JD 350B power

Bought a JD 350B for the log arch and winch (working in the woods). Decided last weekend to pop some small stumps but ran into issues. Everything seems to work as it should (reverser, transmission) but then I went to push on a stump the dozer seemed to just stop. Motor did not act as though under a load. Seems to move dirt OK but compared to my other dozer, I am used to putting in 1st gear, full throttle, and the dozer either moves what it is pushing or turns the track (to a point at which the motor will nearly stall out under load). The JD just stops but motor does not even act as though it is under a load. Could this be my reverser? Not a mechanic but fortunately have a couple friends who are. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I hope I was clear enough on this post as to what is going on. I also noticed the hydraulics are not near as strong as my other dozer. Not sure it that is tied in or not.

I'd suspect the steering clutches over the reverser - but it could be either. I think under the seat on top of the rear of the transmission - there is a plate you can removes so you can see the top of the ring-gear (that drives both final drives). If you can seed your ring gear - the thing to do is make it slip while in gear and see if that ring is turning or not. If it's turning- both your steering clutches are shot. If it's NOT turning - then it's your reverser that's slipping. You can also put a gauge into the control valve of the reverser and check pressure. Near where the clutch pedal linkage hooks to it - there are two 1/8" pipe plugs. One is lube/release pressure and the other is clutch pressure. Lube should be 15-25 PSI and clutch pressure around 120 PSI. If it's under 100 PSI you can assume the reverser is slipping. A grease gun hose with a 200 PSI gauge screwed onto it will work for the test.

A little more Info please. Will the machine move at all now? If so it could be either reverser or steering as JDemaris says. Follow his instructions to pinpoint the problem. Quite often the steering clutches become oil soaked from leaking final drive or bevel gear seals. If it no longer moves at all, it is likely the splined coupling between the reverser and the transmission. If you have other questions or need parts feel free to contact me directly. Good luck. Steve. www.sadygerts.com

tractor moves fine. Just not much "low end grunt". Steers fine left but right, if I pull the lever and it is not full throttle, the dozer will actually stop. Seems to work much better if full throttle. Reverser seems to function fine with no issues. Hopefully this is what you needed. Let me know if more questions. Thanks so much for the recommendations

In reply to
"tractor moves fine. Just not much "low end grunt". Steers fine left but right, if I pull the lever and it is not full throttle, the dozer will actually stop."

Define "steers fine?" Steering has two parts. One is when you pull part-way back and the track stops getting power. Two - is when you pull back more and the brake-band engages and stops the track. Need more info. A 350B has dry steering clutches so engine RPM has nothing to do with them slipping or not. On the other hand - the reverser relies on hydraulic pressure to be adequate and that CAN get better with higher RPM if worn.

If your problem is "momentary" or RPM related - you can rule out worn/broken parts like splines and shafts. The best way to determine if your reverser is slipping is by what I already told you. You need to see if the ring gear is spinning when the crawler is not moving.

In regard to the steering clutches? Lock or hold the parking brake on. Put in 2nd gear, reverser in forward, and have both steering levers held back. Then slowly release the left one. It shoulde get to a point where the engine starts to labor and finally stall the engine as you release it more. If you fully release it - the engine is still running ( assuming the brake is holding) -something is slipping. Do the same test with the right and compare.
If you want to just test the steering brakes - get on a hill steep enough so the crawler can roll in neutral. Let it roll and then try pulling back on either lever and see if the brake grabs on that side and locks up the track.

One more thing. If your brake won't hold tight enough to test when in 2nd gear - just put the trans in a high gear e.g. 3rd or 4th.