LF 3400 Hydro Problems Cancel The title field is required!

1. Ladd Klinton R

   
   11/4/2014 9:11 AM

   I have a Jacobsen LF 3400 fairway mower that is 4x4. I have been having hydraulic issues with it for a while. Here is the list of problems:
   1. No matter what down pressure settings, speed or reel adjustment settings I have tried, the front 3 reels are wash boarding while in mow. The more growth or thicker the grass is, the worse it gets.
   2. while in backlap, the reels and hydraulics are pulsating. This means they spin,stop,spin,stop etc. This really sounds like the hydraulics are working hard just to move some fluid every couple seconds.
   3. The back to reels lift very slow. The back two reels don't really lift up until the front three reels are lifted all the way up into transport mode. The back two reels also drop really fast when lowering to mow. It is like there timing is off. This problem has been a new development and hasn't been happening as long as #1 and #2 has.
   
   Other notes: We have tried to check for reel motor bypass and nothing seemed excessive.
   
   I'm not sure if this is one problem or several, or what my next step should be. Any input would be helpful!
   
   Thanks,
   Klint Ladd
   Stillmeadow CC
   Cincy, Ohio

   
   
   
   
2. James Smith

   

   113 posts
   
   11/4/2014 10:11 AM

   have you checked/changed your hydro filters?
   
   Is the hydro tank full like is is supposed to be? We generally see issues when our tank gets a little low.
   
   I had a similar issue with my toro this year it turned out to be a a bad seleniod but I do not know if this would apply to a Jac.
   
   Im not sure how you checked for reel motor bypass but simply switching reel motor placement may help to trouble shoot if that is your issue.
   
   Sorry I could not help much more then that.

   
   
   
   
3. Henry Heinz

   

   0 posts
   
   11/4/2014 10:11 AM

   The first thing I would do, is go to the pump and switch the two lines. One section runs the front three while the second section runs the back two. If the problem follows, its your pump. If it stays the same then Id be looking at a reel motor/motors. The back should lift second after the front and drop after the front drops. If there were lines removed you may have lost a metering orifice that controls the fluid and speed of dropping. You will want to look at what work has been done in the past and retrace your steps. As for backlapping, if the reels are tight and using a large amount of compound, the pulsating and stopping has been a common thing in my past. However it has been years for me as we do not lap. The reel speed for mowing and the rear reel drop issues I believe you will find two different problems. I would also recommend doing a complete hydraulic service, filters and fluid. The line switch at the pump is fast and easy to tell if your pump is bad. Also checking the reel motors, put a block in the front reel with the drain case line in a can and measure the amount you get per minute. Look in the service manual to see specific amount of fluid discharge for a good reel motor. Do each one by itself. Hope this helps and sorry I don't have the specifications here for you.
   
   Regards,

   
   
   
   
4. James Moore_2

   

   1 posts
   
   12/23/2014 10:12 AM

   It took us awhile an changing all the solenoid valves But the main problem was the master control {computor } behind the seat .We switch it with a spare mower an found it work .At the time replacement was $3000 for the master controller behind seat,