3-Point Hitch GC1705 - Multiple Issues - Hydraulic Concern - Feedback Welcomed

[jonathancase]

Good afternoon, fellow Massey Forum Subject Matter Experts:

Probably violating forum protocol by not performing extensive keyword searches to look for prior contributors' posts before adding my own new thread, apologies in advance. I did, in fact, search on several key words, but the variation in Titles makes it difficult to find a perfect match.

Experiencing multiple symptoms that I'm reasonably confident are all emanating from a problem in the hydraulic system of my GC1705 (670 hours, purchased in February 2014). Had just finished a 3-acre mow and noticed the smell of hydraulic fluid. Had some evidence of leakage, but more like spray residue, in the rear right quadrant (inside of rear wheel and around the vicinity.) Let the motor run for a few minutes, but did not see any continued evidence of drip-drip-drip leakage.

Symptoms noticed upon next startup:

1) A whining (almost grinding) sound that (in my somewhat inexperienced ears) is from a rotational element, but it doesn't sound like metal-to-metal contact. However, the sound is constant and is clearly coming from the hydraulic pump/transmission area. The sound appears to be a bit more noticeable on the left side (from driving position) than on the right side, but the sound difference is minimal.

2) 3-point hitch / MMM won't lift from ground level.

3) Front steering experiencing a 'chatter' feel, as if the hydraulic power is not being constantly delivered to the front wheels. It's not the same as a rapid vibration, but more like a rapid surge/reduction cycle of hydraulic power to the steering. Same behavior in 2WD and 4WD settings. The front wheels will turn, but the chatter remains evident and the amount of steering wheel effort to turn is higher than normal. No issues with the rear drive that I have noticed.

4) PTO works in the rear and with the MMM; no indication that power loss is affecting the PTO.

Presuming a new hydraulic pump/transmission may be in my future, but fingers crossed that it's not that bad. Thanks to any of the hydraulics gurus that choose to respond.

JC in Tennessee

 

[Langanobob]

How is your hydraulic fluid level? How long has it been since it's been changed? First thing I'd do is drain it. If you have damage in the system there will be a lot of shiny little pieces of metal suspended in the fluid. If it looks OK with no visible metal floating in it, replace it with new fluid that meets the Massey Ferguson spec for tractor hydraulic fluid. That would be my first step.

 

[jonathancase]

How is your hydraulic fluid level? How long has it been since it's been changed? First thing I'd do is drain it. If you have damage in the system there will be a lot of shiny little pieces of metal suspended in the fluid. If it looks OK with no visible metal floating in it, replace it with new fluid that meets the Massey Ferguson spec for tractor hydraulic fluid. That would be my first step.

Langanobob, thanks for the rapid response.

Fluid levels good. Last filter/oil change was less than 10 operating hours ago. No indication of damage at last change. Using CENEX QuikLift HTB hydraulic fluid which, I believe, is within specification for GC17XX-series M-F. I should have added these points to my initial posting, but failed to do so.

Standing by for further inputs.

 

[DMW]

Langanobob, thanks for the rapid response.

Fluid levels good. Last filter/oil change was less than 10 operating hours ago. No indication of damage at last change. Using CENEX QuikLift HTB hydraulic fluid which, I believe, is within specification for GC17XX-series M-F. I should have added these points to my initial posting, but failed to do so.

Standing by for further inputs.

Are symptoms persistent at all times, or only when the tractor is "hot". Have they ever appeared prior to the fluid change?

 

[jonathancase]

DMW... persistent at all times, from cold start to 20-minutes warm idle. Had one prior occurrence where the MMM lift was inoperable, but I found impacted dirt in the undercarriage that was inhibiting movement of the lift mechanism. Once I cleaned out the impacted dirt, that issue was solved. No prior experience with the rotational whine sound, nor the front steering hydraulic "chatter" vibration.

Thanks for your inquiry.

 

[atsah]

Did you clean the hydro screen?

 

[jonathancase]

Atsah... great question. Did not clean hydro screen. Will attempt to get that done (likely won't be today) and report back if symptoms change. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[DMW]

I would take a really good look at the 3pt shifter linkage and hoses for damage/obstructions. It sounds like the 3pt lever isn't engaging/disengaging properly, blocking fluid (sending it over the relief valve) or allowing fluid to go to tank, rather than the steer cylinder or 3pt.
I'm just guessing, but all the symptoms point to oil flow for the 3pt.
If you have an FEL that works properly, then you can ignore needing a new hydraulic pump.

 

[cglaser104]

This issue sounds like something between hydraulic fluid levels and air freely getting into the system. I would look though and verify all your hydraulic fitting points are secure and dry. You can use a degreaser cleaner spray to clean up dirty/suspected leak points and then run the machine and engage hydraulics to make them weep(pull the lift lever, articulate the loader, etc). If you have the loader verify the integrity of your quick connects (ive previous removed my own/cleaned them due to inconsistent operability). Once all connection points are verified amd fluid levels checked you can move into other things. I also 2nd the check your plugs and oil for damage via shavings. Good idea to verify the white hydro cooler fan is in tact and operational as well ...which is left of center under the tractor directly below the seat underneath. Best of luck.

 

[jonathancase]

To those who have inquired/commented upon FEL, that is not part of my inventory. Just working with MMM and nothing attached on rear PTO.

My largest concern, for the moment, is the rotational whine coming from the area under the seat (likely deep in the bowels of the hydraulic system). Have any respondents experienced that 'whine' in the past, along with one or more of the accompanying symptoms? Something is generating that whine and I don't want to trigger further potential damage.

Any takers?