TC33D lift and hydo problems

JBob · Apr 13, 2015

I bought the TC33D new. It has just over 800 hrs. I have changed the hydro fluid and filters twice. I have verified hydraulic fluid level is correct. Since last year I have noticed that the lifting capacity and the pulling power of the tractor has dropped. More so the lifting capacity. It now struggles to lift a 3/4 bucket of gravel. I'm not sure if it is related but when temps are cold the hydro pump squeals. After it warms up it goes away. It has done that since new. Any suggestions on what's going on is appreciated.

Spicer · Apr 13, 2015

Your tractor is equipped with 2 separate hydraulic pumps. The HST pump is mounted behind the bell housing and the hydraulic pump is mounted on the right side of the engine.

Did you replace both hydraulic filters when you changed the oil. A clogged filter will create a blockage on the suction line. This blockage could create cavitation which sounds like squealing.

If there isn't any suction side blockage I would start by taking a pressure reading (5000Psi gauge) from a T fitting on the pressure line that extends to the FEL valve. In order to read the relief pressure you will have to hold the bucket retract on the fel valve while the cylinders are fully retracted.

Another thought is that a 3/4 bucket of wet Traffic Bond could weigh in excess of 1000Lbs.

Mike

JBob · Apr 13, 2015

I didn't know there are two separate pumps. I definitely learned something there. Makes total sense.

I did change both filters. I'm in the process of changing them again just to be sure.

I don't have the equipment needed to measure the pressure reading. If filters don't help my next step is to get this done.

Gravel was dry size 57. The tractor has always been able to handle a full bucket.

Thanks for the info.

Spicer · Apr 13, 2015

There are a few things you can check before you have the pressure tested.
1. Is the Hydraulic Oil NH 134?
2. Is the noise from the hydraulic system louder than the engine noise? This could indicate a suction side air leak, blockage or system in constant pressure relief.
3. A broken seal on the hydraulic pump would decrease the available pressure. This seal would leak hydraulic oil into the engine oil. If the engines dipstick shows a oil level higher than anticipated and keeps rising then this seal has failed.

Mike

JBob · Apr 15, 2015

I rolled the dice and changed the fluid, hydrostatic, and hydraulic filters. The nearest NH dealer is 1.5 hrs away so I took the chance and purchased oil from the local Napa dealer that is listed as 134 compatible. I've read all the discussions on whether to use the NH brand. I prefer to use the NH 134 but in this case it would have delayed me a couple weeks or more. The hydraulic pump is just as loud. Not quite as loud as the engine. Lift is the same. Still not able to pick up what it did a few months ago. It struggled to lift a 3/4 bucket of dry topsoil. I noticed that if I move the level to the farthest slow dump point I get a hydraulic squeal out of the control lever. Moving all the way to fast dump quiets the lever. I also get some squeal when I begin the initial lift of the bucket when loaded. Nothing when empty. Engine is always good. I am regularly checking it.

Could the oil be the culprit? What about the filters? I'm using WIX branded filters.

Thanks again for the input.

Spicer · Apr 15, 2015

Whistling from the hydraulics while throttling back on the valve is normal.
I use Wix filters as well and never had an issue.
Check your Diverter Valve, with a FEL it should be in the 11:00 position.

Your next step is to measure the pressure inline with the pressure port of the FEL valve.

Mike

JBob · Apr 21, 2015

Spicer said:
Whistling from the hydraulics while throttling back on the valve is normal.
I use Wix filters as well and never had an issue.
Check your Diverter Valve, with a FEL it should be in the 11:00 position.

Your next step is to measure the pressure inline with the pressure port of the FEL valve.

Mike

Diverter valve is in the correct position. I'm planning to get the pressure measured soon. Thanks for the help.