1538HST transmission question

[txvrod]

So, i just bought a 2017 1538 HST Cab with loader and backhoe. Bought it with only 10 hours from an auction so there is no warranty. Engine runs great but there is an intermittent transmission problem. It seems to be linked to the hydraulics as well. The tractor runs great in low gear but if I try to shift into medium or high it may or may not go. When shifted into M or H and press the pedal the engine will bog down and almost stall. Fluid is full and looks brand new. The loader and backhoe will work perfectly most of the time but sometimes not have the power it should. I have also noticed that at times with a full bucket the boom and/or bucket will "chatter". I am running this at 1800 to 2000 RPM. Everything else seems to be doing OK. First cab tractor and in this area of Texas it will be handy, just need help to work out these kinks. Thanks for any help!

 

[johnsonauto]

Brakes are on? Step on the brake pedal to release them?
Not running it at proper engine RPM?

 

[txvrod]

Thanks for the questions: Brakes are off, not in 4 wheel drive, differential not locked, RPMS between 1800 and 2000
I think this tractor probably set up outside for a while considering the age and hours.

 

[txvrod]

About it sitting up outside, some of the clear coat around the front hood stickers is peeling. joahnsonauto, I hope you can get back to me with more info, I looked at your website and crossing my fingers you have can help, looks like you have the experience. I am new to tractors, have worked on my own vehicles for years and tinkered with stuff but this is different. I was wondering if there might be air in the system or if from just sitting up the 2 hydraulic filters could be stopped up?

 

[R134a]

Air in the system works its way out. The condition of the UTTO ???. You don't know what the hillbilly who owned it did. I've seen people put gear oil in place of UTTO. I would try and take everything out and start over with good fluid and new filters. That HST is replaced as a unit and its not going to be cheap if its bad.

 

[duffer]

This might be a long shot, but check the linkage connection on your L-M-H shifter. Mine has come loose once and I thought it was in one range when in reality, it was in another. Yours might be stuck in-between, or even in neutral when you shift up.

If you have a dealer nearby, call (or visit) and ask to talk to a tech real quick to see if they have any suggestions before you bring it in.

There are also, traveling techs (many are independent) that work on tractors, and have a wealth of knowledge. Ask your neighbors for referrals.

Please keep us posted on your progress !

 

[workinonit]

Air in the system works its way out. The condition of the UTTO ???. You don't know what the hillbilly who owned it did. I've seen people put gear oil in place of UTTO. I would try and take everything out and start over with good fluid and new filters. That HST is replaced as a unit and its not going to be cheap if its bad.

This!! You have absolutely no idea what you have until you pull proper maintenance on the machine. Also, when you drain the fluids, check them well for foreign matter. This really should have been the first thing you did when it was unloaded.

 

[txvrod]

Thanks for all the input, I have always found a forum as a place to get and give help, :thumbsup: I do not have the tractor at my home as it is on family land about 1.5 hours away. I get up there about once a week to work on the place. I do have an update as I went yesterday and think I may have solved the issue. I need more time with it to see as the problem seems to be intermittent. I will post a link to what I did and kind of explain. @duffer I checked the linkage and it will move freely and seems to go in and out of gear easily just not want to go once in gear, I don't think that would affect the back hoe and other hydraulics; @r134a I have been told by others that air should work it's way out and to change the fluids and filters, I will do this as this seems to be the consensus of friends and folks on here; @workinonit: you're both correct I should have changed all of the fluids before I started using it but the auction was through BigIron/ Mahindra so I didn't think there would be much issue, I will plan on doing this soon! Thanks everyone for their input because I really like to learn from others and figured this site would be my best bet.
So the update: I did not use the tractor much yesterday as I was using my FIL's John Deere for shredding and bucket work but wanted to at least run the Mahindra and check the linkage and try something I read about on a John Deere Zero turn mower with HST. This is the website: Fix Your Hydrostatic Transmission Problems Fast - Nelson Tractor Blog
I basically followed the procedures in #1 to purge the system of air except I just put the tractor in neutral and did not use jack stands. The fluid in the system looks new and is full. After using the HST pedal in neutral (I could here the pump or something when I moved the pedal) back and forth several times while in neutral, I also after aboutn the 4th or 5th time moved the bucket in all directions with the pedal in forward and reverse I decided to try and move the tractor in M gear. It took out of the shed without hesitation. I went forward about 10 feet and then I backed it up and did this the three times as recommended. I then shifted into low and drove for a minute, then M then H and all three gears went without hesitation. I did this several times, working through the gears and driving around to see if it would stall but never did. I will update everyone next week when I get back up there to run it some more and change the fluids.......:drink: