4250 load control shaft permanent removal?

OzRinger · Aug 14, 2020

Yes I know oil leaks here are a common as common problem on all JD tractors that use this system, but since I never use draft control and the parts to repair the leak on the 4250 are stupid expensive (the hardened bushes are not available as individual items and must be bought pressed into an assembly #AR103729, and on top of that aftermarket parts are not available in Australia.

So can I just remove the whole shaft and plug up the cast iron bosses that hold the hardened bushes and leave it at that?

Or does the load control shaft also act to provide support for the three point linkage arms so can not be removed.

Tx Jim · Aug 14, 2020

Have old L/D bushing ID's been measured??? Inside bushings(R71262) are $28.45 each

It would surprise me if L/D control bushings are worn enough to require replacement. My 4255 which utilizes the same parts for L/D shaft has never required bush replacement in nearly 12,000 hrs of use. I have in previous yrs pulled plowing type disk harrow & 24' 3 pt field cultivator over several 1000 acres & still has the original bushings plus rd baled over 150,000 rd bales. I've owned this tractor since '93. The seals have been replaced 3 times(last seal replacement about 2 months prior to today) & shaft once.

Drawbar support & L/D shaft are required for 3 pt hitch to attach to tractor & function as designed.

IMHO these type seals are far superior to seals utilized in earlier JD RC tractors such as 3010,4010.3020/4020.

Another important thing is to shim all side to side motion from drawbar support when reinstalling the drawbar support & shaft

Tx Jim · Aug 14, 2020

ID of bushing(R71262) should be 1.209 inches. Frt drawbar bushing R31438 @ $11.10 USD

Scott 730 · Aug 14, 2020

Jim, are you still able to access the old JD Parts site, or how did you get that bushing image with all the dimensions on it, like I used to be able to???? Thanks.

Tx Jim · Aug 14, 2020

No as much as I would like to be able to access JD's old parts page I have to rely on the "new updated,difficult to navigate" version.

To get the parts spec's if available I put part in my signed in shopping cart then right click on part number for spec's.

OzRinger · Aug 14, 2020

The part number for the bush is R71376 and it says "This part has been substituted. View Details or add to cart to see substitute part information." If you try to add to cart it adds AR103729 instead, which is the whole assembly.

The part # R71262 is for the bushing that goes into the drawbar front support. It is easily available and cheap.

Looks like I am going to have to bend over.

chuck from neb · Aug 14, 2020

replace all the parts and be done with it

Tx Jim · Aug 15, 2020

HAVE YOU MEASURED your tractors OLD BUSHINGS to be sure bushings are needed????

The way I interpret the 4250 parts R71262 fits in each side of rear drawbar support & R31438 fits in the front of DB support.

Bushing(R71376) fits in the support that bolts to outside of trans case with socket head bolts.

If your mind is made to change support/bushings they are available from an A&I dealer.

A-AR103729 Bushing - BUSHING SUPPORT, LOAD SENSING SHAFT - 157.70 USD

Tx Jim · Aug 15, 2020

(quoted from post at 21:13:19 08/14/20) replace all the parts and be done with it

Have you replaced any of the newer style bushing/seals utilized on a 50/55 series JD rowcrop tractors??

All parts would include 5 bushings/seals + L/D shaft which is R71375 LOAD CONTROL shaft -165.39 or
from A&I A-R71375 shaft - 121.72 USD

As I previously stated my 4255 is approaching 12,000 hrs of use
with ORIGINAL L/D shaft bushings & has had 1 new L/D shaft installed.

Hay maker2 · Aug 15, 2020

(quoted from post at 09:01:07 08/14/20) Yes I know oil leaks here are a common as common problem on all JD tractors that use this system, but since I never use draft control and the parts to repair the leak on the 4250 are stupid expensive (the hardened bushes are not available as individual items and must be bought pressed into an assembly #AR103729, and on top of that aftermarket parts are not available in Australia.

So can I just remove the whole shaft and plug up the cast iron bosses that hold the hardened bushes and leave it at that?

Or does the load control shaft also act to provide support for the three point linkage arms so can not be removed.

Keep in mind that you may of never used the draft control, but the drawbar is pulled from the front of the support (A-Frame). Even with out using the draft control system the the drawbar pulls aginest the control shafts, bushings, and seals. The load / depth shaft and seals are still needed even if your not using the draft.

When replacing, make sure that you shim the support frame side to side and inspect the front pin that attaches the support frame to the case of the tractor. The bushing in the front is ob-rounded (Item #3) so the the load shafts and flex and do it job. I have seen the front pin (Item #11) worn so much that it put additional stress (flexes more than it should) on the load control shaft which severely shortens the life of the seals in question. Don't over look this pin!

Cliff Nelson · Aug 15, 2020

AR103729 is available from A&I for $157.71. Still expensive but cheaper than Deere.

ss55 · Aug 15, 2020

What is the cost to fix the load control leaks compared to how much will the resale value of the tractor drop without a working 3 point hitch? You might be able to sell off the three point hitch arms and sway blocks to offset some of the loss in value, but IMHO the loss in value would still be greater than the cost to fix the three point hitch.

Hay maker2 · Aug 15, 2020

(quoted from post at 15:45:09 08/15/20) What is the cost to fix the load control leaks compared to how much will the resale value of the tractor drop without a working 3 point hitch? You might be able to sell off the three point hitch arms and sway blocks to offset some of the loss in value, but IMHO the loss in value would still be greater than the cost to fix the three point hitch.

Let alone the cost of oil dripping out of the load control shaft. Oil is not cheap and it adds up real quick!

OzRinger · Aug 16, 2020

(quoted from post at 03:36:21 08/15/20)

HAVE YOU MEASURED your tractors OLD BUSHINGS to be sure bushings are needed????

I have already replaced the seals three times over the past twenty years, last time a few years ago I replaced the control shaft as well.

I just priced the support from the dealer and they want AU$500 each. (US$350)

I might have to buy some in the US and get them posted here.

Thanks everyone for your help.

OzRinger · Mar 5, 2021

It has been awhile but I thought I would update. I ended up getting all new bushes prior to putting in new seals.

When I got around to pulling it all apart it turns out the seals had turned to a consistency of bubble gum. Talking to a neighbour who has a 4255 and did his seals around the same time I did mine years ago. He recently had to redo his and they were the same consistency. So I surmise John Deere made a batch of faulty seals years ago.

OzRinger · Mar 5, 2021

It does look like faulty seals. I found this posted a few months after my problems

https://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/viewtopic.php?t=1463879

4250 load control shaft permanent removal?

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