How do you know if your tractor hydraulics are operating up to standard?

[Olalla Tractor]

Hello all, thanks in advance, love this forum!

I bought a used B21 with 1800 hours on it last year. Starts right up and works great. I've put 200 hours on it since and have learned a LOT about owing, operating and maintaining my little beast. It has been used hard and delivered great work. Love this tractor!

My question: When will the hydraulic pump and/or system start to need refurbishing, and if it does, will I be able to tell that it's in need of work? Will I be able to replace seals, etc. to refurbish the pump? I am a fairly experienced mechanic and do all of my maintenance myself, and with fall and winter approaching, I am thinking about indoor projects.

Thanks for your consideration

 

[KWentling]

Not much, if anything, you are going to be able to service in the hydraulic pump. The health of the pump can be determined by doing a flow and pressure test. I wouldn't worry about it as long as it's preforming OK. Most important to a hydraulic system is condition, quantity, and quality of the oil. Do the regular oil and filter changes, and avoid introduction of any contaminates to the system. It would be a good idea at the next oil change to clean the suction strainer, if you haven't already done so.

Kim

 

[bigbull338]

if the hydro pump starts going out it usually makes a growling noise.an it gets slow to raise or lower.then when it goes completely out it wont raise or lower anymore.

 

[brain55]

You'll notice it taking a little more rpm to do the same amount of work before you'll notice noise from wear. That pump is not rebuildable with it having an aluminum housing once it is worn out, it is time to replace it. Like has been said, keeping the fluid and suction screen clean is most important for longevity.

Brian

 

[J_J]

Just do the standard relief valve pressure check, and if it looks good, then you can assume the pump is working satisfactory.

As far as pump flow, you can time the pump flow in a 5 gal bucket and see if it is still putting out the specified volume.

Can you work on stuff. It all depends if the item is rebuildable and you have the skills to do so.

If you have the pressure and flow test set, you can do a hyd check at any time.

You really need a base line, like when new to establish the pass /fail on 3pt leak down, loader seals leaking, valve leak, etc.

 

[Tx Jim]

I'm not trying to be a smart-a Alec but if you're worried about your tractors hyd performance just buy and install a gauge & flow-meter. Monitor these 2 tools and you'll know.

 

[Olalla Tractor]

Great advice all, thanks very much. !! Installing a gauge would be very helpful. JJ: will my owners manual have info on the standard relief valve pressure check you mentioned? Must look into that to try it out. I think figuring out a baseline is definitely the way to go, for future reference...Thanks a bunch!

 

[Tx Jim]

Most operator's manuals I've read don't give any very real specifications such as relief valve pressures.

 

[brain55]

The flowmeter is the best way to check the pump condition. It is very typical to acheive rated pressure and not have proper flow and to have rated flow with no load. With the flowmeter you can confirm rated flow at the rated pressure.

Brian

 

[J_J]

Great advice all, thanks very much. !! Installing a gauge would be very helpful. JJ: will my owners manual have info on the standard relief valve pressure check you mentioned? Must look into that to try it out. I think figuring out a baseline is definitely the way to go, for future reference...Thanks a bunch!

The manual should tell you the relief setting and how to check, and if not, call your dealer.

The baseline would only be good on a new tractor or rebuilt pump, etc.

If you can find the relief setting psi, then do a check and that will give you a good idea if you have close to factory settings and a reasonable expectation of a good working tractor.