[Chris223]

So with 9.4 hours now on our month old X500 (I know I know, why does it ONLY have 9.4 hours on it, hey... it cut my mowing time by MORE than half from my old tractor). Anyway, JD dealer came out to do the break in service a couple days ago, now I'm noticing a strange banging sound coming from I think near the engine. It's hard to describe, almost sounds like, well when you hit the side of a hollow upside-down 5 gal bucket or something, lol. It isn't continuous, just makes this noise every so often. I don't know if I'm just worrying to much like usual or if it's something I should be closely monitoring.

 

[johndeere]

Something is not right.

 

[JD2030]

Something is not right.

Ditto!!!!!!!!!! I would have JD come take another look before operating it any more!!!!!!

 

[midnitetr8n]

I would definitely do as previously stated and have JD service come back out and do a thorough inspection.

 

[Chris223]

awesome, guess I'll be calling them. We buy a JD for reliability and I just happen to be the one in a million that has a problem with it in the first few weeks of even owning it.

It's not really loud, but I just know it wasn't their before. I don't even know if it's coming from the engine or not, I just know it's coming from that area, although it kinda sounds pretty low, as in the lower half of the tractor.

I drove it around tonight for a few minutes to see if I still heard it. I only heard it do it like 2 times in the half our or so I was running it. I still can't determine if it's just the deck making a noise or something because I've only noticed it when I'm mowing.

 

[johndeere]

awesome, guess I'll be calling them. We buy a JD for reliability and I just happen to be the one in a million that has a problem with it in the first few weeks of even owning it.

It's not really loud, but I just know it wasn't their before. I don't even know if it's coming from the engine or not, I just know it's coming from that area, although it kinda sounds pretty low, as in the lower half of the tractor.

I drove it around tonight for a few minutes to see if I still heard it. I only heard it do it like 2 times in the half our or so I was running it. I still can't determine if it's just the deck making a noise or something because I've only noticed it when I'm mowing.[/QUOTE

Is there any grass build up under the deck?That could be trying to work its way loose.When a chunk of build up comes out and starts clanging around it can sound strange.Did you mow wet or if you have a lot of clover in your lawn it can build up fast.You say you notice it when your mowing that why I ask.

 

[slkpk]

I think johndeere may have it it on the head. I would check to see that everything is tight and clean under your deck and try mowing with it again. If it still makes the sound then call JD asap. slkpk

 

[picframer]

I would call JD, probably wouldn't run it until it's looked at. I run two of these units in our company, amazing tractors, one has over 200 hours so far this year no issues.

I know the mulching attachment for these is loud and makes some interesting noises when cutting tall grass....I took them off as the results were not good and the noise was too loud, I have had serious grass build up but I don't recall it making a thump noise.

Guess you could try process of elimination, take the deck off which takes about 5 min and take her for a drive and see if the noise is gone.

Let us know how things work out.

 

[Chris223]

I'll look into these. I wasn't mowing "wet" but there was a little bit of moisture as it was in the evening, and yes, the field I have to mow has a lot of clover. I'll look into build up being the possibility.

 

[JimC_Vt]

What did JD do to the tractor at service time ?????????????????????????????

Look for a loose blade also....Jim

 

[Tom White]

....almost sounds like, well when you hit the side of a hollow upside-down 5 gal bucket or something, lol. It isn't continuous, just makes this noise every so often.

I still can't determine if it's just the deck making a noise or something because I've only noticed it when I'm mowing.

Ah, well there you go. Just look under the deck for a 5 gallon bucket.

 

[Chris223]

What did JD do to the tractor at service time ?????????????????????????????

Look for a loose blade also....Jim

They just came over and did the at-home break in oil change. Changed the oil, started it up to run it for a few minutes to make sure everything was good, and left.

 

[Chris223]

Well guys I started it up again today, drove it around for a little bit without the deck on, no noise, engine sounds/runs strong and true. So I'm *pretty* certain it's the deck.

Very possible it's the build up, because looking under the deck... my god! The grass build up is AWFUL. I'm not real confident in getting the deck off though, not the most mechanically inclined person, but it may be something I'll have to do at some point. I took the longest screwdriver I have though and chipped away at a little bit of it... there's a ton. It kept coming out in HUGE clumps. I may just need to get a set of car ramps and try to get more out that way.

 

[saleen49]

Wet grass build up will make the noise you discribed.

 

[johndeere]

Car ramps will not help much.You will find the ramp is then in the way.I would take my time and take the deck off step by step.However that gets old especially after only 10 hours of use.

Sears sells a hydraulic jack made for lifting motorcycles.They work great for lifting the rear of the tractor up high.Then you can get under the deck and clean away.The reason the jack mentioned is better then a floor jack is because it has two lift points and holds it up very stable.

 

[Chris223]

Wet grass build up will make the noise you discribed.

Well nice and sunny and dry today. Cleaned off the deck as best I could, did some mowing... nothing more than the soothing lullaby of a fine piece of machinery. Guess I just have to make sure I mow when it's REALLY dry, and maybe pick up a set of car ramps to clean under the deck every couple mowings.

 

[johndeere]

I think we posted at the same time.Besure to read my previous post before buying car ramps there is a better solution.

 

[Tom White]

I took the longest screwdriver I have though and chipped away at a little bit of it... there's a ton.

Instead of the screwdriver, I would suggest getting a couple putty knives of different widths.

 

[farmer69]

Once you get used to removing deck it is quite simple. You could probably do it in 10 minutes easy. Is it the 54" deck.

 

[Chris223]

Once you get used to removing deck it is quite simple. You could probably do it in 10 minutes easy. Is it the 54" deck.

It's a 48". I took a look, are there only 3 hanging points? The large U shape hanger in the front and the 2 in the rear on both sides?