Ford 420 Industrial identification/leaky axle

[Lance420]

Hello everyone.

I've had my tractor for about 5 years now. I use it for raking my trails, moving logs and other heavy lifting. Kept up on standard maintenance as far as filter/fluid changes and greasing. Never had an issue with anything until a few days ago. I also haven't been able to find a lot of info on these tractors, not even sure what year it is. Any help on that would be appreciated. The ID tag is attached.

Recently, I noticed the rear axle is leaking. It's got quite a few slow leaks all over the place but this one seems substantial. Not sure what kind of seals are back there or what could have failed. Any info on what kind of job I'm possibly in for would also be helpful.

Thank you

 

[Sean in PA]

KD214K is a 420 with a diesel engine, independent 540 rpm PTO and a 6x4 manual reversing transmission.
The Unit Number, 7B02B, says that it was assembled on February 2, 1977 during the day shift.
The Tractor Number is the Serial Number, The C at the beginning means that it was assembled at the plant in the US.
The other numbers are date codes for when the major components were assembled:
Engine - 7A02A - January 2, 1977, midnight shift
Transmission - 6K19B - October 19 1976, day chift
Rear Axle - 6M08C - December 8, 1966, afternoon shift
Hyd. Pump - 6L17B - November 17, 1976, day shift
Hyd. Lift - 6M01A - December 1, 1976, afternoon shift.

 

[Destroked 450]

420 has planetary rear axle, it’s a pretty big undertaking to remove the outer axle assembly and disassemble it to replace the seal
How often do you use it, if not much I’d just add a little fluid on occasion
Make sure there’s no string, vines or long grass wrapped around the axle near the end of the housing

 

[Lance420]

Thanks, guys. I figured it wouldn't be a small task... supporting the 9,000 lb (?) tractor and removing the 750 lb (?) wheel to get to whatever is the issue. There shouldn't be anything wrapped up in there. The location is very hard to see but I'll scope it out today. That rear end holds A LOT of oil. I've only checked the fluid level twice. Once a few years back... I think I ended up putting a little under a gallon to get it to full. Before this season (couple months ago) I opened it up and it appeared to be bone dry with no evidence of where it went. I think I put just shy of 4 gallons in it. I'd hate to have to put 4 gallons of fluid in it every time I want to use it. It's not a tractor that gets used every day all day. Depends on the task. If i had to put a number on it as an average, I'd say once a week for a few hours.

 

[Check Break]

There's videos out there to watch. Buy a factory reprint manual. There's info here also as your question gets asked often.

https://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/threads/1992-ford-3230-axle-oil-showing-on-wheel.1770800/

 

[Destroked 450]

If your looking down in the axle from the fill plug behind the seat you shouldn’t see much
There’s a oil level check plug on the right side near the back of the hydraulic pump, it should be a pipe plug, there’s a bolt just to the rear of the check plug that you do NOT want to take out
The rear axle hold between 8-10 gallon of tractor hydraulic fluid

 

[Ultradog MN]

Looks like I get to do that job also.
Left side just started puking. Pretty bad too.
And I just added 55 gallons of CaCl to the tires. Whaah!
I stopped by the dealer on my way home from up at the property yesterday and ordered the seal. It'll be here mid week.
About $45

 

[Sean in PA]

If you wait for the weekly parts delivery, most NH dealers won't charge you shipping, but the parts themselves are pricey. My JD dealer will always charge shipping if the part isn't in stock no mater how long it takes to come in.

 

[Ultradog MN]

If you wait for the weekly parts delivery, most NH dealers won't charge you shipping, but the parts themselves are pricey. My JD dealer will always charge shipping if the part isn't in stock no mater how long it takes to come in.

Same here.
If you need them to put in a special order for something you have to pay shipping.
If you can wait for them to include it with their weekly order then no shipping charge.
I got there just in time yesterday.