Disconnecting FEL hydraulics from tractor

[Arkaybee]

I need to detach my Bush Hog brand FEL (model 2245QT) from my 1980's John Deere tractor. I have had this tractor since new for over 20 years and have never had the FEL off the tractor.

The bucket curl cylinders are leaking badly and need repairing but I can't do it just now. I need the tractor for other tasks (cultivating nursery plants) and the leaking fluid will kill the plants they may drip on. I have another tractor with a FEL (Kubota Grand L 3840) that I use mostly anyway.

The mechanical disconnection process is straight-forward enough but the hydraulic disconnect instructions from the Bush Hog loader manual is confusing.

The hydraulic hoses have QC fittings on them.

I am confused.

Under the heading of LOADER DETACHING AND STORAGE the book says:

"When loader hydraulics are disconnected from tractor the tractor hydraulic circuit must be completed. Failure to do so will result in tractor hydraulic pump damage."

What does this phrase "hydraulic circuit must be completed" mean? I was under the impression that I could detach and reattach the FEL repeatedly if needed by only separating the QC's without any other procedure.

Does this warning refer to when all connections are detached from the tractor as when one would dispose of/sell the FEL.

I want to do a DIY repair of the cylinders with new seals, etc. when I have more time and then I may just sell the loader since I have another one.

Someone please enlighten me from my confusion.

Thanks.

Arkaybee

 

[nike]

I would think that a call to the local John Deer dealership would be in order.
They should be able to tell you what this means without charge....

Getting the information straight from the horses mouth, so to speak...:thumbsup:

 

[kennyd]

You should have two hoses the come from the tractor (the tranny case to be exact) and go to the valve. Those hoses MUST be connected together once you remove the loader since they flow hydraulic oil constantly whenever the tractor is running-hence the circuit "needing to be completed". Hopefully there are fitted with QD's so you can connect them together.

 

[kennyd]

I would think that a call to the local John Deer dealership would be in order.
They should be able to tell you what this means without charge....

Getting the information straight from the horses mouth, so to speak...:thumbsup:

There are many here that are quite capable of helping also

 

[bitternut]

Is that necessary with all loaders Kenny? I have had the loader off of my JD 5210 and that was not required. Does it have something to do with open center or closed center systems?

 

[kennyd]

Is that necessary with all loaders Kenny? I have had the loader off of my JD 5210 and that was not required. Does it have something to do with open center or closed center systems?

If the valve comes off with the loader then YES. In your case the valve stays with the tractor, so only the "work port" side of the valve is disconnected and they are not powered all the time.

 

[Snaker]

If the valve comes off with the loader then YES. In your case the valve stays with the tractor, so only the "work port" side of the valve is disconnected and they are not powered all the time.

Thats a good rule of thumb description Kennyd. Many tractors, especially older ones, weren't designed for loader hydraulics.

My little Yanmar 2210D putt-putt has no remote hydraulic system. The 3 point system was tied into with a conversion kit and loader mounted joy stick. When unhooking hoses I have to have engine off, disconnect quick couplers from between the tractor and loader and connect tractor couplers togather to continue the tractor circulation or it will damage something. That thing is very tricky because I need to curl the bucket to clear the front tires but stop before the hoses stretch.

I have a International that was "factory configured" for a loader with middle ports. The loader connections work the same as remote cylinder connections and use the tractor controls.

 

[Arkaybee]

You should have two hoses the come from the tractor (the tranny case to be exact) and go to the valve. Those hoses MUST be connected together once you remove the loader since they flow hydraulic oil constantly whenever the tractor is running-hence the circuit "needing to be completed". Hopefully there are fitted with QD's so you can connect them together.

Kenny, thanks for your reply.

There are actually three hoses coming from the tractor to the loader valve. One hose goes to the IN port and one goes to the OUT port on the loader valve.

The THIRD hose goes to the side of the loader valve to a port labeled PB; this hose connects to the side of the transmission case lower down than where the other hoses connect. The loader hoses come off from the front of a block sitting atop the tranny case (the hard hydraulic lines to the hydraulic pump and the rockshaft also attach here).

The two hoses attaching to the IN and OUT ports on the loader valve do have QD's on them and appear to be able to connect to each other. These QD's are located 18" to 24" along their course so some hose stays with the loader valve and some stays with the tractor.

The THIRD hose has its QD near where it attaches to the tranny case as described above making it necessary for all of that hose to stay with the loader.

Is this THIRD hose the return hose bringing the fluid back to the tranny case?

Hopefully I have described everything clearly enough.

My intent is to disconnect all the QD's and see if the two hoses will connect together and just cover the exposed ends of all hoses and QD's. Is that correct?

Kenny, I, and many others on this site, appreciate your interest in our, sometimes simplistic, questions and for expending the time and effort to educate us about our hydraulic problems. We are in your debt and grateful for your expertise.:thumbsup:

Arkaybee





























QD

 

[kennyd]

Kenny, thanks for your reply.

There are actually three hoses coming from the tractor to the loader valve. One hose goes to the IN port and one goes to the OUT port on the loader valve.

OK, good. They plumbed it with power beyond...good stuff.

The THIRD hose goes to the side of the loader valve to a port labeled PB; this hose connects to the side of the transmission case lower down than where the other hoses connect. The loader hoses come off from the front of a block sitting atop the tranny case (the hard hydraulic lines to the hydraulic pump and the rockshaft also attach here).

This lines is what feeds the 3PH then. The OUT line just goes to the tank. The IN lines is from the pump. So you would need to connect the IN line and the PB lines together-the OUT lines can be left not hooked to anything.

The two hoses attaching to the IN and OUT ports on the loader valve do have QD's on them and appear to be able to connect to each other. These QD's are located 18" to 24" along their course so some hose stays with the loader valve and some stays with the tractor.

Interesting...

The THIRD hose has its QD near where it attaches to the tranny case as described above making it necessary for all of that hose to stay with the loader.

Is this THIRD hose the return hose bringing the fluid back to the tranny case?

More interesting...It should be connect to the IN hose if I understand what you are typing. But as long as the IN hose (from the pump) goes somewhere then no harm will be done since the fluid will have a return path to the tank. You may just have to experiment.

Hopefully I have described everything clearly enough.

Yes, but pictures can help also

My intent is to disconnect all the QD's and see if the two hoses will connect together and just cover the exposed ends of all hoses and QD's. Is that correct?

Correct. Just be sure the IN hose connect somewhere.

Kenny, I, and many others on this site, appreciate your interest in our, sometimes simplistic, questions and for expending the time and effort to educate us about our hydraulic problems. We are in your debt and grateful for your expertise.:thumbsup:

Thank you