Ford 4600 hydraulic question

[SAMJOHNSON]

Thought I would get back to you guys......I was low on fluid. Rain and my job have kept me from playing farmer.

Anyways, this tractor has no external hydraulic filter. The manual shows one under what should be the tread plate for the left side/foot. There is a round cover of some sort that projects out of the rear axle housing. It is kind of behind the clutch linkages. My owners manual shows a clear image of a hydraulic filter under this left tread plate. Further more, the part the filter screws onto attaches to the tractor where that round cover is. A local Ford mechanic says he has never seen a 4600 without an external hydraulic filter, but this is the only thing different I have seen to indicate it is a 4600. Told me he didn't think it was 4600, but nobody has seen it all......but, people paint things, and may order the wrong decals.
So, I looked it over and checked the manuals. Hydraulic pump is on right side of tractor behind parking brake. Not a 2600 or 3600. They had hydraulic pumps on the engine. It is a 4600. It is an SU by the way.

So, do I take it that this has a screen or something in the sump? How do I access it for cleaning? I cannot find this info anywhere. Could I, and would it be worth it to, convert to accept an external filter? It has an FEL, if that makes a difference.

 

[TractorTech]

Sam, can you tell us what the model code and date code are found on the RH bell housing ledge just behind the starter? The serial number, starting with a C is also stamped there. The model and date codes will tell you exactly what you have. The lack of external filter is not unusual.
The pump inlet filter is accessed by pulling the pump or removing the 3 point top cover. Not something easy to do and not necessary.
One thing that troubles me about checking levels you said. Ford never recommended checking oil levels with the 3 point and/or loader raised. This could be very hazardous to your health. The fluid is at the correct level with everything on the ground.
Also, the transmission uses the same hydraulic fluid the rear axle uses. I am wondering if gear oil wasn't put in it and this is causing some of the gear drag and grinding. You might change the oil anyway to see if this wouldn't help alleviate the grinding.
But like Jerry said, the transmission tends to do that to some degree.

 

[SAMJOHNSON]

Sam, can you tell us what the model code and date code are found on the RH bell housing ledge just behind the starter? The serial number, starting with a C is also stamped there. The model and date codes will tell you exactly what you have. The lack of external filter is not unusual.
The pump inlet filter is accessed by pulling the pump or removing the 3 point top cover. Not something easy to do and not necessary.
One thing that troubles me about checking levels you said. Ford never recommended checking oil levels with the 3 point and/or loader raised. This could be very hazardous to your health. The fluid is at the correct level with everything on the ground.
Also, the transmission uses the same hydraulic fluid the rear axle uses. I am wondering if gear oil wasn't put in it and this is causing some of the gear drag and grinding. You might change the oil anyway to see if this wouldn't help alleviate the grinding.
But like Jerry said, the transmission tends to do that to some degree.

Disclaimer: I have had the flu, can't follow basic instructions I read.

I got the instructions direct from an original Ford operators manual for the 4600 tractor. In the section pertaining to the changing of the rear axle fluid, it stated to lower the lift arms and retract any external cylinders prior to drain, then refill to the level plug. After filling to level plug hole, it said to crank and raise rear and extend all external hydraulic cylinders, cut off engine and fill till level plug hole.
Level ground with lifts down and FEL cylinders retracted, it took right around 7 1/2 gallons. When I raised the front...wait just realized, I did not raise the rear lift arms, just the FEL, I did not tilt the bucket down either, come to think of it, the FEL lift cylinders are the only ones I extended..... anyways I added maybe 2 gallons extra to make level again, with lift arms down, FEL up and FEL bucket tilt cylinders retracted. The remaining fluid of the 10 gallons I had ended up replacing what I managed to drain from the power steering system.

I have to say, the FEL works like a champ now. So, I ignore the Ford manual and drain the surplus? I had wondered before I read the manual if it was necessary to add surplus fluid to accommodate the FEL.

The transmission is running hydraulic oil. It definitely isn't gear oil. Whether or not it is regular hydraulic oil or Ford 143D, who knows. I will change it anyway. The cheapest place for it around here (less than Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply and the tractor shops) is NAPA, but this one here sells a lot of big truck parts, makes hoses and handles a bit more than any other parts store around.

Codes: C411954
4bo14b
D1414C

So, I have a Ford 4000SU? I measured every dimension in the manuals and was like the 4600 except about 10-12" short. Measures as long as a 3000/4000 it seems.
Its a great running tractor. Will repaint it and restore it someday...

 

[TractorTech]

Interesting about the hydraulic level check! I stand corrected if that is what the manual says. The main thing is that there is plenty of oil for the pump in all situations. It is contrary to later models, mainly from a safety aspect and would probably be fine if it was lower. I wouldn't bother to empty the excess unless you see oil seeping or belching out of the rear housing someplace.
Yes, a Feb. 1974, 4000SU; right on the cusp. of models according to the model code and serial number. One visual, mechanically, is it only has one lever for the 3 pt. and a short lever under the seat to change from position to draft effect. The later models have two levers of equal size side-by-side to blend position and draft effects.

 

[SAMJOHNSON]

Note: that is in a FORD 4600 Manual....I will get the proper one asap, but most capacities seem the same, and many similarities exist.

One thing on the draft control I encountered:
I cannot use the draft control as is. The block added to to allow for the rear remotes and loader is connected in such a fashion I cannot utilize draft control, which I'd really like! The hose feeding into the FEL blocks the draft control lever from fully rotating forward, only about 1/2 way. I had thought of welding on an extension to clear the 90 degree elbow of the hydraulic line to remedy this. Would it be as simple as that, or are there detents or other issues to address? I plow and mow irregular terrain. Draft control would be handy.