[bontai Joe]

I know that motors all eventually wear out, but has anyone evr had to repair the hydraulic system in these tractors? My limited experience with them is that they are very much over built, but some of you guys own 20 and 30 year old machines and I was wondering how they are holding up?

 

[Argee]

I put a new hydraulic pump in both the 446's I owned. Both pumps were extremely galled from so many impurities going through them. The problem with the hydraulics is there is no filter provision on the older units. I understand there is a kit you can get from the dealer that allows you to put a spin on hydraulic filter in the return line.

 

[Ingersoll444]

Well, I got my two unts used, so don;t know for sure, but the pumps and valves LOOK like they have not been changed. A hose or two is normal with age though.


One key....... Change the fluid!! Every year I dump it out, and refill with Shell Rotella 15w40. Argee is right. The older tractors had no filter in them. I have checked with my dealer, and they have never heard of a retrofit kit for a older tractor. One of my projects this winter is making something for my 444. Filter placement is the big problem. There is just not enough room in the older tractors under the hood for a filter. I am planing on mouting it on the side for the dash part of the tractor. About half way down. It will be outside the hood, but seems like it will be out of the way of all the attachments. I will post pictures when I do.

 

[bontai Joe]

I guess what I was asking was if there was a weak spot in the design, if any? From what you have said here, the only thing to look out for is keeping the hydro oil clean, which I consider an easy thing. What is a rough cost of changing out the pump?

 

[Argee]

OEM pumps are extremely expensive. I was fortunate on mine in that the local hydraulic shop had a knowledgable pump man. I had taken the pump off and into the shop for repair. It was beyond repair as the segment was galled from the debris that had passed through it from lack of filtration. They were able to come up with the same make pump, but it had a smaller shaft. This led to new lovejoy connectors. Total cost for that new pump and lovejoys was a little over $200.

 

[David Kephart]

Have a Case 646 loader installed a onan 20hp motor 14 GPH pump Built a larger reservoir for the HYD oil with a spin on filter on the return that mounts on the side, hooked up couplers to my log Splitter works very well.

 

[Welder Extraordinare]

I added a hydraulic oil filter on my 646 on the return line before the tank. This is located on the right front of the machine. I fabricated a bracket to hold the filter head that bolts to existing holes in the frame. Then I added a cover to protect the filter from getting damaged.