Spanner
Veteran Member
To state the obvious: The (JD) dealer should have fitted a JD filter. Anything less would raise a red flag!
Problems shimming JD 445 hydraulics
- Thread starter Turbo Goat
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- john deere 445
OP
Turbo Goat
Member
Hmmm. I hadn't considered that. Perhaps a newer model is in order...
I guess I should consider myself lucky that I get to own one at all.
OP
Turbo Goat
Member
Yeah. I would be surprised if it were anything else.
OP
Turbo Goat
Member
Thanks for all of the replies and info. I think I solved my own mystery.
I got another gauge from the local hydraulic shop. It turns out that it's the same cheap gauge sold on Ebay, but a second unit at least. Yeah, so the second gauge reads twice what the first does. I'm really glad that I had the hunch to verify the gauge. I could have blown up the transaxle. I don't have profanity or expletives strong enough.
I have a third, better quality gauge on the way.
I have 12 yards of poo blend arriving tomorrow. I really hope I have the loader squared away in time!
Goat
I got another gauge from the local hydraulic shop. It turns out that it's the same cheap gauge sold on Ebay, but a second unit at least. Yeah, so the second gauge reads twice what the first does. I'm really glad that I had the hunch to verify the gauge. I could have blown up the transaxle. I don't have profanity or expletives strong enough.
I have a third, better quality gauge on the way.
I have 12 yards of poo blend arriving tomorrow. I really hope I have the loader squared away in time!
Goat
Spanner
Veteran Member
2 x cheap gauges. 2 x different readings. Which one do you believe?
Still have the question mark surrounding that 'ovalised' washer.
Still have the question mark surrounding that 'ovalised' washer.
OP
Turbo Goat
Member
I'm going to go with the high-reading gauge for now. While there is still some risk in that, I think that the system pressure will at least be in the ballpark, if not a little low. I can adjust as necessary when the better gauge arrives. I also had a conversation with the local hydraulics shop. They said that they can test a gauge for a small fee. I'd have them do that today, but I don't have it with me.
The oval washer is a mystery that I may never be able to solve. I suspect that it's due to the valve being short a couple of bits. One of the missing parts is an o-ring that JD calls "packing". I'm not sure what the intended purpose is, but it would also serve to keep the valve plunger centered. It seems to me that allowing the plunger to wobble would cause both of the unusual wear problems that I found in the old valve. For now, I plan to check the replacement valve periodically for wear and address the issue if and when it comes up again.
While this may not seem like the best practice, time is not on my side. I return to school in a few weeks. My property grows into a jungle each year while I ignore it for 9 months. I have my summers to get the place in shape again. This year my wife wants to restore her Karmann Ghia in our garage, so I have that to clear out, in addition to the usual list.
Thanks again for the suggestions, info, and wisdom. I'll update with the final result when I'm confident that I have it worked out.
Cheers!
Goat
The oval washer is a mystery that I may never be able to solve. I suspect that it's due to the valve being short a couple of bits. One of the missing parts is an o-ring that JD calls "packing". I'm not sure what the intended purpose is, but it would also serve to keep the valve plunger centered. It seems to me that allowing the plunger to wobble would cause both of the unusual wear problems that I found in the old valve. For now, I plan to check the replacement valve periodically for wear and address the issue if and when it comes up again.
While this may not seem like the best practice, time is not on my side. I return to school in a few weeks. My property grows into a jungle each year while I ignore it for 9 months. I have my summers to get the place in shape again. This year my wife wants to restore her Karmann Ghia in our garage, so I have that to clear out, in addition to the usual list.
Thanks again for the suggestions, info, and wisdom. I'll update with the final result when I'm confident that I have it worked out.
Cheers!
Goat
Spanner
Veteran Member
Good luck with JD & VW.
OP
Turbo Goat
Member
Thanks Spanner!
It turns out that I had cause to go home yesterday after all, so I was able to pick up the gauge and get it tested. It's spot on, apparently. I took all of the shims out of the IRV and started over. My hydraulic pressure is now about 1300 PSI, right where I want it. The bucket should lift a heaping scoop of poo now. Just in time too. I will have a veritable mountain of it arriving this afternoon.
Goat
It turns out that I had cause to go home yesterday after all, so I was able to pick up the gauge and get it tested. It's spot on, apparently. I took all of the shims out of the IRV and started over. My hydraulic pressure is now about 1300 PSI, right where I want it. The bucket should lift a heaping scoop of poo now. Just in time too. I will have a veritable mountain of it arriving this afternoon.
Goat
Spanner
Veteran Member
Which gauge was spot-on Goat? The 1st or the 2nd?
Either way be careful of overloading your FEL.
I'm always in the poo. It's just the depth that varies!
(PM returned)
Either way be careful of overloading your FEL.
I'm always in the poo. It's just the depth that varies!
(PM returned)
OP
Turbo Goat
Member
Spanner,
It was the second cheap gauge that proved to be more accurate. I have not yet received the third gauge. Thanks. Yeah, I understand that the machine has limits. If it can do occasional duty with 500-600lbs, that's enough for me. Any more than that would probably wear out the front wheel bearings pretty quickly. The mod I made is supposed to be very common and the tractor is known to be able to take it. I just have to stay clear of 1500PSI. I have some suitcase weights or a tank of a rototiller for counterweight, but most of the time it's just for cutting the grass.
I saw your PM. Thanks. I'm doing a little reading to educate myself so that I can have a reasonably intelligent conversation.
Cheers!
It was the second cheap gauge that proved to be more accurate. I have not yet received the third gauge. Thanks. Yeah, I understand that the machine has limits. If it can do occasional duty with 500-600lbs, that's enough for me. Any more than that would probably wear out the front wheel bearings pretty quickly. The mod I made is supposed to be very common and the tractor is known to be able to take it. I just have to stay clear of 1500PSI. I have some suitcase weights or a tank of a rototiller for counterweight, but most of the time it's just for cutting the grass.
I saw your PM. Thanks. I'm doing a little reading to educate myself so that I can have a reasonably intelligent conversation.
Cheers!
