345 D Hydraulic Problem

[strum456]

The backhoe is a 3 point unit (not factory). It runs off of an external pump driven by the PTO.

Thanks again. You have been so much help!

 

[aircommuter]

What about item 29 in the center housing portion of the catalogue?

 

[strum456]

Well, the dipstick and oil fill plugs were right where you said they'd be. One of the remote hoses was laying right over top of the dipstick, which would be why I didn't ever see it.

I drained what oil was in the rear axle (about 1.5 to 2 gallons). I changed the filter and refilled with about 6 gallons of new oil, which is all I had on hand. There is still nothing on the stick. How much does this thing hold?

More importantly, what should I do from here? I am just sick about this! Should I pull the lift cover and check for damage? I am meticulous about maintenance and here I am driving this thing with no oil in the axle! I can't even tell you how upset I am with myself.

 

[TractorTech]

Rear axle capacity with PTO 12 gallons plus 1.9 Qt. for 4WD. I understand the feeling, but all you can do at this point is fill it up properly and operate it for awhile. Look for (and listen to) operation of the PTO/4WD and the hydraulic pump. Most likely no damage, but what is most critical, even with oil, in that rearend is the PTO/4WD idler setup. If you hear more growling in the rear end, it is that union/shaft/geartrain that is the problem. Don't wait until it gets noisy as parts are difficult to source and there are many iterations that the parts books, service books and mechanics haven't kept up with.

Also something, unrelated to the rearend oil, but needs not be ignored, is the 4WD axle rear pivot. MAKE SURE IT GETS GREASED! This is a pivot and seal for the front axle and reversing gearbox. Greasing lubes the oring and pushes dirt out.

 

[strum456]

The rear end on that tractor makes no sound at all. At least none that I can hear over THAT ENGINE. Now that I see how much oil this thing holds, it has to have been low on oil for some time. I've only owned the tractor for maybe 4 years. There is absolutely no way that thing could have expelled 10 gallons of oil without me knowing.

I do grease the axle pivot regularly.

I really like this tractor. We call it "Brutis". It's a real workhorse.

Thank you again. If you hadn't chimed in to help me, I'd be still running with no oil. I am certain that I read somewhere on here at some point that the trans. and rear were all together. I am sure this thread will be helpful to others as well.

 

[TractorTech]

One thing that can cause that type of loss and leave only 2-3 gallons in the rear end would be a leaking brake boot. But, as you said, you haven't noticed any external leaks.
Glad you were able to get your oil corrected before a major problem. I am partial to the 545D, but I wouldn't mind owning a 345D.

 

[strum456]

I am partial to the 545D, but I wouldn't mind owning a 345D.

What is the difference? It's still a 201 3 cylinder, just a heavier machine? I always thought mine could use more power. For that reason, we rarely use the pto, except for the backhoe.

 

[TractorTech]

Differences are as follows:
345D:
-3000# lift capacity with direct connect bucket cylinders and no bucket self-leveling
-201 cid engine 52 gross hp, standard piston

445D:
-4000# lift capacity with indirect bucket cylinder linkage, bucket self-leveling and return-to-dig
-201 cid engine 62 gross hp, standard piston

545D:
-5000# lift capacity with indirect bucket cylinder linkage, bucket self-leveling and return-to-dig
-201 cid engine 66 gross hp, headland piston

The 345D replaced the 260C. Both were meant as light landscaper tractors while the 545D was in dirt moving, contractor tractor. To me, the 445D was an unnecessary redundancy in the lineup.

The 345D was lighter than the 445/545D which weighed the same.