track problem

[colorado]

got a jd crawler 420c 1956, when i start working with it, it all great until 20 minutes when the left track goes neutral. the other one spin but not the left one. wait about an hour, both are working. 20 minutes after, neutral again. clutch are good. anyone knows whats going on?

[Tigerhaze]

The left track is not going neutral; the associated steering clutch for it is slipping. Sometimes slipping is because of improper adjustment, but the condition you describe (where waiting allows it to become "good" again for a short time until used again) sounds more like previously oil-soaked steering clutch fiber discs that release oil contamination onto the steels when they get warm. When you say the clutch is good, do you mean the engine clutch or steering clutches, and is that because you installed new steering clutch fiber discs on both sides?

FYI, the 420 is considered an "early model" on this board so in the future posting there will probably get more responses although this issue is also common to later crawlers with mechanical (dry) steering clutches.

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

On the 420, there is nothing other than the steering clutch pack which could act like this.

Stan

[Lavoy]

I moved the post to this section.
Definitely problem with steering clutch.
Lavoy

[notmeu]

I had the same problem on my 56' 420, the fiber disc were worn out and the metal disc were rusted. Sounds like you'll be pulling the finals. Make sure you get a gauge from Lavoy for setting the pressure plate's, if you don't chances are you will be pulling the finals again! Ask me know I know....

[Tigerhaze]

Not to steal Stan's thunder, but the other thing mentioned in the past is once you replace the one side you will likely want to replace the other unless you are positive it is brand new and does not have issues.