JD 2950 Hydraulics

dbelser · Apr 9, 2013

Hello all, excuse my lack of intelligence on the matter, but I have a 1990 JD2950 with some shakey hydraulics. After running for a while and then letting it sit, all the hydro's shake (steering and three point hitch, even the entire motor seems to be sluggish until I give it some gas). I just replaced the hydro filter because the last one practically imploded bc God knows the last time this person changed it. I know I need to check the screen, but am not sure of how to do so. There seems to be a little needle blocking the screen from coming out. I know this issue has been dealt with before a thousand times, I just cant seem to find a good answer anywhere, but if someone could go through some diagnosis steps or maybe refer me to a good website, it would be greatly appreciated? This is my cousins tractor and I am doing some farm work for him for the next year and I would not be surprised if nothing has been done to the hydros in a LONG time. One of my main goals would be do discern whether or not I will need a new pump or not.
Thanks for any answers in advance.

Tx Jim · Apr 10, 2013

Yes the trans(sump) screen needs to be checked and most likely cleaned or replaced. Once you remove the plug on RH side of trans case the screen should pull out. After checking sump scren then stand-by pressure needs to be checked which should be 2250-2350 psi. I've seen the screen so plugged with debris that the screen was crumpled and difficult to remove. There needs to be a lot of diagnostic steps performed before entertaining the idea of replacing hyd pump.

dbelser · Apr 16, 2013

Thanks for the reply, I finally drained all the fluid and cleaned the filter screen and this is what all was in the system,

Oh and that thing that looks like a funnel that goes on a 5 gal gas can was just sitting there behind that screen, surely that was not supposed to be there. I assume that this and all the metal shards was what was causing atleast most of the issues. I know the metal shards are a BIG issue, but this is my father's tractor (someone who knows nothing about tractors) and I just know that he will never take it in town or pay someone to come fix it, so I am trying my best to keep it running in somewhat of a decent condition.
I am going to town today to get all new filter and fluid, however, I obviously need to flush the system. Any suggestions here or good websites that anyone knows of? Ive heard of using diesel, but only on certain tractors, can I use this method on my 1990 2950? or is there a better option?