power steering fluid overheat

[vafarmgirl]

i have been using my new holland tc29d tractor with a belly mower to mow/mulch leaves in my horse paddocks and yard. this entails turning lots of tight circles or tight 180 degree turns. is this what is causing my power steering fluid to overheat? it actually blew the dipstick plug out of the cylinder and spewed hydraulic fluid all inside the hood of my tractor. i just replaced the plug with a new, better filling one and am hoping this will fix the issue. has anyone else had this problem??

 

[Navasot]

So is it a power steering pump system or is it tied in with the hydraulics like a universal system. Wondering since you said power steering fluid and then it blew hyd. oil every were?

 

[RickB]

Probably a sign of contaminated fluid and a plugged filter more than overheated oil. Ever change the fluid/filter? if so, what fluid are you using?

 

[vafarmgirl]

i'm not completely sure. there is a power steering reservoir which is serviced with hydraulic fluid. it is a separate reservoir from the rest of the hydraulic system. i just changed the fluid and the filter last spring (about 100 hrs ago).

 

[RickB]

i'm not completely sure. there is a power steering reservoir which is serviced with hydraulic fluid. it is a separate reservoir from the rest of the hydraulic system. i just changed the fluid and the filter last spring (about 100 hrs ago).

You changed the power steering filter? Did you add New Holland 134 hydraulic oil?

 

[vafarmgirl]

yep - changed the power steering filter and added 134 hydraulic oil. i have had this tractor for 11 years and have never had this problem (but in the past i have used a lawn tractor to mulch leaves.) am i simply putting too much demand on the system?

 

[hosspuller]

If you are holding the steering to the lock, the power steering fluid is being bypassed through the pressure relief valve. This is an excellent way to heat the fluid. Try holding the steering just before the system goes into relief when making a turn...

 

[vafarmgirl]

ah - i did not know that. i have been doing lots of steering to the lock lately. i will try to be more gentle!!
how do i know when the system goes into relief?

 

[Soundguy]

when the steering cyls max out on their travel, and engine is running, pump is turning, and oil has to go somewhere. cyls stop.. so relief opens.

 

[oldnslo]

ah - i did not know that. i have been doing lots of steering to the lock lately. i will try to be more gentle!!
how do i know when the system goes into relief?

Typically you can feel it on the steering wheel. While sitting stationary or driving slowly turn the wheel to the stop. You should feel a change in resistance just shortly before the stop and holding it against the stop. This change is when you are starting to force oil over the relief valve.