1520 hydraulic pump weak?

[99k1500]

I have recently acquired a ford 1520 with 1690 hours on it. I know this little guy is only 23 horse power but it seams like the hydraulics are weak. Everything seems to work fine, but the 7108 loader will not lift the front end of the tractor off of the ground.
Actually it will if the bucket is curled all the way under allowing a little better leverage angle for the loader. Also just curling the bucket down will not lift the tractor off of the ground. I have read that the loader new was only rated at around 900 lbs., and while the tractor weighs around 2,000 lbs I would think it could lift itself.

Am I wrong? Can a pump simply be weak. It is obviously aging at 22 years old. Is this simply a pump replacement? Pump rebuild? All the little guy is capable of?

If the 1520 4wd gear driven tractor is capable of more, it would seem as if a pump rebuild would fix the issue. Is this a complicated process? Any comments are appreciated.

 

[jones6780]

Do you have a repair manual? I would say you need to start by checking the pressure with a gauge.

 

[99k1500]

No I don't have a manual, nor do I have a gauge. I have actually just purchased this tractor to sell. But this question also applies to my neighbors 1510. The dealer has told him his pump is weak, and wants to charge him an arm and a leg to replace it. Consequently he just uses it as is. Great little machines.

I am just learning. I myself have a tc55 and everything I can learn I am sure will be applied later! I am not much on paying other people to work on my stuff. My philosophy is to buy the equipment and do it myself (within reason.) I just like having the knowledge. Unfortunately tractors are whole new realm for me. I am a math teacher by trade. With a hobby of fixing things.

Reading around I know enough to be dangerous, but is it possible that the pressure relief valve is getting worn? a situation where a shim could boost the power back up? I know I need to get a gauge and a manual. Reading online I see that the hydraulic system should be around the following.

Type: open
Capacity: 5.8 gal [22.0 L]
Pressure: 2,133 psi [147.1 bar]
Valves: 1
Valve flow: 6.4 gpm [24.2 lpm]
Total flow: 6.8 gpm [25.7 lpm]

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

You need a repair manual to properly check and adjust the hydraulic pressure. There is probably a pressure releif valve on the loader also that is adjustable. If the 3 point hitch has plenty of lifting power your problem is with the loader.
Bill

 

[DieselMonk]

did you change hydraulic oil and filter? Maybe the oil is so old that it starts to plug things?

 

[99k1500]

I drained about 4 gallons of fluid. Before I started it did not register on the dipstick. The fluid had a little water but I have seen much worse. I put on a New- New Holland filter and put about 6 gallons of fluid back in.

Hydraulics do not jump or jerk. Nothing seems to change even after it warms up.

 

[DieselMonk]

I drained about 4 gallons of fluid. Before I started it did not register on the dipstick. The fluid had a little water but I have seen much worse. I put on a New- New Holland filter and put about 6 gallons of fluid back in.

Hydraulics do not jump or jerk. Nothing seems to change even after it warms up.

Then I'd do what Hooked_on_HP said.

 

[JTERWALS]

My Ford 1520 has a similar issue, I would be interested to know what you find out.

 

[99k1500]

I wish I had an answer. I sold the tractor this weekend. I purchased it with the intent of turning it. I did not get an answer, but the best thing I can come up with is to trust the dealer of my neighbor's 1510. Must be a weak pump.

I still would like to know options, as I am sure my own tractor will eventually need its own TLC.

 

[RickB]

I wish I had an answer. I sold the tractor this weekend. I purchased it with the intent of turning it. I did not get an answer, but the best thing I can come up with is to trust the dealer of my neighbor's 1510. Must be a weak pump.

I still would like to know options, as I am sure my own tractor will eventually need its own TLC.

The answer is a system test performed with a hydraulic flow meter equipped with a pressure gauge. A pump efficiency test is the ONLY way to troubleshoot suspected pump problems.