TC33d - water in fuel / squeel when cold (hst?)

tsmithco · Dec 20, 2016

Couple problems. I've having to empty the bowl about every month or so. Somehow, water is makign it's way in, and obviously, when it gets to a point, the tractor loses power and stalls. I can't figure out how it's getting in. The tractor does live outside unfortunatly, but everything looks good around the cap, etc. Thoughts?

Also, when it's cold (0-25f) I hear what may be a blow off vavle (is that what its called?) making noise from under the control stick for the bucket. Also, I'm hearing (about 50% of the time) a loud squeel, like an animal, from under the tractor. Could this be the HST?

My initial thought for both of those is the fluid is too thick for winter?

Thanks!

tcreeley · Dec 20, 2016

My NH TC30 squeals when I use the loader, when I need to change the hydraulic filter. It is a gear tractor that uses the same hydraulic fluid as the loader.

Thomas · Dec 20, 2016

May want to try thinner oil,keep full tank full w/anti gel,let hyds warm up mins plus than slowly lift front loader rotate bucket 3pt. hitch couple times see if that helps.

motownbrowne · Dec 20, 2016

I have the same tractor minus a few HP. I just swapped hydraulic fluid for a lower viscosity fluid. I used Kubotas SUDT, but there's many others.

I also have squealing in cold weather. It got better with the thinner fluid. I don't have a loader, but previously raising the three point was very very loud and slow. It usually got better by the time I was finishing up plowing my driveway.

A couple things I have done, which seem to have helped are, swapping fluid, covering the hydraulic fluid cooler (in front of the radiator) with cardboard, warming up the tractor with the PTO spinning and the cruise control set. I usually start the tractor, put it in neutral, set RPMs around 15-1800 and floor the HST pedal. Then I set the cruise and come back in ten minutes.

Also, I'm going to try to track down a possible hydraulic leak on the suction side of the pump. It's a common issue on these tractors and causes a squeal when you put the hydraulic pump under a load.

Regarding the water in the tank, you could try a new cap, and as Thomas recommends, top the tank off after each use to prevent condensation.