Stupid hydraulic question on a borrowed tractor

[cwixom]

My neighbor is out of town on vacation and said I could use his JD 4300 HST with a chipper on the PTO and a front loader while he was gone. I don't think he uses the tractor very often.

I after checking the engine oil and coolant levels I started the tractor, lifted the bucket, rotated the bucket, lifted the chipper on the PTO and then put all of them back down on the ground while I locked up the shop where the key was kept and let the engine warm up a bit. When I went back to the tractor I tried to lift the front loader... it wouldn't move. Likewise with the chipper. Turned the machine off and searched around for a hydraulic reservoir and didn't find one (but I have no clue where to look). After several minutes I started the machine again. The PTO lift lever had been moved to the up position before starting and the chipper was immediately lifted but when I put it back down and tried to lift it again it wouldn't go. The front loader still would not function. I tried the forward and reverse peddles to see if they were functioning but it didn't even budge. No obvious fluid leaks from looking at the ground.

Any suggestions? I don't have a manual and don't know where thing are located on this machine so please include where to look for and how to access them. I suspect it is low on fluid but didn't find a place to check it. I'm pretty mechanical but haven't done any hydraulics mechanical work.

I have read a couple of threads on this site about similar problems on a 4200 and a 4300 but ignorance about the location of the various parts is killing my efforts.

 

[Leejohn]

I think it might be best to wait until he gets home, so he can show and tell you more about the tractor.

 

[kennyd]

I think it might be best to wait until he gets home, so he can show and tell you more about the tractor.

Good advice.

But here is the online manual: Introduction

 

[cwixom]

KennyD,
The online manual was just what I was looking for. I checked the trans oil level and it was fine. Having read some other threads on the subject I looked at the rubber manifold that goes to the pumps as seen on this image as item #2

It is all collapsed and there is at least surface cracking on it if not something deeper. I've ordered the part ($14) from the local Deere dealer and will replace it when it arrives on Tuesday.

My neighbor is away sailing the oceans blue until September, so waiting for their return isn't my best option. Having rebuild a few engines and doing almost all service & repair work on my cars, I'm familiar with working on vehicles, but I don't like blindly poking around, especially on borrowed equipment, without the aid of a manual or expert advice.

Friendly advice from experts is most appreciated. Thank you, thank you!!! If you have any to add about swapping out this part please let me know. It looks simple enough but you never know.

 

[kennyd]

That molded return hose has been know to cause problems-but mostly with foamy fluid from leaking under the suction of the pump. If it's collapsed as you say than the pump is starving for oil. Changing it out is simple...but you will drain (at least partly) the reservoir when you unhook it so be prepared. It would be a good time to clean the return screen as well and possibly change the filter if it's been awhile (if you know?).

 

[cwixom]

Thanks KennyD,
I don't think he maintains it all that well as I noticed a rather old date on the engine oil filter so I will probably go ahead and change out the filter and clean the screen too as long as it doesn't get to be too expensive.

Does the gasket on the screen assembly usually need to be replaced?

I would like to get all the parts I need in one trip. If I do those things I guessing I might as well drain the oil and put in new. Please advise if that would be necessary to do if I pull the filter.

Also, do I need to pick up the trans oil (John Deere Low Viscosity HY-GARD) from the Deere dealer ($$$) or is there a genaric type (other than type F) that will do that I could get at an auto parts store or even Costco / Wallmart? 6.2 gal could add up to a significant expense.

 

[Travelover]

All I can say is your neighbor sure must trust you - with a tractor that has both a chipper and a FEL on it.

 

[pat32rf]

I use a product called "trans-hydraulic" fluid in my 4300 that I buy at any store that sells hydraulic fluid. You will need about 26 liters (just over 5 gallons)..The screen is under the rear dif (at the drain) and I've just been cleaning mine for the past 4000hrs.....

 

[SSdoxie]

The only "stupid question" is the one not asked. Since you are asking questions you're on the right track.:thumbsup:

Regarding what fluid to buy; What is price difference of getting recommened fluid from the dealer while you are at the store $10-$15? Considering you are getting use of a tractor with attachments that would run in neighborhood of $150-$200 per day, why not go with manufacture's recommendations? Plus if anything should happen to it in next few years you can feel confident it was not because you cut corners on cost of a good PM service. IMO the extra cost would be worth the piece of mind for me.

 

[mjncad]

On my 4200, I replace the gasket for the suction screen as it's cheap. The most expensive stuff is the hydraulic oil and filter. Don't forget to clean the rockshaft filter (sintered bronze). It's at the back of the machine or under the seat on older models.