3rd function valve clatter

[Arkansasdawg]

I have had my MX-5400 for about a year. Had a factory installed 3rd function added when I bought it. Several months ago, noticed a fairly loud clattering noise at the full open of my grapple. hard to pinpoint the location but does not seem to be coming from the valve itself. Seems to be coming from the engine area or grapple. Hitting the close button briefly stops the noise. At first I thought it was the grapple but the same noise occurs with my tree puller. The noise then stopped fora couple of months. . Now beginning yesterday, I noticed it again.
power seems normal, the hydraulic fluid eye sight gauge is full. It seems to mainly occur when fully open 3rd function.

i could (and will) have it hauled into my dealer but if it doesn’t happen again for several months, then it might be a wasted trip. Any thoughts?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Almost sounds like the 'open' switch is still closed( powering the valve ). The pushbutton could be mechanically sticking (NOT releasing),or guts are defective.....
Now IF they only had LEDS on the valve solenoids to show it WAS being powered........you would KNOW PDQ.

 

[Arkansasdawg]

Being a relative tractor newbie, the problem obviously is knowing when something needs to be checked out before more damage is done. Unlike my car, I can’t just stop in at the my local mechanic’s shop and have him listen, ha. And, I haven’t found a tractor mechanic that makes “farm calls”

 

[NCL4701]

Agree if you haul the machine to the dealer for diagnosis it will likely be perfect for them if it’s intermittent.

If it’s pretty noticeable, I’d video it next time it happens. Minimal narration so the sound is obvious. Show what you’re doing when it happens (or multiple things you may be doing when it happens) and the audio of the sounds. Any lengthy explanation needed, put it in writing or say it after the action is over. (I have people send me stuff like that on cars and half of them talk the whole time, telling me what’s wrong with it so I can’t hear the problem, just the videographer’s commentary. If I can’t hear it, no point in sending it.)

If you capture it, post it here and/or take/send to your dealer.

 

[Arkansasdawg]

Agree if you haul the machine to the dealer for diagnosis it will likely be perfect for them if it’s intermittent.

If it’s pretty noticeable, I’d video it next time it happens. Minimal narration so the sound is obvious. Show what you’re doing when it happens (or multiple things you may be doing when it happens) and the audio of the sounds. Any lengthy explanation needed, put it in writing or say it after the action is over. (I have people send me stuff like that on cars and half of them talk the whole time, telling me what’s wrong with it so I can’t hear the problem, just the videographer’s commentary. If I can’t hear it, no point in sending it.)

If you capture it, post it here and/or take/send to your dealer.

 

[Arkansasdawg]

I have a video with audio but although I can post a picture, am I able to post a video to this site? Attach files seems to only allow the posting of an image, not video.

Jimmy

 

[NCL4701]

I have a video with audio but although I can post a picture, am I able to post a video to this site? Attach files seems to only allow the posting of an image, not video.

Jimmy

Good question. I’ve seen others link videos to a YouTube post but I’ve never done it myself.

 

[Arkansasdawg]

I am going to try to link to the video. You can hear the noise about 5 secs into the video. I hope this works

Third function noise

youtube.com

 

[Arkansasdawg]

Bump This to the top. The clatter is not too loud but definitely something is going on. The question is, do I need to take it in to the mechanic? Is it likely damaging anything?

 

[ayak]

Is there any benefit to swapping the ‘two buttons’’ electrical connections to see if the problem follows that swap ? (So instead of chattering at full open, chatters on full close)

 

[Joisey]

If you have a no contact thermometer, like Harbor Freight sells for about $20, check the solenoid temps after running and using the attachment and no chatter, then immediately after it chatters to see if there is a heat buildup in the coil that pulls the solenoid open or closed. It the temp rises, it will fry the coil before long. Something is definitely not right.

 

[Arkansasdawg]

Ok, that sounds like a plan. Can you help me understand where I might find that coil?

 

[Arkansasdawg]

If you have a no contact thermometer, like Harbor Freight sells for about $20, check the solenoid temps after running and using the attachment and no chatter, then immediately after it chatters to see if there is a heat buildup in the coil that pulls the solenoid open or closed. It the temp rises, it will fry the coil before long. Something is definitely not right.

where is that solenoid located?

 

[Joisey]

where is that solenoid located?

Not positive on your tractor. Follow the wires from your switch that actuates the solenoid and you will find the solenoid.