New PT-180 owner

[m5040]

I think if the gas tank was not vented, it would build a vacuum (maybe collapse the tank) when running, then starve for fuel and shut off. If left in sun, might burst. Since none of that happened, it is properly vented. Mine has a sicker down about 2-3" that indicates fill line. Even then it has stains around top fill.

 

[m5040]

What I was getting at with the stacked pumps was that when/if the lovejoy was slipping (when you hear the chatter) the loader would not work or work very slow. If the driveline chatter was occurring, the loader should be noticeably week.

That would confirm a bad pump drive (lovejoy).

 

[m5040]

When you attempt to drive, and it goes into the chatter inop mode, push the loader down and lift the tractor while chattering. If the loader lifts the tractor normally, but the drive is chattering, then it doesn't seem to me that it is the pump drive and you will need to look elsewhere.

Did you check the tow valve as someone mentioned? That is kind of important to do. That valve dumps hydraulic drive pressure.

 

[curtjeep]

I think if the gas tank was not vented, it would build a vacuum (maybe collapse the tank) when running, then starve for fuel and shut off. If left in sun, might burst. Since none of that happened, it is properly vented. Mine has a sicker down about 2-3" that indicates fill line. Even then it has stains around top fill.

Ok, just making sure.

 

[m5040]

I scanned a pic of the tow valve, but it came out as a PDF and shows a question mark. Maybe you can open it?

 

[woodlandfarms]

At first i thought it was the brake not fully releasing but i dont know what the 180 has for brakes. I now think It sounds like the pump is bypassing. The relief valve us going off too soon.

 

[curtjeep]

At first i thought it was the brake not fully releasing but i dont know what the 180 has for brakes. I now think It sounds like the pump is bypassing. The relief valve us going off too soon.

I just talked to Terry. He thinks it could be the same thing. He said to start by changing the hydraulic filter and let him know what it does.

 

[ponytug]

I am sorry that you are having troubles. I hope that it is a quick fix.

I would second the relief valve going off at too low of a pressure. Shuddering is exactly what you would expect from a spring loaded valve exceeding its pressure limit, venting, and then building pressure until it exceeds the limit again.

Let me preface the following by saying that I haven’t seen the 180 Lovejoy. In general, lovejoy connectors don’t usually slip. They are designed not to. There is a small rubber insert between the six “fingers” on the two sides of the lovejoy. To slip, you have to have the set screw on one or both halves loosen. If the set screw slips, then you pretty rapidly go from full power transmission to some power transmission to no power transmission as the set screw scores a ring around the shaft. This doesn’t seem to fit your issue.


I would look for a slipped lock ring on your pressure relief valve. To reset the relief valve, you will need a pressure gauge and some “tee” hardware to splice the gauge into the circuit to set the pressure accurately.

All the best,

Peter

 

[agjones]

+1 on the relief valve. I've had success getting an equipment rental place to check/set/change pressure relief settings when necessary. Also, Northern tool stores w shops will do it... But the queue can be long. Any place that works on dump trucks is equipped to check/set. Most small engine shop (imo) are not.

Also from recent experience, a failing spider (the rubber component of lovejoy) will make a horrible noise, but deliver full power...at least long enough to get on the truck.

 

[curtjeep]

Thanks gentlemen,

I replaced the filter and no bueno. I guess I will talk to Mr. Terry tomorrow and see what he says. Hopefully it will be an easy fix. BTW, I still love my PT.