Service life of hydraulic system pumps?

[JDgreen227]

My Deere 4210 will turn 1,000 operating hours next year, and undergo the third draining and refill of the hydraulic system and replacment of the filters. While I have had zero problems with the system, sometimes I wonder what kind of a service life one can expect from the pumps themselves, given regular hydro fluid and filter changes, and sticking to the recommended 100-hour engine oil and filter change intervals.

Since the pumps are gear driven, I assume clean engine oil does have a positive effect on their service life, but am wondering if there is anything else I can do to extend their service life.
Thanks for any input.

 

[oldnslo]

My Deere 4210 will turn 1,000 operating hours next year, and undergo the third draining and refill of the hydraulic system and replacment of the filters. While I have had zero problems with the system, sometimes I wonder what kind of a service life one can expect from the pumps themselves, given regular hydro fluid and filter changes, and sticking to the recommended 100-hour engine oil and filter change intervals.

Since the pumps are gear driven, I assume clean engine oil does have a positive effect on their service life, but am wondering if there is anything else I can do to extend their service life.
Thanks for any input.

Two main things that kill pumps are:

Cavitation, this literally causes the pumps to self destruct.

Contamination: Dirty oil will cause the pumps to wear excessively which them cause them to leak, which creates heat, which causes the oil to thin and break down, which causes more wear....

I have seen pumps from industrial equipment that where 50 + years old still in service.

Roy

 

[Soundguy]

most of my tractors are from the 50's.. so are their hyd pumps.

I'd say unless something obviously happens to break one.. like a fialed relief.. or physical blunt force damage. I'd say they should run many decades before they 'wear out'

soundguy

My Deere 4210 will turn 1,000 operating hours next year, and undergo the third draining and refill of the hydraulic system and replacment of the filters. While I have had zero problems with the system, sometimes I wonder what kind of a service life one can expect from the pumps themselves, given regular hydro fluid and filter changes, and sticking to the recommended 100-hour engine oil and filter change intervals.

Since the pumps are gear driven, I assume clean engine oil does have a positive effect on their service life, but am wondering if there is anything else I can do to extend their service life.
Thanks for any input.

 

[JDgreen227]

most of my tractors are from the 50's.. so are their hyd pumps.

I'd say unless something obviously happens to break one.. like a fialed relief.. or physical blunt force damage. I'd say they should run many decades before they 'wear out'

soundguy

Thanks Roy, for pinpointing the two causes that are most likely to result in pump failure, and Soundguy, it makes sense your "50's" era tractors have their OEM pumps, but back then, as well as on my '53 Jubilee, the main purpose of the hydraulic pump was to run the 3 point lift on the back.

My JD runs that 3 point lift, the MMM lift, the steering assist, and the FEL operation off the pumps, which obviously puts a greater demand on them than just using a 3 point lift alone.

The hydraulic fluid my JD uses ALSO flows thru the E-hydro, but being a novice with hydraulics in general, I don't know of the E-hydro system is dependent on the pumps to any degree.

 

[Soundguy]

Soundguy, it makes sense your "50's" era tractors have their OEM pumps, but back then, as well as on my '53 Jubilee, the main purpose of the hydraulic pump was to run the 3 point lift on the back.

My JD runs that 3 point lift, the MMM lift, the steering assist, and the FEL operation off the pumps, which obviously puts a greater demand on them than just using a 3 point lift alone.

.

I do have tractors with vintage power steering and loaders as well... those pumps are old too.

again.. maintain and baring exernal forces that damage the pump.. slow long term wear should be the main lifespan issue..

soundguy

 

[aebsmithcreek]

ok, ive been tryin not to look more ignorant than i already have but i just cant resist anymore, what does MMM mean as used in JD227's post?

earl

 

[Soundguy]

mid mount mower I'd assume...

 

[JDgreen227]

ok, ive been tryin not to look more ignorant than i already have but i just cant resist anymore, what does MMM mean as used in JD227's post?

earl

I like to say there are no stupid questions, just stupid answers, and Soundguy's answer was correct so it wasn't stupid. Never hestitate to ask a question here!!!

Look at me, 2300 posts here and I had to ask a question about pump life....

 

[aebsmithcreek]

Thanks, i'll get it eventually.

earl