of the 70's, 80's & 90's have for us