Hydraulic problem?

[Parker69]

Hey guys, I have a kubota 4740 hst with about 150hrs on it. I've been doing some bush hogging lately and I seem to have a hydraulic problem. My steering is catchy like it's low on fluid ( but it isn't ). I also noticed today that it acted like I had no power steering when I first started it up and loader and lift were slow to raise..I used tractor for about 6 hrs. The previous day, bush hogging an overgrown field in 93 degree weather, but I stopped a couple of times to run water thru radiator screen and clean out chaf. Today steering was ok after it was up to temp and at operating speeds, but jerky at slow turns. Any suggestions? Should I go ahead and change hydraulic fluid and filter early? Thanks in advance. Tim

 

[Dixie B6000]

Check your 3pt lever position. Mine will do that if i have it all the way up. My up-stop needs to be adjusted.

 

[2458n]

Becareful with water cleaning things when hot. Blocks do not like to be shocked with cold water.

 

[BeezFun]

I would check all your hydraulic controls to make sure one isn't partially activated. For example I put a bungy cord on the valve I use to run my post pounder because I want it to have power all the time when I'm off the tractor. If the bungy cord isn't pulling hard enough on the valve handle it doesn't work quite right and neither do any of the other hydraulics on the tractor- it's like everything is weak.
However I would guess you have separate power steering pump, so it's hard to imagine scenario where my suggestion could explain steering problems. I wouldn't just change the fluid until you do further diagnosis, unless you have reason to believe some required maintenance wasn't done (like cleaning hydraulic screen or filters). Some tractors requires screen and filter maintenance at 50 hours.

 

[Grandad4]

My L4610 (same size tractor, earlier generation) will have a momentary "catch" in the power steering but only rarely when hydraulics are working hard. If it's happening frequently, you've definitely got something going on in the hydraulics. If fluid level is OK, it might be a filter, valve or something mechanical.