G3038 - Weak Hydraulics...

[goddom]

Hey,
I have had the tractor 2.5yrs, it has about 330hrs on it. The Hydraulics have gotten quite weak. I don't know if it was sudden or gradual since I don't always use the tractor myself - my wife uses it a lot. Anyways, I needed to do the 300hr service so I changed the fluid and the HST and hydraulic filters. Same problem. The hydraulics are slow and it seems about 20% down on power. It does seem to get worse the longer I use the tractor at any given time. Some internet searches suggest this is either a relief valve issue or a hydraulic pump. Does anyone have some ideas and some idea where either of these things are located?

Thank you much!
Matt

 

[Fallon]

Check the pressure. You can plumb a 3,000+ PSI gauge into a quick connect or other fitting & apply full hydraulic pressure to that line until the relief valve kicks in. Should match whatever is in the owners manual. If not you need to adjust the relief valve, or have other, possibly pump issues.

Hydraulic fluid thins out the warmer it gets. Sounds like it might be a worn or leaky pump. Hopefully just a weak pressure relief valve or something. Much cheaper.

 

[bruceatlam]

You say "the hydraulics are slow and it seems about 20% down on power". Is the tractor down on power or does this simply refer to loss of hydraulic power?? If the tractor's down on power, make sure you check the air filter.