PTO issues - John Deere 4720

[PanhandleGlocker]

Something is up with the PTO on our tractor. PTO speed doesn’t change hardly when increasing RPM’s. What should I look for to diagnose the issue? PTO clutch? I’m at a loss here.. it’s above my mechanical skills.

Time to call tractor tech out?

 

[OkieJoe72]

It’s probably above my mechanical skills as well, but is it happening without an implement hooked up? If you’re having the issue with an implement hooked up, you might start with the gear box on the implement. Have you checked the lubrication in the gear box? Do you have another implement to see if it does the same thing?

 

[PanhandleGlocker]

It’s probably above my mechanical skills as well, but is it happening without an implement hooked up? If you’re having the issue with an implement hooked up, you might start with the gear box on the implement. Have you checked the lubrication in the gear box? Do you have another implement to see if it does the same thing?

Auger did it. Brush hog did it.

It’s a PTO issue. Just don’t know what.

 

[OkieJoe72]

I know just enough to be dangerous with this kind of problem. I believe that your tractor has a PTO valve switch that starts at a lower pressure and then switches to full pressure. It could be as simple as the valve not opening all the way for some reason. If it were me, I’d get someone to look at it that knows what to look for.

 

[cowadle]

sounds like the hydraulic pressure to the pto clutch pack is low and the clutch is slipping. change oil and clean suction filter on the tube and replace filter . then check the solenoid and stem for leak.

 

[Cowcatcher]

Look around in the cab for a switch that is “soft start” for pto. If your tractor has one the image on the switch will look like your pto emblem but then a squiggly line across it. I’m not saying it’s your problem for sure but if your tractor has that feature it’s possible. Had a daggum disc mower that would hardly cut once. I could tell it was pto rpm related. Near as I could figure I had accidentally hit the switch in the middle of trying to get back in the saddle after hitting a coyote hole. Flipped that switch and was back going.

 

[PanhandleGlocker]

Thanks guys! I’ll give it a look!

 

[Snattlerake]

Go to tractorbynet.com

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/threads/compact-john-deere-4720-pto-problems.440353/
Welcome to TBN
Try to get your hands on the service tech manual for your 4720. Very handy to have, and could pay for itself if it saves just one trip to the dealer.
Member joecdeere possibly may have a download .pdf that covers your 4720.

Take a chance and send a PM (personal message) to joecdeere and include your email. He has been very generous and helpful in the past. As well he may already be on it too. Great member here.