hydraulic pump on PTO for front snow blower

[skidsteer.ca]

I just finished hooking my 1990 JD 5300 50 hp 4wd tractor to an Erskine 2418 skidsteer blower adapted to fit the FEL. I mounted a 25gal reservoir on one side of the blower because I wanted to use the 3 point for the back blade. Next I hooked up a 28gpm 540rpm pto pump. Great huh?
Nope...it doesn't work because the pump cavitates. It won't suck the juice all the way from the front to the pump. At least that what I think is going on. Any Ideas?
Maybe move the tank to sit on top of the back blade?
Thanks for any help,
Mike in BC

What are you using for hydraulic oil? What is your suction line inside diameter? Will it run at low rpm ok? Just not high rpm? Does it get better as it warms up from low rpm?
With a setup like that you should have about a 3" steel pipe running under the tractor for a suction. That is how our Barko 40 log loader is set up. Hangs on the rear of a long frame tandem truck and connects to a pump on the transmission pto. It also has the advantage of mounting the tank a few feet above the pump for some effective head pressure. Runs atf for fluid so it flows well.
With your instalation design you need a vacuum gauge at the pump so you can see if you are within reasonable limits for the pumps suction. (pressure is better then vaccum on the in let of a pump, if possible) You don't want to cook it from oil starvation.

Or, better yet, look at moving your reservoir closer. A 30lb lpg bottle mounted on the rear of the tractor with a temp guage on it would likely be a easier solution and still hold enough oil to keep your temps under 230f in the winter months. How long do you blow snow at a time?
And lets see some pictures!
Ken

 

[777]

Welded the tank on top of the backblade, installed a 2"x 3'suction line to the pump and she blows like a banshee. Now I need more snow. Thanks for all the help. I'll try to get some pictures soon.