4 Common John Deere 4650 Problems (Reasons + Solutions)

Have you encountered a problem with your John Deere 4650 tractor? Can’t figure out how to fix it?

John Deere 4650 close-center tractors are less likely to have problems. So the problems are a bit tricky because of that.

One of the main problems with the John Deere 4650 is that the PTO does not engage. Low transmission oil and air pressure are the causes of this problem. Another problem is that the tractor does not move due to a malfunctioning clutch. The hydraulic pump issue can also prevent the engine from starting.

Quick Overview of John Deere 4650 Problems and Solutions

Depending on its age, frequency of use, and lack of maintenance, the John Deere 4650 may have various problems. 

Problem  Reason  Solution
PTO Not engaging Leakage in the PTO Fix leakage and adjust the PTO in a necessary level
Tractor not moving   Malfunctioning clutch  Replace clutch 
Engine not start Broken hydraulic pump  Fill the pump fluid to the max
Steering not turning Fluid leaks because of loose or leaked hose Replace the fluid hose 

4 Common Problems of John Deere 4650 Problems and Fixes

Common Problems of John Deere 4650
Source: Trucksnl.com

Problem 1: PTO Not Engaging 

The term PTO refers to Power Take-Off. A PTO transfers power from a power source to an implement or a separate machine.

On a tractor, the PTO connects to the drive shaft of the implement/attached machine through a stub shaft.

When engaged correctly, the stub shaft and driveshaft will rotate from 540 RPM to 1000 RPM. But if the PTO does not engage properly, then the engine won’t rotate. 

There is a certain reason why PTO won’t connect properly. Let’s see what’s that. 

Reason 1: Leakage in the PTO

Oil and air in the transmission put pressure inside the PTO, which assists with engagement. However, low transmission pressure can cause problems when engaging the PTO.

The reason behind the low transmission of oil and air is leakage in the PTO. And this type of issue is fixable. 

Solution: Replace PTO or Fix Leakage and Adjust Pressure

Replacement is the best solution for PTO leakage. It’ll cost $400-$1000. But there is also a temporary solution to this issue. 

Let’s see the step-by-step procedure for fixing the PTO leakage.

Step 1: Drain the hydraulic fluid-filled central part first. And to do this, you should open the PTO. Once the differential fluid is emptied, the back part should also be emptied.

There is the option of using universal trans hydraulic fluid at the center. You can use 75/90W gear oil or the same UTF for the rear part. But we recommend gear oil. 

Step 2: In this step, remove the four nuts and bolts around the PTO shaft. After that, pull straight back. It may be necessary to use a sliding hammer. If you have an old PTO coupler attached, you may have to bash it with a slide hammer. 

You should be able to remove it with just hand pressure.

Step 3: When removing the PTO coupler, keep the shaft from bottoming out and scraping as it exits the middle area. 

Once the bearing has been removed, inspect it. Replacing is necessary if necessary. Replace the gasket if everything appears to be in order. 

Make sure everything is in order. To maintain the level of the PTO shaft, you may use a pipe as leverage.

Step 4: This step is about cleaning the middle and back sections, which would take considerable time. There will be filth on the bottoms of them. 

When you’re done, remove the hydraulic manifold (from the front right corner of the transmission to the bottom of the hydraulic pump). 

Step 5: Last but not least, Run a shotgun cleaning rod through the passages to clean them. Solvents are useful for cleaning. It may sound strange, but dirt will trap moisture and corrode those tubes, resulting in major leaks.

After cleaning it properly, assemble the PTO as it was. 

Problem 2: Tractor Not Moving

John Deere 4650 Tractor Not Moving
Source: Tractor-specs.net

Sometimes, you may see after accelerating John Deere 4650 is not moving. And it’s common for other types of tractors as well. 

After the engine starts properly, your vehicle should move while accelerating. But for several reasons, it won’t move. But here we’ll discuss the common one and the solution to that.   

Reason: Malfunctioning Clutch

It is possible that your tractor has a faulty clutch if it does not move even when it is in gear.

For example, if the tractor’s clutch becomes stuck, releasing it won’t put it into gear as it should; rather, it will keep it permanently between gears.

Solution: Replace the Clutch

The best solution for a malfunctioning clutch is replacing it. There is no DIY solution for the clutch issue. Replacing the clutch is a very difficult task. And you should contact an expert to replace your clutch.

Problem 3: Engine Not Starting

This is the most common issue for any type of vehicle. For multiple reasons, the engine won’t start.

However, the John Deere 4650 engine doesn’t start for some reason. John Deere has an industrial diesel engine, and some different sorts of problems prevent it from starting. 

Reason: Broken/Malfunctioning Hydraulic Pump

A faulty hydraulic pump is the most common cause of an engine not starting. Deficiencies in the hydraulic pump can cause the engine to lose pressure, making it impossible to start.

Even if the engine started, it would certainly lose its power and would stop the engine again. 

Solution: Fill the Pump Fluid to the Max

The hydraulic system transmits force by using liquid. This notion allows your tractor to be effective, although it functions much higher. You can accomplish much work with minimal effort using your tractor’s hydraulic system. 

Your tractor handles the hard lifting using a mechanical mechanism. The hydraulic pump uses the fluid as a vehicle to transfer force from one place to another. However, filling the pump fluid to the max is simple to do. 

Let’s go through the procedure. 

Step 1: The first step is to check the hydraulic fluid level when the tractor is cold. Ensure that the tractor is on a flat surface. 

The cylinders of the boom and buckets should be lowered. As well as ensuring the equipment is in good working order, keeping you safe when checking the reservoir is also important. 

While checking the fluid, avoid getting dirt in the reservoir or on the dipstick.

Step 2: The next step is to remove the reservoir cap, which is usually located behind the driver’s seat on John Deere tractors. There may be a need to remove a side panel and the engine cover.

Step 3: Finally, fill the pump using a clean funnel to fill the fluid into the pump. You can check the fluid level by using a stick. And then fill it to the max. Then set the pump as it was. 

Problem 4: Steering Not Turning

If steering does not turn, you certainly lose control over your vehicle. In John Deere 4650, people often face this type of problem.

Reason: Fluid Leaks Because of Loose Or Leaked Hose

Over time, the steering becomes less flexible when fluid escapes from the steering components. Continual fluid leaks can cause the steering pump to dry out, making the steering difficult to turn.

And this is the main reason why steering does not turn either way. 

Solution: Replace the Fluid Hose

The only solution for the leaking hose is to go to an expert and replace it. Lose hose basically caused by erosion. So it’s nearly impossible to fix.

FAQs

How Much Horsepower Is A 4650 John Deere?

According to the manufacturer’s claim, the John Deere 4650 has 187.7 drawbar horsepower. The PTO horsepower is also claimed to be 165. However, different tests find that it has 142 horsepower on average. Thus, John Deere was able to meet their claims.

What Does G Stand for at John Deere?

G stands for the John Deere economy model. The different letters have different meanings on John Deere. For example, the P stand is the newest edition of the John Deere lineup. On the other hand, L indicates the series model. 

What Was the Most Popular John Deere Model Ever Sold?

John Deere 4020 was the most popular model ever sold. From 1963 to 1972, Deere manufactured the 4020, arguably the most successful and iconic tractor in the “New Generation” series.

Conclusion

This was all about the John Deere 4650 problems. You should now know what problems may occur in your John Deere 4650. Despite being a heavy vehicle, the John Deere tractor is not very easy to repair on your own. 

Hence, if the problem seems severe, you should consult an expert.

Thank You.

TAYLOR GALLA
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