Hydraulic hose leaking on FEL (MF GC2300)

[Schnortz]

Hello all,

I have a GC2300 that's a few years old. A few days ago I noticed a drip on one of the hoses on the right side of the 2350 FEL. I don't know much about these hydraulic system of these tractors. The hose appears to have threaded fittings on the end that thread into the arm of the loader. Oil has dripped down onto the inboard wheel housing. First I would appreciate any input on the hydraulics of this small tractor (for educational purposes) and then how would I find the part number to order and how do I go about changing it. Is this under constant pressure? Do I need to relieve the pressure before removing? ANy help would be appreciated. I need to get this fixed in the next couple of weeks as firewood season is in full mode at the moment. GC2300)

 

[beowulf]

Others will know more than I do and can fill in what I may leave out. But - first, there should be no constant pressure if the tractor is off. If tightening the connection does not stop the leak, then you can disconnect the hose at both ends and take it to a hydraulic shop and they can make you a new hose complete with fittings to match. I have had to do that a couple of times and it is not a big deal and not that expensive.

Now, there may be other things you could do with the connections to remedy this, or check out first, but I will leave that up to others here. I have replaced hoses after determining that the leak was at the place where the hose connected to the fitting. Sometimes it is difficult to determine precisely where the leak is - using flour may help you find the leak - sprinkle the flour along the hose and at the fitting. It is not a perfect way to find the leak but may be helpful.

 

[ericm979]

Before you undo any hoses lower the bucket all the way and move the loader control to operate all the valves to release any residual pressure. Even then it's going to make a mess so have a drip pan handy.

Be careful when checking for leaks in a pressurized system. Hydraulic fluid at 2000 psi can cut flesh.

Take the hose to a local hydraulic supplier and they'll duplicate it. That's probably cheaper than getting one from the dealer.

 

[Schnortz]

On closer inspection it is definitely a hole in the hose causing the leak. I will pull the hose and take it to a local hydraulic shop for a new one. It doesn't look like a difficult job. I'll need to replenish the fluid supply. I think I have read somewhere that the tranny and hydraulic system share the same fluid. Verification of this would be nice.

 

[ericm979]

Every compact tractor I have seen or looked at the specs uses common hydraulic and transmission fluid. Check the manual to make sure, and also get the spec for the correct fluid from the manual.

 

[Dave M7040]

Ericm979 gave you very good advice regarding the danger posed by small or tiny hydraulic leaks. I am just trying to emphasize his point.

The first reaction of a novice to hydraulics when seeing a spray of drip is to hold your hand above a tiny mist of fluid or if its is a drip, to try and stop it with thump pressure.

An injection into your body of high pressure hydraulic fluid or even water is a serious injury requiring an immediate trip to the hospital.

Dave M7040

 

[Schnortz]

All I can see is drops gathering on the hose in one place and dripping off. I don't see a stream of any kind. I suppose it could be very tiny. At any rate, I am going to lower the FEL and the tow bar connected to the 3PH before I disconnect the hose on both ends. I talked to a hose and fitting shop today that said they can help me with this. I will be sure to use the appropriate fluid to replenish (or replace) the hydraulic fluid. I see an entry point on the rear of the tranny just above the 3PH. Any other information would be appreciated.

 

[Dave M7040]

This is the hydraulic leak caution from my Kubota manual.

Once you have removed the leaking hose, seal up the places that the hose was attached so no bug, water or dirt get inside.

Usually the hydraulic shop will let you watch the fabrication of the new hose. Once the hose is finished, watch to see if the shop forces a foam ball through the new hose to get any residue out from the action of cutting the rubber and more so the steel reinforcing wires in the hose. It is not a good idea to just blindly take a shop made hose and put it into your system.

If they don't take this final step, my practice has been to clean the insides myself before using. A bottle brush and soapy water works well. Once cleaned and rinsed let it hang vertically in the sun until any water is gone.

Others on this forum may have different practices.

As for refilling the system, be on level ground, use a clean funnel and go slowly checking level often. Better not to overfill.

Dave M7040

 

[Schnortz]

Follow up: Pulled the hose and found numerous little cracks where the hose bends and fluid was seeping slowly thru. Took hose to local hose and fitting shop. They whipped a new hose together in about 5 minutes. I checked the fittings with the original amd the male side threads looked smaller. Showed it to the guy and he admitted that the fitting was pulled from the correct box but someone had put the wrong fitting in the box. He made up another one and I took it home, attached it to the tractor and everything is fine. I inspected the other hoses and didn't see any noticable cracks or damage but some of them have extreme bends in them. The hose was $32.00 so I think I will probably replace them as they go out instead of all at once. Well, that's about it. Thanks all.