Hydraulics get hot

[Roger2561]

In 2000 in purchased a new JD 4500 with front end loader. I power a Kuhn BNE 180 flailmower with it to mow my customers fields. After approximately 20 minutes of up and down of the 3pth, the hydraulics get hot to the point where I can feel the heat radiate from the seat. I must add that 2 years ago I installed the power beyond kit to operate my backhoe attachment. Am I overlooking anything while I'm servicing my tractor per the scheduled maintanance program?

 

[jd110]

How heavy is the mower? maybe the hydraulic system is running in relief while raising the mower. Also, did you plug the power beyond hose back in? If not, that will definately overheat the oil.

 

[Roger2561]

jd110, thanks for the reply. The mower weighs approx. 850lbs. Yes, I did remember to plug in the power beyond. At the risk of sounding ignorant - what do you mean by "running in relief"? I have not heard that discription before.

 

[Cactus]

What he means by "running in relief" the hydraulics are over working and lifting an internal relief. Do you have a 4 in 1 bucket. When I 1st had my 4 in 1 installed the lever that closed the bucket would stick if you pulled the lever back too far back it would stick and cause the bucket to be constantly trying to shut further than it could causing the hydraulics to overwork them selves.

 

[RogerH]

Another thing to check is that the rockshaft feedback linkage is adjusted correctly. With nothing attached to the 3-pt hitch, raise the hitch to its max height. Then grab the two lower arms with your hands and try to lift them higher. You should be able to raise them maybe an inch by hand. If you can't do this, then that means the tractor may be continually pump oil over relief in an attempt to keep raising the arms. This will generate a lot of heat quickly.

If you find this to be true, you can adjust the feedback link. It is located near the pivot point of the rockshaft arms and runs forward under the seat area. Two nuts move the link back and forth until you get the 1" slop mentioned above.

What else do you do with your tractor? Is the flail mowing the only time it seems to get this hot?

 

[Roger2561]

Thanks for the bit of info. I appreciate it! I have a front end loader but not a 4 in 1. That makes sense for it to generate heat if it sticks and wants to continously work.

 

[Roger2561]

RogerH - I'll try and troubleshoot the unit per your instructions. It obvious I have come to right forum for answers to tractor problems.

I haven't noticed any heat being generated from it other than when I'm operating it with the flail mower. I have a JD 660 tiller that I use in the spring but not as much as the flail. I haven't noticed any heat when operating the front end loader, either. But, I'll try to be a bit more attentive when I am operating it. I can say that the fluid level is where it belongs, that was the first thing I checked.

I'll get back to you when I have a chance to trouble shoot it. It won't be for a couple of days, though.