john deere 350-C

[steve white]

I was operating this machine and the left hand brake lost hydraulic pressure. The hand brake lever just flops back and forth. Everything else continues to work perfect. Does anybody have an idea of where to begin a diagnosis???
Thanks for any help.

 

[Anonymous-0]

First off check that the linkage didn't fall off the steering valve. Second are you getting a change in fluid levels between the reverser and the back end. The reverser has the hydraulic pump in it and a failure in the steering should cause the reverser to go dry and the backend to overfill. Reply and I will advise the best I can. I own a 350C and have rebuilt many.
Don Collison Email [email protected]

 

[JDemaris]

Going by your description, I'm not sure what works and what does not. When you pull back on the steering lever, two things happen. First it pushes in on a hydraulic control valve and disengages the hydraulic clutches in the steering. Second, as you pull back further a mechanical brake is engaged. If the 1st works and the 2nd does not -p erhaps the brake got unhooked or the adjustment wheel got too loose.
C series came new with self-adjusters on the brake, but we removed many due to problems. Very easy to check, just look in inspection hole on top.

 

[steve white]

Thanks for your response. In an attempt to be more descriptive, the left hand lever (brake/clutch) is the only thing not working, there is no pressure at all. The right one works fine and the forward/reverser works fine. There is no power loss when pushing. I did pull the seat off to check the linkage/spool and it is connected.

 

[Fordman6442]

Doe's the brake still work? that means the linkage back is ok. It still drives on both sides? Can you stop the clutch on that side or does it keep driving? There are 6 orings in the spool valve and maybe one is blown out. And is there a fluid transfer from reverser to main frame?

Advise, Don

 

[steve white]

If you pull the lever back,the machine keeps moving. unlike the right lever, there is no pressure at all. I am not sure what you are talking about when you ask about the fluid transfer from the reverser to the main frame? The forward/reverser still works fine. Is it much trouble to pull the housing off and check the orings???

 

[Fordman6442]

The spool valve is bolted on top of the mainframe. It is the one the 2 linkage rods hook on to. Only 4 or 6 3/8 capscrews. I will look at mine today and check in my manual for you. It baffles me that neither the clutch releases or brake doe'nt apply.

 

[steve white]

I will say that by pulling the lever back as far as it will go, you might have felt just a wink of a pull to the left but just barely enough to tell. I did look at the housing at it doesn"t appear to be much trouble to take off. You think there might be bigger troubles than o-rings???? Before this happened suddenly, there was no sign of a problem. It worked fine.
Thanks again for your help.