[shamrock12]

Just took delivery of a new to me MY2015 X758 with 280 hours last month. With spring finally arriving here today was the first day I was able to roll it out of my garage. I’m already loving this machine however I noticed something a bit erratic with the transmission that has gotten me a bit concerned. Driving on concrete surface I noticed when I release my foot off the forward/reverse pedals that the transmission would shudder a bit as the machine de-accelerated to a stop. It is not terribly noticeable but I’ve had a couple GX series tractors that would de-accelerate smoothly.

Also it seemed to me that the throttle need to be wide open (or close to) or else the transmission would make some noise as if it is not getting enough power. Being that it is diesel powered and was not under load (not mowing or blowing) I didn’t expect it to happen like that. I checked the hydraulic dipstick under the seat and there is enough oil.

Being that this is my first signature series machine, I am unsure if these symptoms are normal or not. Has any of you with x700 signature series experienced something like these?

Thanks in advance!

 

[eKretz]

If it is very loud you might try changing the hydraulic oil and filter. It usually makes a difference on mine in terms of that whining type noise. I've read that an excessively dirty/clogged filter can cause cavitation and excess noise. I have an x595 (basically the older version of your machine) and it's a little whiny under load at idle and very low throttle but not objectionably so. Not sure what the shudder could be, my machine is very smooth coming to a stop.

 

[kipsy]

when was tranny fluid last changed ? I bought a 2013 x500 last fall with 212 hours on it, and changed the tranny fluid along with oil and plugs spring 2019 as I had no history

 

[BigBlue]

I drive my x758 around all the time at idle or just slightly above, when not using an implement or pulling a load. It works perfectly and doesn't make any odd noises from the transmission. Obviously if you're actually mowing or snowblowing you should be at WOT but for other stuff you can run at any rpm.

Rob

 

[RT3360]

I drive my x758 around all the time at idle or just slightly above, when not using an implement or pulling a load. It works perfectly and doesn't make any odd noises from the transmission. Obviously if you're actually mowing or snowblowing you should be at WOT but for other stuff you can run at any rpm.

Rob

Ditto to BigBlue. My X738 is smooth all the time and only whines when it’s cold and I run it fast down the road to the neighbor’s drive.

 

[shamrock12]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

I do not know the service history as I am the second owner and just took delivery last month. But I did notice some paint wear on front axle drain plugs which I’m guessing the hydraulic oil got serviced at some point.

Last night it just occurred to me to check the transmission release lever (to free wheel a dead machine), so I looked under the right rear fender and found it in the up position. I thought I had just found the culprit but after pushing it back down the transmission still seem to be a bit abnormal.

I was surprised to see the level still was in the up position however not completely all the way up. I thought once the machine is driven the lever was supposed to reset down to its original resting position? Does the fact that the lever didn’t reset all the way down indicate there is a problem? Beside transmission oil and filter, this is the only other possible issue I could think of however I am not an expert in transmission.

With a month left on factory warranty I think I will at least let my dealer know about this so it at least will be on the record.

 

[eKretz]

The lever does return automatically, it just doesn't go into the locked position. If the tractor was moving when you pushed the pedals, it had returned. After that you're supposed to move it over the little "hump" lock manually. It doesn't need to be over the lock at all in my experience but I do it anyway. It's possible yours could have been sticking open a bit since it wasn't locked.

 

[Alien5044]

I think you were describing a "shudder" not a whine. I'd be a little more concerned with the shudder than a hydraulic whine.

Are all controls properly adjusted? My X500 K72 has a damper that has to be correctly adjusted else odd trans behavior results. It sounds like the internal hydraulic braking may be engaging at the wrong time as you let off the forward movement. Also, not sure if yours has traction lock or similar. If so, have a look to be sure it is fully disengaging when not in use.

If you have a warranty, getting your JD dealer to give it a once over would be a very good idea. If they can't adjust it, keep after them to either fix the trans or replace it.

Good luck with it.

 

[mrbeef]

I agree with the previous statements about a fluid change. The book states fluid should be changed at 50 hrs and then every 200. My guess is the 50 hr service was done, the 200 hr was not. However, I have my doubts that the fluid could be the problem. I've had lots of machines that the PO have pushed to 500-700 hrs wth no fluid change.

My other thoughts:
- fully inspect the linkage. Perhaps something is either seized up or stiff.
- review the procedure on adjusting the front axle speed. If the front and rear axles are fighting each other you will get a skip.
- after checking al that, nodify the dealer of the problem and see if they can figure something out still under warranty.

 

[bevans]

Did you ever find the reason for the shuddering?

 

[bevans]

Did you ever find the reason for the shuddering? I am seeing the same thing with my new to me 2018 X758. Its like when the you let up off the forward pedal you feel a shudder in the system. Also does something similar when turning the all the way left or right. Also when your moving forward at higher speeds, it sounds like its laboring a little with a little shudder instead of just cruising along. I have had a hydro before (445) but since this is a AWD I didn't know if it was normal.

I have changed the hydro fluid and filter at 52 hours. It now has 63 and is still doing it.

 

[Frogmore]

The OP has not been around for a long time. Your tractor should still be under warranty so you might want to talk to the dealer. You might also test drive one of their tractors with AWD to see if it does the same thing.

When I test drove an X739, I noticed a shudder with it. It turned out, the issue was my foot, not the tractor. I proved this by using cruise control. When I had cruise control on, the drive was very smooth. When I used my foot, the combination of bumps, the seat, the controls and my foot lead to something that felt like shudder.

I ended up getting an X534 which doesn't have AWD. It is old and sometimes letting off the forward or backwards pedal will cause an abrupt change in speed. I am guessing I need to change the dampener, but it hasn't been bad enough for me to consider it absolutely necessary. If it was under warranty I would get it fixed in the off season.

 

[bevans]

Finally had some down time to take the x758 into the dealer for them to look at. The service manager came out to see since I wasn't sure if the sounds and shudder that I felt were normal. He backed it off my trailer and said, "oh yeah. There is something definitely wrong with it". He drove it around a little and confirmed his original thoughts. He took it and they are going to see what the problem is. Off the bat he couldn't feel exactly the problem but said these things are usually smooth as silk when moving. I agreed that my 445 was like that but wasn't sure due to the AWD.

So after 3 days, our local dealer havent been able to pinpoint the problem. Both the service manager and the tech have felt the shudder, especially when you let off the pedal and come to a stop from both forward and reverse. So thats a positive.

They have contacted John Deere for guidance. I guess I will not be getting my x758 back until next week. My local JD dealer has been great and has kept me updated. I feel they are trying to figure it out. Thankfully its under warranty. Cause I have a feeling that this could be a a very expensive fix.


I will keep everyone posted.

 

[bevans]

Talked to my dealer today and said they are going to look at the front hubs to see if there is something binding or broken in there. I sure hope they find something.