Loader F245 Hydraulics

Cougsfan · Jun 20, 2011

I have a grey market F245 with an aftermarket FEL. Great little tractor! I was thinking about putting quick disconnects on the hydraulic feed to the loader so I could ocassionally attach a log splitter on the 3 pt. As I looked around under the tractor, it dawned on me how absolutely ignorant I am about the hydraulic system. I don't know where the pump is. I don't even know how or where to check the hydraulic fluid level. I thought I better get a little past the moron level before I continue. Anyone know of a good article or thread or whatever that explains how the hydraulics work on small tractors such as this?

winston1 · Jun 20, 2011

Looking at the Hoye attachment the first tractor picture you will see 3 hydraulic lines turning upward. Those are headed toward a hydraulic filter and the hydraulic pump. I am not familiar with the f245 but would think yours are probably in that same area. If you already have a loader installed there in a good chance the small high pressure line has been cut and routed through your loader. Your hydraulic/transmission fluid reservoir is the transmission case and their should be a dip stick some where on top. Koyker loader install on a Yanmar I am attaching a picture of the quick disconnect on my tractor. Those two connections were not originally there. The hose you see is simply making a loop to complete the circuit. When I install my loader I unplug that fitting and plug it into my loader and another hose that is on my loader plugs into the unplugged end on the tractor. Hope all this makes a little sense. One thing you do not want to do is crank your tractor with the hydraulic circuit not complete. You will end up with a sheared pump key or broken pump.

Cougsfan · Jun 21, 2011

Thanks Winston. I think I am getting somewhere.
I misled you a bit, the tractor is actually a FF245, if that helps.

I think I found my hydraulic pump (mounted to the front of the engine) and filter (which is on the left lower side of the transmission) and I did find my filler plug and dipstick under the mat on top the transmission. I didn't know they shared fluid. I assume automotive ATF would be what one uses if it runs low on fluid?

The Koyker loader on my tractor has three lines going to and from the controller, The one on top of the FEL controller appears to be coming directly from the pump. The line out of the bottom of the controller goes to somewhere on to the top of the differential, way under the seat area sheet metal (maybe to the valve that slows down the 3 point lift speed if I turn it in?). (I may have the routing of those two reversed, they are a bit hard to trace). Those two lines have couplings on the FEL mount bracket wher it would be easy to mount quick disconnects. The third line comes out of the side of the FEL controller and is routed directly to a fitting in the back side of the differential case above the PTO.

I assume the one from the pump is a pressure line, the one to under the seat is a return line and the the third one to the back of the tractor is a pressure relief? Am I correct?

I have been warned about running anything with the lines disconnected even for a moment as it will shear a pump drive pin and/or break a pump.

winston1 · Jun 21, 2011

A transmission/hydraulic combination fluid was originally used and recommended in these Yanmars but many do use atf, especially in colder climates. looking at the dipstick should help you determine what you have in there. The older YM series all have wire mesh strainers down low in the transmission also. These definitely need periodic attention. I don't know if your FF245 has one or not. I would bet Tractor Ernie will know.
I don't want to get in trouble trying to identify your lines but would guess one of those lines going toward the rear comes off a power beyond port on your loader valve. I haven't read about a loader being hooked up like yours. That doesn't mean a thing though. Maybe someone out there has one hooked up like that and will comment.

YanmarFever · Jun 21, 2011

Most F - FX 3 digit models have a set of axillary lines on them already.

They are located below the right hand floor plate, you will see two pipes with caps on them, that's where we tap our loaders on that series.

We have only had a couple of FF models in the past, but parts interchange with the others.

winston1 · Jun 21, 2011

tractorErnie said:
Most F - FX 3 digit models have a set of axillary lines on them already.

They are located below the right hand floor plate, you will see two pipes with caps on them, that's where we tap our loaders on that series.

We have only had a couple of FF models in the past, but parts interchange with the others.

Just what I thought! I knew you would know. :thumbsup:

Cougsfan · Jun 22, 2011

Small world! Tractor Ernie is no doubt Ernie from Ernie's Tractor, the gentleman who sold me my Yanmar. Hi Ernie! For those of you in the Portland, Oregon area, Ernie would be a great guy to get to know; A straight shooter and fair businessman. About 3 years ago I drove a couple hundred miles down the road to buy a tractor from him and would recommend him highly.

There are no connections under the right floor mat. I have not purchased a log splitter yet so I can change direction pretty easy at this point. With what I have learned, I am convincing myself not to mess with the hydraulic lines. I should spend a few more $$ and get a self powered splitter, or a hydraulic powered one with a hydraulic pump mounted to the pto.

With either of those options I would be able to mount the splitter to either my Ferguson or Yanmar. That itself would be a big advantage.

At least I understand some basics of my hydraulic system now thanks to your help, Winston. Thanks.