Interested in basic hydraulics understanding. REAL basic

[farmboyhull]

Hello all,

I'll be posting a more specific question on the Mahindra board, but I want to make sure I understand this.

My FEL isn't working and we have some big snow coming.

I've had a hydraulic issue before (really slow moving in the cold snow), but I could get the fluid moving with driving and using the PTO. I eventually changed to a less viscous fluid which helped. So everything was fine last week, but yesterday the FEL wouldn't work. I should try the 3 point hitch (haven't yet, because I'd rather the snowblower be raised right now than be flat on the ground) because I suppose that should show me if maybe it's just the FEL that's having the problem. I'll do that in a few hours.

So, here's what I'm wondering:
1. Can water get in the system and clog the filter (as ice)?
2. Can the filter be spun off, emptied and "cleaned" (enough to allow better flow)?
3. If simply warming up the filter allows the FEL to work, then doesn't that suggest my trouble is there?
4. Is there an "easy" way to determine if the pump is working (I'm not great with testing electricity. I'm hoping more for a sound or vibration to look for).

I guess I might have a busted pump which would be a bummer. Thanks SO much for any assistance you can give.

David

 

[RNeumann]

If the 3 point is working but the loader is slow I’d start with the QDs between the loader and machine. Their should be 4-6 of them. That is a somewhat common place to see some debris. I’d also verify it wasn’t air in the system.

Yes water can get into the hydraulics. It’s hard to believe that the filter would fill with water since the pump sump is pulling off the bottom......but anything is possible! I wouldn’t try to clean it. Just spin a new one on. If it’s the HST filter I’d use the factory filter. If it isn’t I’d just use a quality aftermarket filter- NAPA/Wix etc.

 

[farmboyhull]

Thanks very much.

This isn't a hydrostatic transmission tractor, by the way.

I forgot to mention that I had a heat lamp on the filter for a while to see if it might help.

I just started it up and the 3 point hitch wouldn't work either. I dropped the snowblower and couldn't pick it back up. I started the PTo and ran it for about 20 minutes. I went outside to check on it and I could hear the transmission pump trying to work! I was able to get the FEL and the 3point to respond after a bit.

SOOOOO... what does that mean? Seems to me that the pump is working, but the attachments are having a hard time. There is plenty of fluid, but it looks a bit milky. It's unknown what might be going on with the filter (I can't replace it tonight).

My plan is to start the tractor in the morning, run the PTO for a bit, and clear the driveway. Then it seems like I should probably replace the fluid and the filter ASAP (who knows how this will look when the temp really drops).

Any feedback or suggestions?

Thanks again.

David

 

[Avondale]

Not sure about this make & model but in a normal hyd system, I would expect slow response when cold, (mine is slow when temps drop below freezing) if it works when warm but not cold, your pump could be cavitating, (pumping air) when the oil is too thick from the cold. To warm mine up, I leave the pto turning while the engine warms up. Once temp gauge starts to move into normal range, I try moving the FEL and 3pth full range a number of times to ensure they cycle fluid back to the reservoir. Depending on how cold, (today is -23c), it could take between 20 and 30 mins before I actually start doing anything with the tractor. I park mine in a tent and do plug my rad hose heater, battery warmer and two magnetic block heaters in when it is this cold. I have just bought a "stick on" type heater for my hyd system to ensure it stays as warm as I can make it while not being used but will need to wait until it warms up so the "sticky" will adhere to the metal..

If your hyd system is not functioning correctly when either cold or warm, I can offer not help for your model. Sorry. Milky oil is bad, regardless of temps. It suggests water ingress and hopefully not from your cooling system.

As an aside, I leave all my hyd implements and attachments down. If left up, and a burst occurred, they would crash down, hopefully without hurting someone or something in so doing.

Good luck and let us know what the solution is please.
Bob

 

[RNeumann]

Verify “milky” is either from water or tinny bubbles (air). Sounds like either way a fluid and filter R&R is in order. What fluid are you running?

 

[JimRB]

How cold and what tractor do you have? The only time I have seen milky fluid is a Massey that used regular gear oil for everything.

 

[farmboyhull]

Awesome. Love the help. Thank you.

This is a Mahindra 4530. I think it's about a 2006. It's a stick transmission. The temps are not too cold right now- around 20 F. I use a block heater but no other heat.

I believe the fluid is an ATF type. I was led to believe that the Mahindra oil was part of my winter problems over the years because it was too thick. I'll be posting to Mahindra to determine the best choice for a fluid change.

thanks again.

David

 

[RNeumann]

Can we say scarry......ATF type!?!? as in red fluid?

It should be a tractor hydraulic fluid or THF!

Change your fluid and hopefully it’s just that easy. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

 

[4570Man]

Can we say scarry......ATF type!?!? as in red fluid?

It should be a tractor hydraulic fluid or THF!

Change your fluid and hopefully it’s just that easy. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

I’ve seen forklifts that used ATF for the hydraulic system.

 

[Leejohn]

Find out where the screen is in the hyd system and when doing the oil change clean it.