960 hydraulics will not raise

[Steve (Tx)]

My 960 wide front end was emptying fluid from the hydraulic system into the transmission case. The hydraulics worked as long as fluid was present.

This is how the tractor performed when I purchased it, so the tractor has not been used. It has been on my to-do list for a year or so.

After reading the archives, rather than doing a rear split, I chose to insert a 10mm tube inside the high pressure hydraulic tube which runs through the transmission case. The tube went in OK.

The hydraulic fluid has been replaced and the dipstick reads full. The lift arms do not move at all.

Do I need to prime the hydraulic pump? Previously, I did not need to prime the pump after refilling the hydraulic fluid. What are some other possible problems?

Any advice is very much appreciated.

Steve

 

[Larry NCKS]

I'd start by trying to prime the pump! If that doesn't work you'll need to go further, but it's the place to start.

 

[Kurt-NEPA]

I'm with Larry. Prime the pump first.

If you are still having problems (or got tired of the mess), plumb a ball valve to the pump priming hole, convert to vinyl tubing and run it back to the hyd fill hole. Run the tractor and open the valve. Watch the bubbles go by until they stop. Close the valve. Then plug the hole.

If the bubbles don't stop stop post back.

 

[johnw (OR)]

My 901 has done that for 45 yrs, we've just pulled the trans. side plug drained it into a bucket poured it back into the hyds. One of those get to it someday jobs.

 

[souNdguy]

yep.. priming is cheap an easy.. I'd start there..