Hydraulic issue

Macinnis · Apr 11, 2021

I have a new ls mt3 57 hp tractor as well as a new hydraulic side shift flail mower.

this is my first tractor, so keep that in mind.

while hooking up the flail mower, one of the two hoses did not reach the tractor. Since this was brand new, i wanted to test the shift (with only one hose connected) so i got in tractor and sure enough, the side shift in the flail mower moved to one side.

so i had a brand new hose made that was 2’ longer and had them put the correct nozzle up to the tractor on both hoses (one new hose and one old hose - the nozzle I installed to test was not on tight enough...they got them tight with some teflon tape).

so i go to install both hoses and i can see the hoses flex, but the flail does not shift to either side. Tractor was at 2000 rpms when i did this and all other hydraulics on the tractor work fine.

i even reversed the hoses thinking maybe the new hose was bad or whatever and still nothing. No leaking at either end of either hise either...

any thoughts on what could be wrong or what i can do to fix or diagnose the issue?

its a real pain now as the flail mower is all the way to one side ...so i cant even cut my pto shaft to the correct length until the flail is centered...gotta start cutting grass soon.

thanks!!!

K5lwq · Apr 11, 2021

How many sets of remotes do you have? Is it possible you are connected to one port of two different valves?

If not do you hear anything when you try to move the cylinder? Possible that a quick connect has failed.

3Ts · Apr 11, 2021

A picture of how your hoses are connected would be helpful.

Be sure your quick connects are FULLY engaged. I have a set on my tractor that look like they are engaged, but won't allow fluid to pass and won't move the cylinder. I reseat them and ensure they are fully inserted and it all works.

Tinhack · Apr 11, 2021

Yeah, I'd say quick connects. Wrong ones or not seated. They are easier to use with the tractor off--No pressure in the lines. You may have to cycle the valve with the engine off to relieve pressure.

Macinnis · Apr 12, 2021

I have three sets of remotes. Currently using one set for a hydraulic top link, and another set for the flail mower.

pretty sure the connections are good going into the tractor. Push the collar back, insert the coupler, hear a click, give it a tug to see if it is lose or will come out, it doesn’t...also no leaks around coupler.

i will disconnect and re connect the hoses again...I think you are right, some sort of quick connect issue. What’s odd is that i can see the hoses flex when I attempt to shift the flail mower...so it does seem to be getting fluid past the quick connect...

K5lwq · Apr 12, 2021

Yes fluid is getting in but not getting out. That is why you see the hose flex. If the top link is working properly I would try the remote it is plugged into. That would eliminate any valve issue.

LD1 · Apr 16, 2021

Any resolution to this?

Macinnis · Apr 17, 2021

i have not been to property yet to try moving hoses to the top link remote.

Macinnis · Apr 24, 2021

i connected the side shift flail mower hoses up the the top link connectors and again, no side shift.

I saw the hose flexing again, both ways...I literally have no idea what to check next...any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated!

thanks

K5lwq · Apr 24, 2021

Do you have any pictures of the setup?

Edit to ask Have you tried to shift with the mower off the ground?

Macinnis · Apr 24, 2021

Sorry, i was with the wife and kids, was trying to preform that test and get home. I can get some pictures this sat.

I did notice that both hoses the end balls on the couplers moved up and down easily and hydro fluid came out of hose when I did that.

K5lwq · Apr 24, 2021

It could be that the cylinder can not shift with the weight of the mower and sitting stationary. If it was raised up a little it might shift or if the tractor was moving.

Macinnis · Apr 24, 2021

I only try to shift it off the ground about a foot. I have not tried to shift it while moving...but did have the rpms up about 2000

K5lwq · Apr 24, 2021

Something definitely wrong then. Hopefully the pictures will help us.

I would remove the cylinder from the mower and verify it will cycle in and out with the tractor hydraulics. If it does I would look closer at pivot points to make sure nothing is binding.

Also the bolts that hold the cylinder do not need to be super tight. They should have a locking type nut to keep them from coming off. If it is too tight that could be more than the cylinder can overcome.

Macinnis · Apr 25, 2021

Ok, back at the property and this is what i have tried today:

1. Reversed the hoses to check to see if that was an issue, that did nothing.

2. Loosesend the connections on the fittings to the flail mower, they were super tight, so i loosened, tried, saw fluid squirt out...tightened them up a bit more and still no movement.