504 hydraulics

New purchase. The hydraulic pump sounds like it it getting air in the system. Where do I check the level and what type of fluid do I need?

It takes good quality HyTran, the rear end is the reservoir.

There's a plug on the left side to check the level or just fill to 8" below the deck, filler plug is next to the shifter.

If you don't know the history of it you would do well to drain out what's there and replace the filter too (below your right foot behind a plate).

Thanks for the info. I finally heard about the 8" level, so I filled it to there. It helped the noise somewhat. I did not know about the filter. I think maybe I will run it a little and then change the filter. A new problem surfaced today. If the mower is on the ground and the tractor is dead still it is hard to steer. The steering wheel will just lock up when you try to turn. The motor will pull down making me think the pump is ok. If you lift the mower, taking some weight off the front wheel it will steer with one finger. Maybe something is binding up in the front end. I will check it tomorrow. Thanks again for the info.

(quoted from post at 08:41:11 12/29/09) New purchase. The hydraulic pump sounds like it it getting air in the system. Where do I check the level and what type of fluid do I need?

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If it sounds like "air" in the system or cavitating, I'd suspect the filter first. If it has the stock twin pancake/dounut filters they plug easily and quickly. Especially if there is any moisture present. The best investmet I made towards my 504's hydraulics was a filter extension kit. See below.

http://www.allied-precision.com/filter_extension.htm





As for the level, I have yet to find the mysterious plug to on the left side of the tractor. Also I have never used the fill plug on top of the transmission. I fill mine through the fill plug on top of the IPTO until it covers the clutches. I may be wrong in this but I have an IH operators manual, I&T manual, and Blue Ribbon manuals I can check to verify this.

I run a 17 GPM pump, power steering, and a Koyker loader. No problems with oil via my method.





For the steering issues, I have a suggestion but maybe not the cure. These use a torque generator. Basically it is a hydraulic assisted hand pump operated by the steering wheel. This multiplies the force and transmits it through shafts and 4 or 5 U-Joints to the steering box. Over time slack develops in the splines and U-Joints. These will bind up. Raising the lift may lessen the weight on the front tires or slightly move the tractor. I find if mine locks up, I can rock the clutch and the steering frees. Also possibly you may need to adjust the flow divider on the LH side of the tractor above the clutch pedal. It may require some penetrating oil to free the thumb screw. I can turn mine by hand now.

I am available for future 504 questions. Good Luck!

CT

Bought one last summer, I agree with both other posts, but untill you can pony up for the filter extension kit, drain & replace filters-I think they were $40.00 at Case-IH dealer & install new hy-tran (about 10 gallons). The level plug does exist at least on mine, it is a 1/4" brass plug on a tee fitting with a hose leading off to the power steering as I recall (mine is down the street in my neighbors barn where we"re prepping for paint. Anyhow, after changing fluid & filter my hydraulics performed 100%. I would also try to help with any 504 gas questions. This is a great forum which has always helped me.

Agree 100%. The stock, OEM filter change kit was over $40. The Extension, hardware, filter, and 2 gaskets was only $66 shipped. They did go up a little so it may be more like $72 now. You will not be disappointed.

CT

Charles,

The factory position of the CharLynn on a 504 is poor engineering. I bought my 504 with a loader and without PS. I installed my CharLynn at the steering stub where it comes out of the bolster. That removes all the stress from the three U-Joints.