Boomer 20 Hydraulic issue, advice needed

[melmark]

Hello, I'll try to keep this short and provide the details. I have a 10 year old Boomer 20, same basic tractor as the Boomer 24 and 25. I bought it new.

At 50 hours the dealer came and changed the filters

At 300 hrs. I drained the hydraulic fluid and changed all filters. (using factory filters and NH Ambra fluid)

Last winter I started the tractor in about 20 degree temps and there was a grinding noise from under the seat where the hyd tank and pump is. It immediately went away and everything worked fine. Throughout the winter last year I noticed that when I started the tractor the bucket and backhoe would not move at all until the machine warmed up some (maybe 7 or 8 minutes of running) Then the bucket and hoe would move slowly until completely warm. (I live in Pa.)

This year as it is getting cold now I am having the same issue and am wondering what I can do before taking it to the dealer? I did change all the filters at 590 hrs, not the fluid just the filters. Wondering if I had ice in the system

The tractor now has 600 hrs. on it. It has always been stored under a carport and never rained on. The hydraulics were always slow when cold which I expect but obviously something has changed now. The fluid is very clear when I check it and has never been milky or discolored. The hyd fluid level is right where it should be on the stick.

When I talked to the dealer about this they said to bring it to them and they would check the pressure with gauges on a cold morning as a starting point for around 200 bucks. Just wondering if anyone could advise before I go that route? Is there a screen anywhere on this tractor? Nothing in my owners manual.

Thanks
Mark

 

[oldnslo]

Growling noise at start up would point towards pump cavitating or not drawing oil in when cold. I am not familiar with that model tractor so not sure if there is a suction screen or not.

Is there a rubber hose on the inlet or suction side of the pump? If yes does it feel like it is getting hard and brittle or or soft and mushy. These can crack if brittle or collapse if mushy.

Another option does NH offer a lower viscosity fluid? Would not switch to complete low vis but possibly of blend of regular and low vis if NH approves this. I know JD has this option.

 

[tomplum]

My XJ allows either 32 or 46 viscosity hydro oil. It does sound like maybe they used 46 at the last service.

 

[melmark]

No rubber hose, metal piping. They do offer a lower viscosity oil that they say can be used in colder temps. I am a little confused though because I have been using the same viscosity since new and never saw this issue....even in colder temps than what we have been having recently. I guess I could drain the fluid and get some of the thinner stuff and see if that helps. Oil and filters would be around 200 bucks which is what they are going to charge me to put the gauges on it and diagnose.

Growling noise at start up would point towards pump cavitating or not drawing oil in when cold. I am not familiar with that model tractor so not sure if there is a suction screen or not.

Is there a rubber hose on the inlet or suction side of the pump? If yes does it feel like it is getting hard and brittle or or soft and mushy. These can crack if brittle or collapse if mushy.

Another option does NH offer a lower viscosity fluid? Would not switch to complete low vis but possibly of blend of regular and low vis if NH approves this. I know JD has this option.

 

[oldnslo]

If this is a new problem then that points towards something has changed on the inlet side of the pump. Dealer should know if their is an inlet or suction strainer on that model. Possible connection on steel pipe is leaking? Does it look like flange fitting on the pump or at the trans housing? O-rings do get old and take a set but not sure if they would soften and reseal as oil warms.