You will have to spend a good amount of time each month maintaining your machinery. However, being behind in the maintenance requirements can lead to several issues with your machine. Most brands provide complete maintenance instructions with the owner’s manual.
Make sure to follow the procedures mentioned in the manual to avoid issues with your tractors or skid steers.
Recently some farmers have been asking about issues with the John Deere 326D skid steer. If you’re thinking of purchasing the same model, let’s cover a few common issues that you can expect in the John Deere 326D.
Resolve Common John Deere 326D Problems:
- Engine Stalling
One of the leading issues you can expect in the John Deere 326D is engine stalling at random times. The engine will start stalling even when you’re not putting excessive load on the machine.
You won’t be able to get any work done with this issue. Luckily, most of the time, you can fix the problem quite easily. To start, you should inspect the fuel vent in the skid steer.
There is a good chance that the fuel vent is clogged, and you will have to fix this issue to overcome the engine problem. Most of the time, this issue can be resolved by changing the fuel cap.
A cap replacement is inexpensive, and you can replace it within a few minutes. However, if you’re sure the valve is not clogged, the issue might be with the fuel filter.
It is a good practice to replace the fuel filter every few months. So, if you have not changed the fuel filter in a long time, you’re likely running into an engine problem because of a faulty filer.
Like the cap, buying a filter won’t impact your budget. Hopefully, the stalling issues will be fixed after replacing the filter.
- Overheating Problems
It can be difficult to get through your daily tasks when the engine overheats. There are a lot of problems that can contribute to this issue.
You will have to isolate the issue first before implementing a quick fix. Before anything else, you should check the oil level in the engine.
You can use the measuring stick and inspect the oil level to do this. If the oil levels are low, change the oil and check for possible leaks.
It is best to call a mechanic if you’re unsure how to isolate leaks in your skid steer. Aside from the oil levels, you must check the coolant mixture and air intake.
If the coolant mixture is not optimal, replace it immediately and fix the air intake screens. That way, you will eliminate the problem of the engine overheating in your skid steer.
If you have a valid warranty on your unit, then you should call your supplier before using any troubleshooting steps. He will have a better understanding of how to go about fixing the overheating issues with the skid steer.
- Battery Not Holding Charge
Even though this issue is not that severe, it can seriously impact the workflow if you don’t manage it immediately.
So, if the battery is not charged, you must inspect the battery pack first. Try using a multimeter to check the output from the battery. If you’re not getting the desired reading and the battery has a dead cell, you must buy a replacement immediately.
On the other hand, if the multimeter shows the optimal output from the battery, you should look towards cleaning the battery terminals.
It is common for the battery terminals to erode or get dirty over time. You can clean them quite easily using a brush and a vinegar solution. Once all the corrosion and dirt are off the connection points, try connecting the wires again and charging the battery.
At this stage, the issue should be fixed. If you’re dealing with other issues not mentioned here, try contacting John Deere support. The support team will provide you with complete guidance on how to go about fixing any problem with the skid steer.
- Faulty Crank
The John Deere 326D is a reliable and powerful skid steer that can handle tough jobs, but even the most durable machines are susceptible to technical issues.
One of the more common problems with this machine is a faulty crank, which can cause numerous issues if left unchecked.
To check the crank, inspect the piston rings for any damage or wear. If the rings are worn, they will need to be replaced.
After that, you can check the crankshaft itself for any cracks or other signs of damage. You may also want to look at the bearings and seals located in the crankcase.
If all of these components look sound, you can check the connecting rod bearings for any signs of wear. If they are indeed worn, they will need to be replaced.
Ensure you inspect all the other associated parts for any damage or leaks, such as the gasket and seals in the crankcase.
If everything looks good, but your John Deere 326D is still having issues with the crank, there may be an issue with the fuel system.
- Clogged Fuel Filter
The John Deere 326D, Skid Steer Loader, is a rugged and reliable machine that can handle tough jobs. However, like any other machinery, it’s susceptible to certain problems over time.
One such problem is a clogged fuel filter, which can cause the engine to run rough or even die completely.
This issue is easy to identify and fix with some basic troubleshooting steps. The first step in diagnosing and repairing clogged fuel filters on your John Deere 326D is to inspect the engine for any black smoke from the exhaust.
This can indicate a blocked or restricted fuel filter, reducing the amount of air entering the engine and limiting its performance. If you see any smoke, it’s time to start troubleshooting.
The next step is to locate the fuel filter and check it for signs of clogging or a blockage. If the filter looks dirty or blocked, you should replace it with a new one.
It’s also important to check all other components in the fuel system, such as the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and fuel lines, for any signs of damage or wear.
The final step is to check the air filter for any dirt, dust, or debris blocking airflow. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, it should be replaced with a new one to ensure proper engine performance.
- Faulty Gasket
The John Deere 326D is a powerful and reliable skid steer loader, but it can have problems like any other machine.
One of the most common issues with this model is faulty gaskets. The gasket seals the engine block to prevent oil leaks, so if it fails, then there can be serious damage done to the engine.
Inspecting your gasket regularly for signs of wear and tear or potential failure is important. If your gasket needs replacing, you should replace it as soon as possible to avoid further damage or costly repairs.
Using high-quality replacement parts will ensure that your machine runs as efficiently and reliably as possible for years to come.
When diagnosing the gasket, begin with the basics – check for any signs of oil leakage, which could indicate that the gasket is no longer sealing properly.
If you notice a decrease in engine power or an increase in smoke from the exhaust, it could indicate a faulty gasket.
To confirm this diagnosis, use a diagnostic tool to check for any fault codes or other issues that could be causing a malfunction.
How to maintain the John Deere 326D in good working condition?
Keeping your John Deere 326D in good working condition is essential for its performance and longevity. Proper maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs while ensuring that the machine runs properly and safely.
The following tips will help you keep your John Deere 326D functioning at its peak levels of efficiency and effectiveness:
- Regularly inspect all fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, fuel filter, and air filter;
- Check components like belts and hoses for wear or damage; clean off any dirt or debris from the exterior of the machine;
- Lubricate moving parts as needed; regularly check tires for proper inflation pressure; adjust track tension as necessary to prevent slippage;
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
These simple steps should ensure that your John Deere 326D remains in excellent operating condition for years to come.
Conclusion:
Maintaining a John Deere 326D is essential for its performance and longevity. Regularly inspecting all components, fluids, and parts of the machine will help you avoid costly repairs while ensuring that it runs properly and safely.
The steps outlined in this article guide you on performing regular maintenance checks to keep your John Deere 326D functioning at peak levels of efficiency and effectiveness.
With proper care and attention, your skid steer loader can provide years of reliable service.