425 again…movement problems…

[Modrob]

Well…I did some piddling with it today…was trying it out. It seemed a little better but then started acting up again in reverse…and THEN—made a loud sound from the pump area and wouldn’t move at all reversed. A little movement forward and then the noise. With it still running I lifted the hood and watched for anything while I gingerly pushed on the pedals. Made the noise again and THEN—whoosh! A pressurized stream of fluid started shooting out the side of the pump! I shut it down and the fluid stopped. At this point it was stuck in the middle of the inclined driveway, but, I was able to push it back out of the way…so, debating in my mind what to do next…to make things even more difficult, earlier I noticed what looked like one of the bolts holding the pump on has been broken off…I’m really considering talking to Power Trac and see if I might trailer it to them for an overall evaluation, and then estimate the pump ordeal. Again, it’s a 2001 model, and it was rode hard in its earlier years. It’s really served beyond well…some pics attached:

 

[Modrob]

More pics from earlier: (the pedal area, looking at the linkage and cable…I cleaned the area up and lubed things)

 

[Modrob]

More of the hydroback area:

 

[Modrob]

Mossroad…I know you’re intimately aware of this area ) so…are there only 2 socket head bolts holding the pump onto the front frame? Looks that way to me and one of mine appears to have the head broken off…

 

[MossRoad]

Mossroad…I know you’re intimately aware of this area ) so…are there only 2 socket head bolts holding the pump onto the front frame? Looks that way to me and one of mine appears to have the head broken off…

Yes, it only has 2 bolts on my 2001 425. See the 4th picture down in this thread...

2001 PT425 Kohler CH25 Oil Leak - Pull The Engine

My 2001 PT425 developed an oil leak. About 1/2 a quart every 20 minutes. Can't seem to locate it, other than a pool of oil under the engine. So time to pull the engine, put it on a stand, clean it up, and run it to locate the leak. Trying to avoid disconnecting hydraulic hoses. Pulled the gas...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[ponytug]

@Modrob my condolences. That sounds like a part failure in the pump that sheared the Lovejoy.

All the best, Peter

 

[Modrob]

Yes, it only has 2 bolts on my 2001 425. See the 4th picture down in this thread...

2001 PT425 Kohler CH25 Oil Leak - Pull The Engine

My 2001 PT425 developed an oil leak. About 1/2 a quart every 20 minutes. Can't seem to locate it, other than a pool of oil under the engine. So time to pull the engine, put it on a stand, clean it up, and run it to locate the leak. Trying to avoid disconnecting hydraulic hoses. Pulled the gas...

www.tractorbynet.com

Thanks for that (I remember that post…very helpful. Just wish I could remember so much good information/pointers more readily)
I stand corrected—that cable cylinder that pushes/pulls the direction lever is the “hydroback”, yes? And then the pump underneath is the “tram” pump, yes? I believe I was under the idea that the whole pump assembly was the “hydroback”…whew.
Before the thing blew up and after the sudden noise/bang/growl, I could see the direction lever wasn’t moving with the pedals. But I did see the chrome cylinder inside the bigger cylinder move a little back and forth, not moving the shaft to the direction lever, but it appeared the chrome part was sorta moving a little sideways. Hmmm. Just after that she blew when I tried the pedals again.

Using your video as directed I could get it all apart and the pump removed. How to proceed next? Guessing that would be a job for Terry’s crew? But then, if it was repaired, how bad would it be to get it all back together and the hydraulic system right? I’m going to check with Power Trac and see if they might give me an idea of a possible cost…boy oh boy oh boy….

Edit: meant to add that the hydroback cylinder attaching plate has been altered on mine…someone welded the plate to the pump frame. Also I see on yours the pump lever is on the side of the operator—mine is set towards the rear. Maybe they had to do it that way when that attaching frame was welded on?

 

[Modrob]

@Modrob my condolences. That sounds like a part failure in the pump that sheared the Lovejoy.

All the best, Peter

Oh boy…should I get some crying towels ready? Prepare a burial? Ouch!

 

[ponytug]

Oh boy…should I get some crying towels ready? Prepare a burial? Ouch!

Grinding noises are one thing in my book. Grinding noises followed by blowing a seal on a pump housing starts to drift into "Ouch" categories in my book. Grinding noises, blown seal, and clunk, well that's just adding to it. But it might be something simple, you never know.

The only way to know is to pull it and disassemble it, or take it to someone who could make the call on repairs, and whether it is worth it. Checking with Terry is the best first step.

As you have written this unit was worked hard for a long time, so parts wearing out isn't (shouldn't be) a total surprise. Things wear out in machinery. In my experience, simple machines are often great candidates for repair and continue working, but a great deal hangs on whether parts (pumps/motors) are available for replacement or repair, and the labor costs associated with all of that. My experience is having access to a great hydraulic shop makes a world of difference, just like having access to a great local transmission rebuilder for cars..

One thing that I would assume is that all of the drive hoses, and wheel motors will have debris in them and need flushing to remove any potential debris. For the hoses after checking to see if they are worth saving, I would use some sponge "pigs" to clean them. (And I would use fresh sponges for each hose.) If it were me, I might ask your local hydraulic shop if they can flush the motors for you. I would also drain the hydraulic oil, clean the tank, and put fresh oil back in.

Personally, I would withhold the funerary plans until after the pump is opened.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Modrob]

Grinding noises are one thing in my book. Grinding noises followed by blowing a seal on a pump housing starts to drift into "Ouch" categories in my book. Grinding noises, blown seal, and clunk, well that's just adding to it. But it might be something simple, you never know.

The only way to know is to pull it and disassemble it, or take it to someone who could make the call on repairs, and whether it is worth it. Checking with Terry is the best first step.

As you have written this unit was worked hard for a long time, so parts wearing out isn't (shouldn't be) a total surprise. Things wear out in machinery. In my experience, simple machines are often great candidates for repair and continue working, but a great deal hangs on whether parts (pumps/motors) are available for replacement or repair, and the labor costs associated with all of that. My experience is having access to a great hydraulic shop makes a world of difference, just like having access to a great local transmission rebuilder for cars..

One thing that I would assume is that all of the drive hoses, and wheel motors will have debris in them and need flushing to remove any potential debris. For the hoses after checking to see if they are worth saving, I would use some sponge "pigs" to clean them. (And I would use fresh sponges for each hose.) If it were me, I might ask your local hydraulic shop if they can flush the motors for you. I would also drain the hydraulic oil, clean the tank, and put fresh oil back in.

Personally, I would withhold the funerary plans until after the pump is opened.

All the best,

Peter

Very good points Peter. To tell the truth, I’m anxious to “open it up” and see the problem(s). But over recent years I’m becoming more and more hesitant to dive deep into repairs and such. Mainly because my brain has been diminishing in being able to retain things like I used to. And, then I end up having to spend more time relearning what I had earlier learned, and then I’ve got yet another in a long list of projects I’m already “in the middle” of stacking up. Kind of depressing sort of, to feel overwhelmed. But I’ve created it all myself, and yet I can’t seem to stop! LOL (I really hate this aging )
And yet, here I am, thinking about tearing into it, again! Ha!
I’m about to contact Terry for his thoughts. If he agrees, I’m thinking it best to trailer it to them. Then see where I stand, and if it’s economical to put a bunch of money into it at this point…