JD 3055 rear end issue?

[DodgesandDeeres]

howdy, been fighting with this ol JD 3055 for months thought my issue was the hi low as you would clutch the tractor and it was like you hit the brakes and the wheels would stop immediately as if the brakes were applied , pulled the hi low out to double check and all is good no leaks and 150 psi pressure she shifts perfect however i still have the immediate stopping once the clutch is pressed... so upon further investigation i have found .... 1A. that if tractor is running , wheels off ground and you touch left or right brake opposite wheel speeds up and other is stopped as it should. 1.b if tractor is shut off and you press either brake the other wheel will not turn , so i disconnected the brake line thinking i had a brake valve problem same deal with the line unhooked couldnt not budge the tire at all ... 1.C with tractor off and differential lock engaged it is impossible to roll the wheels in either direction. OK so what in the world could bind it so tight it cannot be moved when i have ran a scope down the lift housing and can see the spider gears turning easily. but with help from someone else its impossible to move both wheels in the same direction at the same time.... i will add this tractor had to have the rear end housing replaced the other was busted i personally built the entire unit by the book... so what im i missing any help will be appreciated

 

[Harry in Ky]

I can't help being curious about the brakes. You've done a ton of work to this machine. Did any of that involve the brakes? You stated the rear end housing was replaced. At some point prior to your involvement or was that your project as well?

 

[JD Dave]

I have a 2755 with hi-lo that indicates similar symptoms such as you describe. I have not had time to diagnose it yet. It will not shift to hi at low idle but will as rpm's increase which may be a pressure problem. I've had the tractor stop in its tracks a couple times as you describe. As I remember, the hi-lo works through a clutch pack and possibly the clutchs and plates wear and stick. When I dig into my problem, I will report back. I think your problem is the hi-lo, not the rear end or brakes.

 

[used red MN]

Hello D&D, welcome to YT! Not sure if you are a 100 percent understanding what is happening by your description. Everything you are describing in 1 a, b & c to me says your differential and rear brakes are functioning properly. In 1 a you don’t tell us if it is in gear or if the drag through the drivetrain is rotating the wheels slowly.
Both 1b and 1c scenarios points to the differential and ring and pinion are being held unable to rotate. Is the transmission in neutral when you’re doing this or is it in a gear. I am not at all familiar with that transmission set up but in most cases when a transmission is in neutral the transmission output shaft, which in most designs in a tractor it is the pinion shaft can turn freely. Pinion shaft in my terminology is the shaft with the pinion gear on it that drives the differential ring gear.

 

[DodgesandDeeres]

ok gentleman here is the solution. so simple slap you in the face , dont know how i overlooked it. it was the Parking brake, thanks to everyone that chimed in.... i set the parking brake up, adjusted to proper lb of pull force, as the shop manual said, but it was to tight that is why it was locking down, i readjusted all the parking brake by feel and she freewheels great with no hold back... i hope this helps someone as i spent alot of time even resplitting the tractor because i thought it was a hi low issue, so gents is you have the same issue check that parking brake it sets in a seave that constantly rotates inside the brake band, so if it becomes jammed or is out of adjustedment you will get the sudden stop when pressing the clutch or you cant rotate the wheels in the same direction by hand.

 

[DodgesandDeeres]

I have a 2755 with hi-lo that indicates similar symptoms such as you describe. I have not had time to diagnose it yet. It will not shift to hi at low idle but will as rpm's increase which may be a pressure problem. I've had the tractor stop in its tracks a couple times as you describe. As I remember, the hi-lo works through a clutch pack and possibly the clutchs and plates wear and stick. When I dig into my problem, I will report back. I think your problem is the hi-lo, not the rear end or brakes.

ok a 2755 is a different setup than the 3055/3255 the 2755 reverts to low range when pressure drops, you more than likely have a burnt up hi side that is losing oil pressure, more than likely a cracked oil pipe, i have been in a 2750 they are simple to fix, as for your sudden stoppage see if the brake linings have not come loose on the park brake and at times become jammed, not trying to sound like an expert, just had a real good schooling on this 3055 and dont want anybody else to have to fight with one like i did. also if you need any info i have the shop manual on the 2750 that will basically be the same as yours if you need any pages to help complete your repair will be happy to copy and email them to you

 

[JD Dave]

Yes, your diagnosis seems valid. Thank you.

 

[used red MN]

Thanks for that follow-up. I did have a slight wonder about the park/brake system when posting my reply above. The only tractor of that lineage was around was a 2940, I believe it also had the hand brake.