No Hydraulics suddenly

[Dr Dirt]

I have a NH TD24DA with FEL, we just came out of a deep freeze -31f and then a balmy 22f heavy snow storm. I used the tractor FEL and post hole auger during the freeze without any problems. Today after the snow stopped I went out to put on the 3PT back blade and warm up the engine. There was a faint unusual noise that sounded more like vibrating sheet metal, similar to a lose panel, not enough to make me think twice especially where there was eight inches of snow on the machine. I went to turn the steering wheel and nothing. I quickly discovered that there was no hydraulic pressure any where! The HST traction is normal and the fluid level is good.
I am wondering if anyone has had this before and also trying to figure out how the pump is powered; gear or shaft? I am wondering if the cold might have caused a shaft to break? At least I can shuttle back and forth in a straight line LOL! Dan

 

[Tx Jim]

Do you think hyd oil is free of moisture? If moisture is present in hyd oil filter can ice over & plug.

 

[Dr Dirt]

Thanks Jim! I am going to warm up the whole machine and hopefully you got this right! It's actually going to be a mild day today. Tomorrow we go back to a deep freeze so the snow will pack down then freeze like cement! Time to fire a couple torpedo heaters! Dan

 

[Duke460]

Had a similar problem yesterday. Started and ran for a few minutes (-4f) and then the loader hydraulics stopped working. Ford 4400. Got it in a heated barn and 6 hours later worked again. Hydraulic fluid was a little milky, had some water in it. Drained fluid and refilled, worked great in the cold this morning. Agree water froze over the filter.

 

[Dr Dirt]

Thanks Duke and TX Jim! I am sure when I drain the fluid it will be milky. Duke I did basically the same thing. Used a torpedo heater and in a few minutes of gently heating the filter and pump. We here in Maine are going to get blasted with the cold you now have! Thankfully I got all the slushy snow removed because it is going below zero tonight. Again, thanks guys! Dan