Branson 3510 (2004) lost hydraulics (three point and front end loader)

[mike0000]

Hi Pelicanme, thank you for your input,

I like the idea of a pressure relief valve, but it may be complicated for me to add, I have no idea if my tractor has one.
How did your pump failures present themselves, immediate total failure like mine? I say that but, It may have been in the works for some time but total failure was immediate. My point is that I had no indication of impending doom.
I have had the “jumpy three point hitch” for some time, I plan to do the TPH piston ring repair after I get past the current repair.
I’m considering replacing all parts but trying to come up with a test, possibly drive the hydraulic pump with a heavy duty drill?
I have a 1/2“ drive drill but I’m not sure it’s up to the task?
I can weld up a drive, possibly using the old pump as a test If need be.


Mike

 

[ericm979]

The loader valve should have a relief valve on it. It's usually an adjustable bolt with a lock nut, sometimes under a cover.

In this pic its on the left side above the two spool covers:

https://www.qzrnjt.com/images-hd/HDRSmPNcifAMFcjdPR7Dqzcpv/valveparts/tdls-2k11g/detail/tdls-2k11g(22).jpg

 

[pelicanme]

Mine were total immediate failures. I would dump the bucket and begin the curl, and it just stopped. Once the relief valve was installed, it would do the same thing, but instead of blowing the pump, I could hear the pressure relieving. I'd stop the engine , move the loader control valve to relieve the pressure, start it back up, and keep working (the issue was intermittent).

 

[mike0000]

Thanks pelicanme.
ericm979, My tractor does have what looks a adjustable relief valve similar to the pic you attached.
I think I need to come up with a pressure gauge to find out what pressure I’m operating at.
I have never adjusted that valve, if the pressure were on the high side, I wonder if it could have caused my failure over time?
Will the relief valve protect the whole hydraulic system?
If I didn’t have a front end loader, is there no other relief valve on my Branson?

Mike

 

[kpsp50]

If all else fails and you cannot find a problem call Keno tractors ask for George he is the best Branson mechanic that I know of you can get the number online

 

[JohnAnemone]

Searching for direction on my Branson hydraulics problem. While moving rock with the front end loader I noticed a lot of oil on the ground. I shut it down and discovered I lost the hydraulic oil level indicator sight glass. i was able to find it, clean things up, reseal and reinstall it. I refilled the hydraulic/transmission fluid to proper level. I went back to work, scooped up a bucket full of rock and proceeded to dump it where I needed it to go, after dumping, the bucket would not curl back up. I checked hyd/fluid which showed low so I added a bit more To top it off. I have no hydraulics, the loaded will not raise or curl, the three point hitch will not raise. i removed the bucket from the front end loader and the grader box from the three point hitch. i drove the tractor back up to my garage, I have no leaks and fluid level is good.
I don’t know much about the hydro system, is it reasonable to think I burnt the pump up? I would appreciate any help on diagnostics for my problem.

Thanks,
Mike

Hi Mike,

Don't know how much help this will be, but according to the manual I have (it covers 2910, 3510, 3820 (this is what I have), 4220 and 4720.
The work unit cannot be lifted (this is referring to the rear unit - not the front end loader, but they are working off of the same system)

The Hydraulic stop/slow return valve is closed - I tested this and with the valve closed the rear hydraulics' won't work, but my front end loader still does.
The Transmission fluid is low (sounds like you addressed this)
Air in the intake pipe system - solution is to tighten the filter case or connection parts - or replace the pipe and / or O-ring if damaged.
Oil filter clogged - replace filter
Hydraulic pump out of order - see dealer
Control Valve dusty or the O-ring damaged - see dealer

 

[mike0000]

Just to be clear, I do know what has failed, the drive gear to the hydraulic pump inside the timing cover. Tractor is apart and replacement parts are on order.
The gear was turning but it’s teeth were destroyed(it receives the splined shaft from the hydraulic pump) Resulting in the pump not actually being turned=no pump no pressure.

I just don’t know if I have an underlying problem that caused the damage.

Thanks all for input

Mike

 

[ptsg]

So it was the female splines on the gear that drives both pumps? That means the female splines on the power steering pump were fine and that is why you still had power steering?

 

[mike0000]

Yes, exactly ptsg,

I’m just not good with computers, if I were I could add pictures explaining what I’m attempting to put into words.
The male splines on the hydraulic pump are slightly damaged but really don’t appear too bad. But I wouldn’t even consider reusing the pump.
The female and splined shaft on the power steering side were both good.

Mike

 

[ptsg]

Something in the pump definitely locked up and caused the female splines to strip. Usually the shaft on the pump just snaps before anything else on the engine side gets damaged.