TC55DA Hydraulic Leak

[GrandpaSmurf825]

While I have not YET take the suction tube off, it would not be worth it to try to do without taking the tire off. I put a floor jack under the rear hitch area. Jacked up just enough to roll the tire off and lean it against the front side. It is not hard, lining it back up to put back on is not terrible.

As to why it cracked? I last ran it about 4 days earlier to put out hay before the snow hit. It was about -5 degrees F. The tractor sits outside. I am guessing simply fatigued metal, and lots of pressure from cold potentially icy fluid. I bet I don't have more than 50-75 hours on the the last fluid and filter change. I think the Tractor has about 900 hours total on it. I do not run a block heater as in Oklahoma we rarely need it, but a block heater would have done nothing for the Hydraulic fluid at the pump.

I did source a couple of supposedly new old stock and a couple of remanufactured units. I have some calls in trying to decide what to go with. About $600 difference between the two. I guess I feel better about a cracked housing and not having a ton of metal in the fluid. Should make a simple drain and filter change be enough to feel good about contaminants in the system.

I wouldn't be afraid of a reman if the company has a good reputation. Gear pumps are pretty simple and not hard to rebuild.

 

[99k1500]

Thanks!!

I’m thinking I’m going remove the tire and pull the suction screen out and clean it on this service before mowing starts.

I wonder if it is better to unbolt it at the hub or the outer bolts of the wheel disc (I have two piece wheels)?

I unbolted at the hub. I did this when I swapped sides with my tires years ago, to help make the track width wider. I found it fairly easy to line up the hub bolts..... The floor jack under the rear made it easy to get it at a perfect height, no need to lift the tire. The wheel rests on the 1/4" lip on the hub. I would think lining up at the hub is easier. But I have not separated at the wheel.

 

[cj7jeep187]

I unbolted at the hub. I did this when I swapped sides with my tires years ago, to help make the track width wider. I found it fairly easy to line up the hub bolts..... The floor jack under the rear made it easy to get it at a perfect height, no need to lift the tire. The wheel rests on the 1/4" lip on the hub. I would think lining up at the hub is easier. But I have not separated at the wheel.

 

[cj7jeep187]

While I have not YET take the suction tube off, it would not be worth it to try to do without taking the tire off. I put a floor jack under the rear hitch area. Jacked up just enough to roll the tire off and lean it against the front side. It is not hard, lining it back up to put back on is not terrible.

As to why it cracked? I last ran it about 4 days earlier to put out hay before the snow hit. It was about -5 degrees F. The tractor sits outside. I am guessing simply fatigued metal, and lots of pressure from cold potentially icy fluid. I bet I don't have more than 50-75 hours on the the last fluid and filter change. I think the Tractor has about 900 hours total on it. I do not run a block heater as in Oklahoma we rarely need it, but a block heater would have done nothing for the Hydraulic fluid at the pump.

I did source a couple of supposedly new old stock and a couple of remanufactured units. I have some calls in trying to decide what to go with. About $600 difference between the two. I guess I feel better about a cracked housing and not having a ton of metal in the fluid. Should make a simple drain and filter change be enough to feel good about contaminants in the system.

Hey I have the exact same issue on my TC55DA from the low temps last week. Do you mind sharing the replacement options you found for the pump?

 

[99k1500]

Hey I have the exact same issue on my TC55DA from the low temps last week. Do you mind sharing the replacement options you found for the pump?

I hate to say I have yet to find a pump... Currently I am seeking out machine shop options to machine that flange housing.... I would likewise request you letting me know if you find something. Did you housing split in the same location? Or is yours just a leak. Hopefully you just have a leak and can get a hydraulic shop to rebuild. Is your also EHSS???? If so we have a tandem ( dual ) pump. I believe the standard pump for the non EHSS can be found more readily.

 

[cj7jeep187]

I hate to say I have yet to find a pump... Currently I am seeking out machine shop options to machine that flange housing.... I would likewise request you letting me know if you find something. Did you housing split in the same location? Or is yours just a leak. Hopefully you just have a leak and can get a hydraulic shop to rebuild. Is your also EHSS???? If so we have a tandem ( dual ) pump. I believe the standard pump for the non EHSS can be found more readily.

Yeah I think that’s exactly it. I spoke with a used parts group out of central PA that told me they’re working with an aftermarket manufacturer that may actually have a reproduction version available in the next month or so. They’re going to call me when they know more and I’ll post here. I’m also looking at local fab guys/hydraulic shops that can try to repair since I’ll probably pick up a replacement anyway.

 

[thclimer]

That is pretty remarkable that 2 of these pumps have failed in a similar fashion after so many years of service.

It seems like the only thing in common was the cold weather.

Do either of you remember using your tractor in any colder weather before the failure?

 

[99k1500]

That is pretty remarkable that 2 of these pumps have failed in a similar fashion after so many years of service.

It seems like the only thing in common was the cold weather.

Do either of you remember using your tractor in any colder weather before the failure?

Absolutely, I have used it over the years in colder weather than this. It has to be due to metal fatigue in the cast aluminum. It is possible there was a small amount of moisture in the fluid, as it has been a while in time since the last change, only 50-75 hours of use. Not using it is also a problem as I don't really boil the moisture out of the fluid. I think the tractor has about 900 hours on it total.

 

[99k1500]

In an effort to put more details in the thread. I created a new Thread. As this is no longer a LEAK. It is a pump failure. With two back to back In different states at about the same time! ( What are the odds? ) Others may want or search for it in a different fashion.
New Thread
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/threads/hydraulic-pump-tc55da-ehss.643930/

 

[99k1500]

updated my other thread
cj7jeep this is apparently now available - just yesterday it was not... they said they talked to their supplier to check on availability today and they said it was ready!

If you can wait a couple of weeks - I can let you know.


On Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 1:27 PM Mike Saroli <mike@aztechydraulics.com> wrote:

Hello,

I have found a quicker solution for this unit see below.

KYB-KPN05-35-17CE
$1395.00 USD per p/c
1 week to ship
Non cancelable non returnable if ordered.

Let me know if you would like to move forward with this request.

Best regards,