TC40D Hydraulic Problems

[Qapla]

We have a TC40D with FEL and BH.

We were using the tractor when, suddenly, with no warning, the FEL quit working. No response to the control at all. There does not seem to be a broken line and no fluid spill was seen.

I tried to back the tractor out from where I was working since the rake on the FEL would be able to drag on the ground. The tractor will not move! At first, it seemed like it wanted to - now, nothing, noting at all - no groan, no whine, no movement.

The dipstick shows a level between the two marks.

Could it be the pressure relief valve or the pump?

Any ideas?

 

[ptsg]

Those symptoms does indicate that the oil leaked somewhere and the pumps are starving for oil. First would be the FEl, since it takes much more fluid, then would be the HST.

Does the steering still works? From the NH parts website, it uses a dedicated pump for the steering.

 

[Qapla]

Where could the fluid have gone since we did not find any on the ground?

 

[RickB]

Where could the fluid have gone since we did not find any on the ground?

Do not be confused. If the oil level is within the operating range on the dipstick, a lack of oil is not your problem. Double check that, then look for a mechanical problem. First check should be for a damaged filter.

 

[Leejohn]

Check pump psi, if no psi check pump coupler or pump shaft.

 

[Qapla]

UPDATE:

We do not have a gauge to check pressure with. We were able to remove the FEL and tow the tractor to a clear place where we could work on it. We took the lines off at the pump ... there is one on the top and one on the bottom. With the tractor running, no fluid came out. We pulled the lines completely off. You can see the gear shaft from the top hole and the shaft is turning and the power steering still work fine - it is an separate system with it's own reservoir and pump ... but, it shares the drive mechanism with the hydraulic pump.

We removed the large filter under the tractor and no fluid ran out.

The dipstick still shows fluid - is it possible the fluid could be low without the stick showing it?

 

[Leejohn]

There is also a screen in the trans that is before the main hyd filter, maybe that if the tractor is afew years old.

 

[Qapla]

UPDATE:

We found it!

Seems there is a rubber T underneath the tractor that is not readily located. It was pulled off and is on the suction side. After we got it back on and everything put back together it works like it used to.

We did have to top off the fluid level and change the fuel filter while we were at it ... all-in-all, a simple repair