601 Hydraulics

[Eric Seiy]

My 1957 gas 601 Workmaster started having hydraulic problems with the 3-point lift working only sometimes. Fluid level is fine....now it won't raise or lower and the control lever slides effortlessly to either the up or down position without the hydraulics working....seems almost like something broke from the lever to the hydraulic yoke or plunger. Is there a way to narrow down my suspicions without tearing everything apart...also, does anyone have a picture or diagram of what I am looking for? I am fairly handy so any type of diagram or directions would be appreciated. I have never worked on this on any of my tractors! Thanks!

 

[Mike Hodgins]

Can't give you much advise on the repair and I'm no mechanic either but I would say to buy the master parts book and shop repair manual. Best money I ever spent. I've learned loads from them.

Good luck.

 

[GlenIdaho]

Eric;

It could be a number of things. The suggestion to buy a manual is worthy of consideration. Your pump may be worn out and needs a rebuild or it has lost its prime. If it has lost its prime, you can pull the plug on the pump and install a barbed fitting and run clear tubing back to the filler, then start the motor and then watch for air. Once the air is gone, stop the tractor and re-install the plug. Don't run the tractor with plug out.

Is the oil clean and free of water? If you have a remote under the seat you can install a pressure gauge into a port and test the pressure. Use a 3000 psi gauge. It is also possible the cam follower pin has broken which occurs. The way to check it is to take the lift cover off. There are also O-rings that go bad, a o-ring on the piston. Check the archives for your problem as there is considerable information there. If I recall correctly a contributor by the name of Zane has posted info on diagnosing lift problems. He also has a site and sells the pin and instructions on adjusting the lift.Buy the Manual and Parts catalog, you won't regret it. Hope this helps.