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!!!!