JD 850 hydraulic filter clogging

JD850 · May 18, 2005

My 850 hydraulic filter screen clogs up to the point that the loader no longer functions. I change the fluid and clean the filter (with solvent) twice a year. The filter becomes clogged and hydraulic functions begin to deteriorate soon after change. Tractor is used lightly ( mow 2.5 acres twice a month with brush hog, in addition to a couple of misc hours per month). The tractor is stored outside ( Western Washington) the fluid turns white (from water? fairly quickly) I don't know where the water is getting in or if this is the cause of the clogging.

Thanks
Scott

SkyPup · May 18, 2005

Hydraulic fluid can only handle about 0.5% water content before it reaches its limits. Could be that storing the tractor outside in humid air with fluxuating temperature changes is causing H20 to condense inside your transmission case and FEL cylinders. The lack of constant use and elevated temps keeps the water from being driven off once it has condensed.

It is best to keep it stored inside a bldg to prevent rapid overnight temp swings and avoid moisture condensation that clogs the filters, remember once water is introduced, bacteria and algae come soon thereafter....

guyrj33 · May 18, 2005

You said you change the fluid twice a year? and it's still turning cloudy. That sounds like a lot of water. Is it possible that there is an anti-freeze leak that is somehow contaminating your hydraulic fluid?
When you change the fluid are you able to completely drain all of the old fluid, if not the left over will quickly recontaminate the new.

fish_wisperer · May 18, 2005

what are you finding in your screen? you might want to look inside the resavoir, where your suction line is and make sure someone didnt leave a rag or something in there. we once found a 2by12 in a 747 fuel tank, doctors leave tools in people, its possible somebody left something in there.