6 Common Problems with John Deere 2440 (Solutions Added)

John Deere 2440 is a 2040 Series utility tractor that comes with a John Deere 3.6L 4-cylinder diesel engine. The hood and dash on later models were completely redesigned.

The most common problems with the John Deere 2440 are loudness, battery alternator issues, weak hydraulic pump and 3pt-hitch failure, coolant leaking in crankcase, bad key switches, frequent starter and ignition problems, clutch problems etc.

I have put the details of all these issues and their solutions in this article. Read till the end to get all the insights of my research. Also find what genuine users have to say about this one!

Problems and Solutions at a Glance:

6 Most Common Problems with John Deere 2440 and Their Possible Solutions

You may experience John Deere 2440 problems due to many reasons. Here are some of the reasons and how to solve them.

1. Loudness

The tractor is insanely loud. The engine blows and the transmission gets stuck in gear as well. And the noise makes it worse. Under load, the noise may increase.

The Fix:

There’s nothing to be done about this problem. It is an inherent issue of the design. It’s better to avoid the model if the noises bother you.

2. Battery Alternator Issues

You may face trouble with the alternator charging the batteries. The battery may not receive charging. It does seem like an alternator problem but changing them may not help.

It may still not make enough voltage to charge the batteries. In addition, the JD 2440 have small alternators, so it takes a long time to charge them up.

The Fix:

The Motorola charging system has a voltage regulator near the battery. This regulator and the wiring that goes to it can both break.

Fix these broken parts and then you may change the alternator (if the alternator is damaged).

3. Hydraulic Pump and 3pt-Hitch Failure

The hydraulic pump sometimes gets weaker and might break. Additionally, when the 3-point lift has warmed up, it may only lift at high RPMs. The 3-pt may also shake when there is a load on it.

Hydraulics are a big problem on the JD 2440. It could be something simple like a clogged filter or sump screen. Or it could be something more complicated like a worn transmission pump or cracked oil lines in the inner pump area.

The Fix:

Remove the FEL control valve return line from the tractor. Aim the open end of the return line at the hydraulic oil filler hole. With both control levers or the joystick in the neutral position, start the engine

There shouldn’t be any oil coming out of the open return hose. Check for a failed closed center plug internal seal if oil comes out of an open return hose.

The machine may also be starving for hydraulic oil. So check for that and refill it.

4. Coolant Leaking in Crankcase

The John Deere 2440 may get hot and white smoke may erupt from the exhaust. You will also find water in the oil. The 2440 does not have an oil cooler for the engine.

Thus, the coolant in the crankcase is due to a broken liner, sealing o-ring or both. The overheating and water in the oil are due to this.

The 2440’s cooling system is not bigger than it needs to be. The coolant loses corrosion-resistance properties over time. 

Additionally, years of corrosion inside the radiator makes it less efficient, which can cause it to get too hot.

This can cause the coolant to bubble. Basically, the coolant can boil on the back of the sleeves, which can make the sleeves pitted over time.

The Fix:

Put new pistons and sleeves. It’s not a bad job at all. Take off the oil pan and fill the cooling system with air. If a sleeve is leaking, you’ll be able to see it. Moreover, change the o-rings and the liner.

5. Frequent Starter and Ignition Problems

The JD 2440 has one of the most basic electrics. Issues can be solved by just charging the battery. However, even after installing fresh batteries, often the JD 2440 won’t start.

In addition, the lights also may not function. The ignition and the gauges don’t fire up. If the starter seems fine, it is the starter or the ignition.

The battery is healthy if the headlights are bright. The starting solenoid is always the next item on the diagnosis list.

The Fix:

The starter solenoid is typically piggybacked directly onto the starter. The simplest solution to test the solenoid is simply jumping with a battery cable between its two large lugs.

Be careful when doing this because some tractors will start to crank once the solenoid is bypassed. Make sure the tire is out of gear before beginning because you will be standing in front of it.

Alternately, you can disable the solenoid and the key by jumping from the battery hot wire to the starting itself. This connects the solenoid and starter, and it is a common lug.

With the detection of a problem, change the solenoid. If not, examine the starter further and find out. There are simply too many starter parts that can go bad.

If the starter is okay, check the fuel injector. If it has gone bad, replace it.

6. Clutch Problems

When the tractor is in higher gears, it may get sluggish. Or there maybe lack of responsiveness from a gear. The 8th gear might be the worst. The tractor may also stall in the highest gear.

The primary and the forward clutch in the reverser get all of the tractor’s forward movement power. It is most likely of the Auburn design, according to Tech Man page 250-05-3 and has no external adjustments.

There may be low pressure on the forward clutch. It suggests an issue with the front clutch rather than the main clutch.

Also, the drum of the forward clutch may have worn sealing rings. Check both clutches and replace all of the seals in the front clutch if you decide to separate the tractor. both on the piston and the drum.

The Fix:

A tractor split will be necessary regardless of whether the main clutch or the reverser clutch is the issue. Check all the clutches and replace all the seals.

What Majority of the Users Feel?

These tractors are great for 100+ acres of land with cattle. However, the 2440 can have a few transmission issues. There may be a hangup with the shifting forks.

In terms of implements, you can run 7 feet ones easily. Excellent power steering, as per owners. Mowing is a breeze with the two-speed power shift.

Around the woods, the low mount exhaust is excellent. The completely independent PTO’s is wonderful too.

Although the sweeping back axle and two-wheel drive would not offer much traction. The forward to backward ratio/speed shifts can be amusing.

There are three shift options. The collar shift, synchro, and synchro with Hi/Lo are the three types. The engine is pretty strong.

Overall, users love this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many splined shaft does a JD 2440 PTO have?

6-spline shaft.

What type of construction is usually on a JD 2440?

Die-cast construction.

What type of implement is compatible to a JD 2440?

1:16 farm implements.

Final Thoughts

After research, I can safely say that it is a great tractor for it’s price, It gets around small patches of land in no time. And the users love it.

So by all means, go for it.

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