Extremely slow hydraulics

scouse lee · Feb 14, 2011

Hi, I have a 1970 Ford 3000 that I use to run a log splitter. I have had the tractor for about 18 months & the hydraulics have been working ok up to now but the other day I tried to use the splitter and 1st of all noticed that the arms were having trouble lifting, in fact they wouldn't move at all for about 5 minutes, then when I tried the splitter it is going so slow that it is not worth using at all. The tractor hasn't been used for about 3 months as it has been in storage while we moved house, the splitter is about a year old & I know that is working ok. I'm hoping it is not the pump & intend to look at the filters 1st, can anyone tell me how to remove them please.
Cheers Guys:thumbsup:

dex3361 · Feb 14, 2011

Have you checked the 3PH speed controller knob typically located below and in front of the seat. Then I would check the filter and/or strainer for restriction.

scouse lee · Feb 14, 2011

is this the handle that either sends the oil to the arms/the arms & other apparatus/other apparatus alone, if so I believe when it's fully pulled out it should send the oil to my splitter but I've always had to have it in the middle position.

wdchyd · Feb 14, 2011

There's a suction screen inside/under the reservoir that needs to be removed and cleaned......best to do this and change/clean reservoir hyd oil while you're at it.....these screens will starve the pump potentially ruin it.....:thumbsup: