Ford 1710 Backhoe leaks

geo1710 · Feb 28, 2018

I have an integrated New Holland backhoe, model 757B installed on my 1710. The backhoe uses the tractor hydraulics. The leaks started all of a sudden. With all of the valves centered (not being actuated), hydraulic fluid is seeping out from around four of the valve spools at the top where the spools emerge through the top of the valve. The fluid isn't squirting, but it is seeping at a good rate. The two stabilizer valves are not leaking, nor are the two front bucket valves. I'm perplexed because the leaks started all of a sudden in 4 places simultaneously. This leads me to think that rather than four seals going bad at one time, I have some sort of over pressurization problem caused by either a relief valve failure, or a restricted output, or.... Before I invest in a gauge or start twisting bolts, I thought I'd ask if anyone has seen this before. Thanks in advance.

KYErik · Feb 28, 2018

Have you checked/replaced the filter? A plugged filter would pressurize all parts of the valve system, even when the valves were in a neutral position.

geo1710 · Feb 28, 2018

No I haven't tried to replace the filter. I just moved the tractor inside. The boom and stabilizers would barely move, but the loader worked fine. I'll replace the filter tomorrow and post the results. Thanks

KYErik · Feb 28, 2018

My old Case backhoe has pressure and return quick disconnects for the rear (backhoe) portion. You might double check that yours are still hooked up properly. If the return quick disconnect wasn't seated correctly (blocking flow) it would behave as described.

geo1710 · Mar 14, 2018

KYErik said:
My old Case backhoe has pressure and return quick disconnects for the rear (backhoe) portion. You might double check that yours are still hooked up properly. If the return quick disconnect wasn't seated correctly (blocking flow) it would behave as described.

I changed the filter and I still have the same problem. I'll check out the quick disconnect and the entire return loop and let you know. Thanks for the reply.

geo1710 · Apr 1, 2018

I changed the quick connect and that didn't fix the problem. While contemplating my next move the other day, I noticed that the lift arms were in the fully-up position. Attached to the right lift arm is a linkage that connects to the sump right above where the hydraulic output line connects. For the heck of it I lowered the lift arms and the problem resolved itself. I'm not sure what the linkage/valve does, but somehow it must have blocked the output. I'll have to chalk this one up to "operator error"

Thanks for all of your help.

KYErik · Apr 5, 2018

Glad you got it fixed. I wouldn't have guessed that. Perhaps the hydraulics are routed first through the backhoe valves and lastly through the 3 point. Maybe the tractor was trying to lift the 3 point the whole time and that pressurizes everything upstream of the 3 point.