Branson 3510 (2004) lost hydraulics (three point and front end loader)

[mike0000]

Searching for direction on my Branson hydraulics problem. While moving rock with the front end loader I noticed a lot of oil on the ground. I shut it down and discovered I lost the hydraulic oil level indicator sight glass. i was able to find it, clean things up, reseal and reinstall it. I refilled the hydraulic/transmission fluid to proper level. I went back to work, scooped up a bucket full of rock and proceeded to dump it where I needed it to go, after dumping, the bucket would not curl back up. I checked hyd/fluid which showed low so I added a bit more To top it off. I have no hydraulics, the loaded will not raise or curl, the three point hitch will not raise. i removed the bucket from the front end loader and the grader box from the three point hitch. i drove the tractor back up to my garage, I have no leaks and fluid level is good.
I don’t know much about the hydro system, is it reasonable to think I burnt the pump up? I would appreciate any help on diagnostics for my problem.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[K5lwq]

First thing that comes in my mind when I read this is there is air in the system.

Next is I wonder why the glass popped out and what is preventing it from happening again.

Beyond that we will have to run some test. I doubt the pump is bad but certainly a possibility.

 

[mike0000]

A bit of history on the sight glass, it had been leaking for some time, so about a year ago I got tired of the leak. I pulled it out and used a silicone sealer to reinstall it. Worked ok but started leaking again after a few months. Today when it popped out I decided to go to the local Branson dealer and ask for advice on reinstalling it. One of their mechanics said it needs an o ring, and he would also use a silicone sealer to reinstall it. They did not have an o ring. I keep a “kit” with multiple size o rings and found a replacement. I used that and a 90 minute silicone gasket maker/sealer. After oil refill Tractor was then able to pick up one loader bucket of rock, drive about 50 feet and dump that bucket of rock, then the failure happened, bucket would not curl back up.
I do not know if pressure popped it out, but there is a bit of resistance when pushing it in (even before you get to the o ring), so, it’s seems unlikely, but possible that it just fell out.
I just removed the strainer and it had some metal flake in it, I have never removed it before (I bought the tractor new).
Tractor has about 320hrs. On it, fluid looked Good, I plan to replace the filter then refill w/fluid but I do not expect good results.

 

[K5lwq]

I think you will be surprised. Also double check that the remote valves are in neutral position. If you have a detent valve sometimes we don't realize it is on. That would keep everything else from working.

 

[mike0000]

I appreciate the help, sorry if Im not up on tractor terminology. When you say “double check that remote valves are in neutral position“ are you referencing the loader control lever? I also don’t know what a detent valve is. I’ve owned the tractor since new 2004.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[K5lwq]

I am talking of the rear remote valves If you have them. Detent means the handle will stay in on position till you Physically move it back to neutral. Spring to center valves usually are not a issue.

No apologies needed. We will do what we can to help.

 

[mike0000]

Ok, I understand, I do not have any rear remote valves.
also on the detent, I have the spring to center type loader controls.
Dealer has Saturday hours, I’ll pick up fluid and filter (if they have them in stock) In the morning.

Thank you,
Mike

 

[ericm979]

Sometimes even the spring centered valves can stick in an "on" position.

The fact that the loader worked for a bit then quit would make me lean more towards air in the system than pump failure. You can run it and cycle the cylinders to work the air out. It shouldn't take many cycles.

 

[Leejohn]

My guess is the pump lost it's prime.

 

[mike0000]

Still no hydraulics
I picked up the hyd. Filter and oil.
i installed filter and refilled with fluid, I ran the tractor for ten minutes before testing hydraulics, I’m still getting nothing.
I increased RPMs and set the three point to full lift position along with holding all different positions of the front end loader joystick. I get nothing at all from either. I decided to crack open the feed/return lines to the loader control, neither is under any pressure While engine is running.
Thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks
Mike