This has been an interesting repair.
John Deere Parts Dept. tells me John Deere is no longer producing the pump and was unable to provide an answer as to where I can find one (suggests eBay.....true story).
After some research, I contacted the Yanmar dealer as this is the engine in the tractor and they are able to provide me with a pump!
Pump ordered and installed, however, after 45 minutes of using the tractor, I shut it down for breakfast and upon my return, the hydraulics quit working.
Out of frustration, I parked the tractor in the shop for three days and decided to unbolt the rigid outlet pipe from the pump to see if oil was pumping, after about one second of the tractor running, the oil started to flow. Bolted the rigid pipe back on and the hydraulics worked (I was so excited I did a little dance).......but wait
Yesterday morning I was using the tractor and the hydraulics would pause or quit working after I would shut the machine down. I would check the hydraulic sight glass to find the oil level low, so I would add a little oil and away it would go; all ticking-boo again.
Then the epiphany......
I shut down the tractor and pulled the engine oil dipstick and the oil was higher than some after the legalization of marijuana.
I removed the NEW hydraulic pump to chase down my suspicion of a leaking seal and God dammit my hunch was right! Not even two hours and the seal (obviously defective) was allowing hydraulic oil to pass into the engine. After speaking with the Yanmar dealer the folks in Atlanta wanted the pump back to test it.....
Thankfully the good folks at the farm supply store were able to provide a replacement seal and I am movin’ and groovin’ once again!
Wow.....what a ride this has been.
