Ford 3550 Hydraulic issues

[c5dog]

Hi guys,
I've got a Ford 3550 with a front bucket. It was working great but yesterday got jerky when going up or down. Today it will barely move. I suspect low on hydraulic fluid but for the life of me I can't figure out where to check the hydraulic fluid levels for the bucket. I'm sure its pretty basic but I can't figure it out. Help.

 

[whodat526]

Hi guys,
I've got a Ford 3550 with a front bucket. It was working great but yesterday got jerky when going up or down. Today it will barely move. I suspect low on hydraulic fluid but for the life of me I can't figure out where to check the hydraulic fluid levels for the bucket. I'm sure its pretty basic but I can't figure it out. Help.

i believe the fluid goes into the loader frame so there will be a dipstick/filler plug on top of the left hand upright and a filter in the bottom of the upright

 

[c5dog]

Thanks for the quick reply. There's no dip stick there but there is some type of vent cap. Doesn't seem to be removable though. Does it take regular hydraulic fluid?

 

[whodat526]

the vent cap is what you have to remove i believe the dipstick is attached to it

 

[c5dog]

I'll take a look at it in the morning. Thank you.

 

[RickB]

There probably isn't a dipstick there. Fill level is about 12" below the cap with the loader flat on the ground. There is also a suction filter in the bottom of the left hand loader mast right where the suction tube is connected to the mast. That filter probably hasn't been changed in 35 years and is likely to be the source of your troubles.

 

[c5dog]

Thanks guys. I'll take a look at the filter too. Is it regular hydraulic fluid I need to use?

 

[c5dog]

Location for filling was correct and it was low. Never would have guessed this to be the resevorior. Bucket works better but not 100%. Will try the filter when I get the chance.

 

[RickB]

Cavitation can ruin a pump in short order. If you think the loader works "good enough for now" you might be setting yourself up for a several hundred dollar expense "when you get the chance".

 

[c5dog]

Thanks again. If I can't figure out the filter myself, sounds like I better get it repaired professionally before using it any more.