SOS, I have my first tractor problem, Hydraulic lift issue

[BRANTLEYASSOC]

Can't figure out if I am in the right place to ask my question. I cannot find a place that says "post a question" or "create new thread"

My hydraulic lift is acting up. I bring up the handle and it may or may not respond then. Sooner or later it will respond, sometime in increments, but as soon as it gets up, it starts drifting back down. The 1984 model has only 570 hours on it, but I do not have a manual telling me anything more than specifications.

I can't tell for sure where the hy level should be. On the little ring about a half inch on the stick from the transmission?

I can find no one around here that really knows anything about the 1700.

 

[JC-jetro]

Can't figure out if I am in the right place to ask my question. I cannot find a place that says "post a question" or "create new thread"

My hydraulic lift is acting up. I bring up the handle and it may or may not respond then. Sooner or later it will respond, sometime in increments, but as soon as it gets up, it starts drifting back down. The 1984 model has only 570 hours on it, but I do not have a manual telling me anything more than specifications.

I can't tell for sure where the hy level should be. On the little ring about a half inch on the stick from the transmission?

I can find no one around here that really knows anything about the 1700.

I gather so far that you might have a Ford 1700, Right? Why don't you explain what you have , and problems you have. That would help us to break it down and help diagnose the problem.

JC,

 

[BRANTLEYASSOC]

I thought I was posting on the thread dealing with hydraulics lift issues of the Ford 1700s which, in that case, should have been self explanatory. Again:

My hydraulic lift is acting up. I bring up the (lift) handle and it may or may not respond then(lift). Sooner or later it will respond, sometime in increments, but as soon as it gets up, it starts drifting back down. This 1984 (Ford 1700) model has only 570 hours on it, but I do not have a manual telling me anything more than specifications.

I can't tell for sure where the hy level should be. On the little ring about a half inch on the stick from the transmission?

 

[JC-jetro]

I thought I was posting on the thread dealing with hydraulics lift issues of the Ford 1700s which, in that case, should have been self explanatory. Again:

My hydraulic lift is acting up. I bring up the (lift) handle and it may or may not respond then(lift). Sooner or later it will respond, sometime in increments, but as soon as it gets up, it starts drifting back down. This 1984 (Ford 1700) model has only 570 hours on it, but I do not have a manual telling me anything more than specifications.

I can't tell for sure where the hy level should be. On the little ring about a half inch on the stick from the transmission?

Have you ever changed Hyd fluid at all in 570 hrs?
what is the hyd fluid level level?
Intermittent operation can be linked to dirty oil/contaminant blocking the suction line. Dirty oil and once the 3 point is up it should stay up. 3 point dropping most likely can be caused by lift piston seal.
IT FO-44 is around $20, it is not greatest but gives you 90% of the info you need coupled with all parts break down from NH website. Can't beat that?

If you use search feature of the forum, then you'll find a few other threads I started that completely goes thru all the details with pics. Suggest you look at them and if you need more help please ask. The good part of it all parts and consumable can be easily purchase from your friendly NH dealer with one exception that is hyd pump. If you're pump is damaged (unlikely) beyond overhaul then you have to pay pretty penny to acquire that.
The hyd level should be at the red mark with tractor level. about 7" from the top with the fill cap " NOT" screwed in.

JC,

 

[Red State]

Have you ever changed Hyd fluid at all in 570 hrs?

The hyd level should be at the red mark with tractor level. about 7" from the top with the fill cap " NOT" screwed in.

JC,

I did not know that and have been screwing the cap down and then unscrewing it to check hydraulic level....always learning. Finally, for no reason other than to service the hard working Ford 1700, replaced most everything on it from belts to filters. I did this about a month ago and have bush-hogged, tilled and planted my garden, three deer food plots and mowed the very large front yard twice with the finishing mower. I've just noticed after smoothing my 350' driveway that I have some uncomfortable shaking or vibration when lifting the box-blade from point A to B.

The lift comes up fast, goes down smoothly and does its job (as it always has) but the vibration could give you a head-ache if on it for over an hour or so. The fluid looks good (other than a few small bubbles on the hydraulic dip-stick). I did have a little water in the hydraulics last year causing a milky look and this is why I went ahead and changed everything out. The lift stays up when shut off and appears to be in excellent condition (other than the 'SHAKES'. Perhaps I'm over reacting but I'd rather nip the problem or future problem in the bud.

I may also PM you, JC, it is time for a shout-out anyway.

~Michael

It's been a while since I've been on the board or PM'd you, JC, and if you recall, you and I had the same idea of putting an overflow on the lil' 1700. I'm in the mind-set that if it aint broke, don't fix it (which is why I took a year to replace the milky hydraulic fluid) but now I'm wondering if I've done or missed something in my service to this faithful little tractor. I do notice when working it hard that the body where your left leg rests against gets a tad 'uncomfortably warm" and can't really recall what it was like before I serviced it. I want to say that it stayed cool at all times (regardless of hours or difficulty in chore).

I hope this finds everyone doing great and I expect to get nothing but SOUND WISDOM as I am not mechanically literate to any great extent. Again, all I did was replace a water hose that seemed too flexible, the alternator (or whatever it is called) and the fan belt. Flushed the radiator and replaced ALL fluids. That is it. I know that I am not having any "problems" as with the kind JC had and I'm probably being very picky....BUT....I absolutely love this little tractor and hope to do right by it. It is part of the family now after having two or three Ford 600 (the black sheep I call them) HA!!!!

 

[JC-jetro]

Mornin Michale,

I got your pm and sent you a response, hope it will help you.

JC

 

[ScottB450]

I have been following this thread, replacing things that have been mentioned. I'm at a loss now. I'll recap what all I have done:

This is my dad's tractor. hydraulics quit working. He changes the fluid and screen. Adds a pressure gauge. No pressure or hydraulics after this.
Hes older, so I brought the tractor home to look at it. He said it needs a hyd pump rebuild. I replace the seals. Pump felt tight, no play. No pressure or hydraulics
I check the pressure relief valve. It looks ok, but honestly, I wouldnt know what a bad one looks like. Any further explanation on this?
I moved to the piston lift seal. Its totally gone. Put a new one in. Still no pressure on the gauge or hydraulics.

I'm at this point now and not sure what else to look at. Ideas?

Thanks!
Scott

 

[JC-jetro]

I have been following this thread, replacing things that have been mentioned. I'm at a loss now. I'll recap what all I have done:

This is my dad's tractor. hydraulics quit working. He changes the fluid and screen. Adds a pressure gauge. No pressure or hydraulics after this.
Hes older, so I brought the tractor home to look at it. He said it needs a hyd pump rebuild. I replace the seals. Pump felt tight, no play. No pressure or hydraulics
I check the pressure relief valve. It looks ok, but honestly, I wouldnt know what a bad one looks like. Any further explanation on this?
I moved to the piston lift seal. Its totally gone. Put a new one in. Still no pressure on the gauge or hydraulics.

I'm at this point now and not sure what else to look at. Ideas?

Thanks!
Scott

Scott,

I just cam across of this post. have you solved your problem yet?

JC

 

[ScottB450]

I have not! I appreciate you chiming in.

 

[JC-jetro]

I have not! I appreciate you chiming in.

Scott,

1- So the screen is cleaned I assume. Did you check it. if screen s dirty pump can cavitate. Need to make sure oil is available at the suction banjo connection.

2- Have you changed the shaft seal on the pump? it is a double lip seal. On mine that was the culprit and it was sucking air.
3- There is the relief pressure device on the discharge side the pump on the right side of the lift cylinder housing? have you opened it with the pump on. That would show if you have flow.
4- Right at the housing there is a spring that sets your system pressure with a conical poppet valve, that would relife the pressure. if it is stuck at the open pressure it can relive the hyd fluid
directly in to the diffy.

Let me know,

JC,

PS. I had so many nice pics that they all got wiped from my picture hosting out fit. I do have them all but going back and put the right pics back in to the forum take tremendous amount of time. Ii can share the pics that yu might need.