Loader Suggestions on hydraulic issues? 2210 CUT

[millers1]

My 2210 CUT is 8 yrs old and I've got only 140 hours on it. I'm just using it around the yard, to move snow, mulch, dirt, and do some grading occasionally, etc. I've just started clearing the 3/4 acre lot behind our house. It's mostly brush and I'm using a ratchet rake attachment on the FEL. I'm really not running this thing hard at all.

I was piling up brush for about an hour and noticed the hydraulic pressure to the loader seemed low. The more I ran it, the weaker the hydraulics got. I ran it to a level spot and checked the Hydraulic fluid level and it was in level. I noticed hydraulic fluid dripping occasionally from what appears to be a vent on top of the rear case.

The fluid has only been replaced once, at the recommended interval but that was a few years ago. Does this sound fluid foaming or needing replaced or could the pump be failing.

 

[megaboz]

I believe recommended fluid change intervals is in hours on the Machine or every so many months or years. IMO, 8 years and one hydraulic fluid change is not nearly enough.

My suggestion, change the fluids, clean the screens and change the hydraulic filters. Fluids collect moisture over time. The two don't go together well.

 

[millers1]

I'm going to stop tomorrow and pick up the filter, O-rings and Hy-gard (or equivalent). I was looking through the manual and don't see where I can totally purge all of the fluid. I figured there's quite a bit living in the loader's tubing, hoses and cylinders. I'm hoping it's something simple like ... fluid needs replaced...

 

[megaboz]

It will be hard to purge all of the fluid. It will take multiple changes. However it many be enough.

Like I said in my honest opinion that is old fluid. Could be water in it. Collect the begininh and end of the fluid in a jar. See if there is any water.

But if you're blowing fluid through vent, there could be more to it.

I'm not an expert on the valving in these machines so I can't help you there if that is a cause.

I know I had some hydraulic problems when dumping my loader and it turned out to be clogged screens.

 

[Labrat]

Check and see if the transmission cooling fan blades are still intact. Moving brush something may have impacted the fan and the trans was running hot.

 

[millers1]

Update: I looked back at my service records. I changed the hydro fluid, cleaned screen and replaced filter at 50 hrs, 95 hrs and just now at 125 hrs. This is a 2004 model so it's really seen limited use (obviously). The fluid just changed looked and smelled fine. The screen only had a little bit of tiny metal shavings at the magnets. After cleaning and replacing, the loader still seems very weak.. most noticeably on down force. Everything else hydraulic seems normal. I ran into an older pile of clean fill, and was able to push an overflowing load into the bucket.. and lift it all the way up as would be expected. When I tried to loosen the pile by angling the bucket back and dragging backward, instead of the dirt moving, the bucket just slid up over the pile.

So.. does this sound like the hydro control valve or maybe a relief or check valve stuck open??

 

[Henri88]

First, make sure there is no air in your cylinders by cycling them up and down. When you get to the full extension, hold the lever in the up position for a few second. Do the same when retracting the cylinders. It should lift the front end of your tractor and again hold the lever for a few second. Do the same for the curl to purge all air in the bucket cylinder also. Now as for the backing up with the bucket tilted, mine does the same thing. I have to hold the lever in the tilt position for a few second and then it will hold the bucket down when backing up. It did this right from the first and I always assume it was normal.

Henri

 

[millers1]

OK..I feel a LOT relieved and a little bit foolish. I had glanced down at the quick connect hoses for the loader.. but never really got a good close-up look 'till today. Sure enough, a stick or something must have pushed on the collar of one of the connectors and it was partially disconnected. Lubed and freed up the female part and cleaned the male part... popped back in solid. The loader is back to normal.. it'll push the front end up off the ground and the loader lifts to full extension. I appreciate the input and suggestions.