5500 cold hyd. dead until tractor op is reached.

[Lester Ware]

My JD 5500 ag. 2wd has total loss of hyd. in freezing weather until tractor warms up to op. temp.. Hyd. then operate flawlessly. ??? Just purchased tractor, I have no freezing weather exp..

 

[JD5210]

I would suggest that you post this in the hydraulic section. Along with a little more detail. Total loss of steering, 3 pt and FEL? Since you have a tandem pump, knowing about the steering is important to answer your question. When was the hydraulic filter, pick-up screen (if your tractor has one) and fluid changed last? Since this tractor is new to you how long did it sit without being started for a long time and was it outside?

Hydraulics will always be slow until the fluid warms up as I am sure you have already figured out. You may gotten water in the fluid and this is freezing up. I look to the experts, but I would be concerned that you may be causing damage to the pump, until you resolve this. I have include the URL to JD parts.

If you do change the fluid and filter a couple suggestions. If you more than one dealer call both on prices for fluid, change the o-ring on the plug and make sure you have a wrench for the filter. The filter is bigger than a car filter and do not try the screwdriver through it approach. It is not as tough as you think it is. When you resolve this please consider posting it, so others can learn from your experience.

John Deere - Parts Catalog

In case you did not get any manuals, here is a URL you may want.

Operator's Manuals for John Deere Equipment

 

[Lester Ware]

Thanks very much for your speedy response. I'm going to move my post to your suggested, hydraulic section and add need material.
Thanks,
Lester

 

[ctlguy]

An old farm trick is to have a jumper hose built and plug one side of your rear remotes into the other and cycle the oil. Helps speed up hyd warm up, we've been doing it for years. This is of course assuming you are not having any additional problems as mentioned above.

 

[kjung17]

That tractor should have a filter by-pass valve on the hydraulic filter. If this is stuck. It will cause your problem, in cold conditions.

 

[oldnslo]

That tractor should have a filter by-pass valve on the hydraulic filter. If this is stuck. It will cause your problem, in cold conditions.

Not familiar with the JD 5500 but every filter by-pass valve I have seen just by-passes the filter and does not prevent flow from continuing on down stream.

I have to agree with JD5210. sounds more like cavitating pump.

By operating temp, does the OP mean engine temp or hydraulic fluid temp? If hydraulic fluid temp that would reduce likely hood of water.

What weight of oil is in it. Did previous owner use heavy oil like 90 weight gear lube? Don't laugh it happens, some people think any oil works any place...


Roy

 

[kjung17]

A loose/worn pump should work better with cold oil. I'm assuming the suction screen has been checked. 5500 should have separate pumps for steering and rockshaft/scv/fel. Suction is common. Does steering work?

 

[dex3361]

you could have moisture mixed in the oil and when it is below freezing it the moisture plugs the suction screen. Might be worth a check. You can do a crackle test on your oil by heating a hot plate and taking a drop of the warm oil onto the hot plate. If there is moisture in the oil it will make a crackle sound. Compare fresh clean oil to the oil in your machine and the oil with moisture will stand out in comparison.

 

[kjung17]

The crackle test..... you learn something every day. Thanks.

 

[dex3361]

The crackle test..... you learn something every day. Thanks.

Here is an article that explains the process a little more in detail.
Machinery Lubrication Crackle Test