3500 Problems

ME83 · Mar 3, 2008

I have a 1968 gas Ford 3500. I first started using this tractor about a year ago (it is on my fiances horse farm). Last summer I replaced the seals on the power steering cylinder because it leaked bad and had no fluid left in the resevoir (I have had a few choice words with the managers husband because there are many things he ran like this for years). After I replaced the seals it was better, but still hard to steer especially with a decent load in the bucket. Now the problem I am having that is getting worse is when I hit something with the front tires it will yank the steering wheel from my hands. Is there some kind of valve in the power steering pump to prevent this? How hard are these suppose to steer? It has the tri rib front tires.
I also have a problem with the loader. Sometimes when I lower it it will shake, like the hydraulics are surging. What would cause this? I added some hydraulic oil this past summer and it helped, but didn't solve it. I was thinking about changing the hydraulic fluid, what kind should I use and are there any filters? I live in Mass so there are big temperature changes.

RickB · Mar 3, 2008

If the power steering system was run for a prolonged period without any fluid in it, the pump is probably trash. Pumps are available in the aftermarket either early or late style depending on the age of the 3500. Excess friction in the steering and front wheel components can affect an otherwise working P/S system. It's really hard to tell from here what the major problem is. Could well be the pump. The loader has an internal filter attached to the outlet housing bolted to the bottom of the LH loader mast (next to the clutch pedal). This filter probably hasn't been changed in 25 years. Fill with universal hydraulic oil to about 11 inches below the fill/vent at the top of the LH loader mast. Loader holds about 12 gallons of oil, but it's hard to get it all drained out. There is a choice of filters, tell your New Holland dealer you have either a 12" filter (probably) or a 9" filter (less likely). More questions, post back. I am here at least once a day.

dogbreath108 · Mar 3, 2008

I agree, it could possibly be the pump. You can do a pump test to check. You need a high pressure gauge and some fittings. You will be checking the pump volumn output, safety valve setting and the pressure capacity of the pump if the safety is working. Its fairly easy to complete if you have the tools and are mechanical. Its best to purchase a repair manual and it will walk you through it. Check with the oil and filters like RickB said first. The 3500 is a good machine...

Joe

ME83 · Mar 4, 2008

I am a mechanical guy with a lot of tools, and if I don't have the tool then it is good reason to go and buy it

. Where and/or what brand repair manual is best to get? I have a manual now but it seems to be more of a owners manual with procedures to adjust and check things.

Being in a climate where the tractor will see 10ｰF should I look into a synthetic hydraulic fluid? The pump will whine for a minute or two now until it warms up. I am just afraid I will see more leaks and loose lift capacity if I go to synthetic.

AndyMA · Mar 4, 2008

You may want to try here for manuals.

Discount Tractor Parts and Manuals for Older and Antique Tractors

Andy

dogbreath108 · Mar 6, 2008

Also, the industrial manuals are available at Jensales (reprints) or even the new holland web site. The full industrial set for that vintage (full series) is about $125+, but it has a lot of data you wouldn't need if you don't have a backhoe and don't intend to work on other tractors in the series. You might be just fine with the $25 I T shop series which is mostly for the farm series that vintage. Some NH dealers sell them as well as on line. engine, rear and some transmission info being the same as the farm. Keep in mind, your steering pressures, hardware and maybe the pump being different from the farm series. Which might not be in the IT manual.

Joe

I just checked, the industrial front end is not included in the IT shop manual...

Dirthog · Mar 7, 2008

The 4500 i grew up on is the same they do not steer that bad but they are harder that a car-pickup you can check the pressure on the power steering with a gauge but you will need a flow meter to check the pump out put (volume) also everything for the power steering is in the pump itself. the loader shaking sounds like a tight pin or even a cyl bent a little