I have a '58 Ford 641 tractor and the lift arms stopped working abruptly over a time span of 10 to 20 minutes while using them (the arms fell to the lowest point and wouldn't rise). After the weather warmed to the 50s (from ~20 deg) the arms began to work again although the movement was jerky on lifting. I have observed the jerky motion before only during cold weather (~20 deg) but yesterday was the first time they stopped working altogether. The hydraulic liquid is not low but probably should be changed. What causes this problem?
My hydraulic lift arms came back to life
- Thread starter MillWeld
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Dave M7040
Elite Member
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2012
- Messages
- 2,757
- Location
- Williamstown Ontario Canada
- Tractor
- Kubota M7040 Nuffield 465
I would be looking for a filter on the suction side of the hydraulic pump. It may just be a fine metal screen. Any water in with the fluid will be at the bottom of the reservoir and could plug the screen with ice crystals. It could also be plugged with crud and when the oil is cold and thick it may not flow through this screen.
Not certain on your model but sometimes this screen is incorporated with the drain plug for the hydraulics. The transmission and hydraulic system may share the same oil as well.
Hopefully someone with the same model will post an answer.
Dave M7040
Not certain on your model but sometimes this screen is incorporated with the drain plug for the hydraulics. The transmission and hydraulic system may share the same oil as well.
Hopefully someone with the same model will post an answer.
Dave M7040
Texasmark
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- Apr 24, 2012
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- 3,703
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- N. Texas
- Tractor
- Ford: '88 3910 Series II, '80 3600, '65 3000; '07 6530C Branson with FEL, 2020 LS MT225S. Case-IH 395 and 895 with cab. All Diesels
Yes on changing oil. Try that first and I used 134A (JD 303) for my 2000 and 3000, recently which works very well. Who would ever guess that changing the oil that's been in the tractor (mine at least) for some 20 years, would make such a difference in performance.
If yours is like my 2000 and probably is since it's a blue 600 series, there is a filter in the bottom of the sump on the suction line. To get at it you have to pull the whole top assy with rockshafts and all, and drain the hyd sump. I've had numerous 1000 series tractors over the years and am yet to have to change a filter. Clean oil has done it for me.
While we're at it, I used the 134A in the tranny too since my 3000 uses it there and in the hyd- differential (common sump). The 2000 diff. gets 90w gear oil.
If yours is like my 2000 and probably is since it's a blue 600 series, there is a filter in the bottom of the sump on the suction line. To get at it you have to pull the whole top assy with rockshafts and all, and drain the hyd sump. I've had numerous 1000 series tractors over the years and am yet to have to change a filter. Clean oil has done it for me.
While we're at it, I used the 134A in the tranny too since my 3000 uses it there and in the hyd- differential (common sump). The 2000 diff. gets 90w gear oil.