The tractor is a popular farming vehicle used by millions of farmers all over the world. It mechanizes all the agriculture-related tasks, making them convenient for you.
Whether you want to do tillage or plowing, it can perform just about every task. It has evolved a lot over the past few years, and today, it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
The 4WD vehicles have secured great popularity recently. In these kinds of systems, power is distributed to all four tires, allowing for maximum traction.
Thanks to its high traction, it is a preferred option for many off-road enthusiasts. As this system got popular, some tractor brands introduced it in the tractor industry as well.
New Holland is a household name in the tractor market. It is a famous company that specializes in manufacturing top-of-the-line tractors and other farming solutions.
The company started its journey in 1895 and is certainly one of the pioneers of the tractor industry. Its tractors are known for their powerful features and sound construction.
The 4WD tractors manufactured by New Holland are quite durable. However, many users have reported that they stop working sometimes.
It is a common issue faced by many farmers. In this article, we will discuss some common reasons why your New Holland 4WD may stop working sometimes, along with their easy fixes. Let’s dig deeper without any further ado!
New Holland 4-Wheel Drive Not Working
Below are some common problems associated with the New Holland 4WD tractors.
- Check If Your Vehicle Is Forced To 2WD
In many cases, the New Holland 4WD tractors stopped working when it was forced to 2WD mode. These tractors allow you to switch between 4WD and 2WD as per your farming needs.
However, the unit may stop working when it is forced to 2WD. So, start by checking the mode of your New Holland 4WD tractors.
Most New Holland vehicles come with a unique feature where you can actually lock 2WD mode on the tractor. To check whether that is the case or not, look at the C-shaped handle located on the left rear part of the seat.
Thankfully, most New Holland 4WD tractors come with this handle that tells you about the current mode. If you find the handle in the downward direction, it means that the tractor is using 2WD. Similarly, the upward direction indicates that your New Holland 4WD tractor is in the 4WD mode.
Luckily, this problem has a simple fix. All you need to do is pull the handle upward, and it will engage the 4WD system.
Having said that, it is important to note that this feature is not available in all New Holland 4WD tractor models. It would be better to check the user manual of your New Holland 4WD tractor to know its model-specific features.
- Checking the Front Drive Shaft
If your New Holland 4WD tractor model does not have a handle, or if it is already in an upwards position, proceed to check the front drive shaft of your 4WD tractor.
The front drive shaft is an important component of your tractor as it is responsible for transferring power for the proper working of your tractor. There could be something wrong with the front drive shaft, which may cause your New Holland 4WD tractor to stop.
Vibration is a common symptom associated with a faulty front drive shaft. If you notice a vibration in the unit, it indicates a problem in the U-joint. So, check the U-joint and make sure it is in good health.
Furthermore, worn-out splines can also cause problems in your New Holland 4WD tractor. Splines are vital for your tractor’s smooth working as they are responsible for transmitting torque and rotation.
So, if you see excessive play on splines, consider replacing your front drive shaft. A front drive shaft is an expensive component, so replacing it will cost you quite a bit.
However, replacing it will surely bring your New Holland 4WD tractor back to life. And yes, it is readily available in hardware shops all over the world.
- Get the Transfer Case Checked
A bad transfer case is another reason why your New Holland 4WD tractor stops working sometimes. It takes power from the transmission of your New Holland 4WD tractor and supplies it to the front and rear axles.
The transfer case of the New Holland 4WD tractor needs transfer case fluid for optimal performance. This fluid effectively dissipates the heat and lubricates all the components of a transfer case, such as bearings, shafts, etc.
If your transfer case is running out of the transfer case fluid, you may have a hard time changing the gears of your New Holland 4WD tractor.
Apart from that, you will likely hear a strange noise when using a tractor. This is because when the components of the transfer case are not lubricated, they start making noise.
If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, check the level of the transfer case fluid. If it is low, get it refilled from your nearby workshop. You will need to change it every once in a while to ensure the smooth performance of your New Holland 4WD tractor.
Furthermore, it is recommended to get your New Holland 4WD tractor serviced regularly. Not only will it keep all the components roadworthy, but it will also detect the problems. This way, you will get it fixed timely, avoiding costly repairs down the road.
- Faulty Electrical Connections
It’s no secret that wiring problems are quite common in all tractors. Wires can get damaged or corroded over time due to age-related wear and tear, and when they do, your New Holland 4WD tractor may not engage.
A visual inspection will help you determine whether the wiring is the culprit or not. So, examine all the wires and connection points and make sure they are intact. If the wires show any signs of damage, you will need to replace them. Furthermore, make sure that the connection points are not loose.
If a visual inspection is not enough, it would be a good idea to use a multimeter. A multimeter is a measuring device used to check the electrical properties of electrical components.
Attach its leads to the wires to test them. If found defective, replace them to troubleshoot your New Holland 4WD tractor.
If the wires and connection points are fine, the problem could be with the fuse of your New Holland 4WD tractor. Use the multimeter to test it. If it has blown out, replacing it will be the only solution.
Having said that, checking the wiring can be dangerous if you do not have enough knowledge. So, it would be better to call in an expert. With the right tools, they will diagnose the problem and fix it.
However, if you still want to check and repair it on your own, make sure to turn off your New Holland 4WD tractor first.
The Bottom Line
New Holland 4WD tractors are an obvious choice for many farmers, thanks to their innovative features and excellent construction. However, it is seen that they just refuse to engage sometimes.
It could happen due to many reasons, which we have discussed in this article. If your tractor stops working, consider inspecting its front drive shaft and transfer case.