1812 hydro slow

[Rmowl]

Working on an 1812, got running good, (remote oil lines leak, heading out to have fixed) the previous owner parked it because he was experiencing hydro issues. While running briefly the deck lift took a while to operate and it was sluggish going forward or reverse. Hydro fluid looks good and is full and looks like a fairly new Stens filter 120-265. I’ve got a couple good rears that will work on this tractor but wanted to check if there was anything I could do before swapping rears or pump. Tractor has 378 original hours and is very clean

[R Bedell]

My suggestion would be to change out the Hydraulic Fluid, pull the rear cover and thoroughly clean up the entire rear end, install a new Hydro Filter, and install some new Hydro Fluid (ie: HyTran, etc).

The 18xx series tractors go back to the late 1980's and only God knows what fluid is in it over the last 30+ yrs.

[Gompers]

Originally Posted by R Bedell

My suggestion would be two change out the Hydraulic Fluid, pull the rear cover and thoroughly clean up the entire rear end, install a new Hydro Filter, and install some new Hydro Fluid (ie: HyTran, etc).

The 18xx series tractors go back to the late 1980's and only God knows what fluid is in it over the last 30+ yrs.

I'd agree with this. That's way too few hours for that hyrdo to cause problems. Fluid and filter are the first things I'd look into. Hytran is ideal, but a bit spendy.

Could double check the driveline as well and make sure everything there is ok and the charge pump is turning properly.

[ol'George]

FWIW:
Many of us have "looked" @ hyd oil and thought it looked great only to find milky chit/globby yuck in the rearend once the cover is pulled.
Start there first.
I'd use the inexpensive oil after clean up, then if you want to spring for the name brand stuff from Deere or IH, just knock yerself out.
Do not use the "303" tractor fluid, even tho' it is dirt cheap, it is really thicker than you should run, and causes problems in colder temps.

[Rmowl]

Thanks for replies. I removed filter which was on crazy tight, removed rear cover. It didn’t look bad, some sludge in bottom but seen a lot worse. Put new filter on and re filled, works like a dream! I still don’t understand, I’ve pulled some ratty 782s and other hydros that have sat at for years, got engine running and briefly ran around, deck lift worked on the 782s. Go to drain rear and it’s a pudding consistency, this 1812 was no where near that. Regardless it’s working properly, driving it outside to wash and hook up sweepster

[ol'George]

Ya can't beat experience.
Your story has been repeated here many, many, many times.
Glad all is well

[DieselDoctor]

Fluid may look clear, but if the filter is plugged, clear or dirty, the oil won't pass through it.

[ol'George]

If you still have the filter, cut the puppy open, and see what is in it and post the pix's for the fellows.

[yeeter]

Yep I lived this clogged filter issue. Looked ok. But wasnt. Same behavior, slow turning hydro (occasionally would speed up then go slow again).

Awesome you got it fixed so easily. Great tractor!