This is a photo of the pick-up screen when I changed the fluid and filters.

 

Is that after the first cleaning, or after the hydraulics failed for a second time? Either way, that's a REALLY bad accumulation of junk. Is it metallic?

 

how old is the machine / how many hours on the machine?... because that level of metal-flakes, would mean a WARRANTY trip to the dealer, if this was my tractor....

 

The hours are unknown, but the tractor is over 20 years old, with no warranty.

 

When I need to deal with something internal that requires emptying out the hydraulic oil I rarely consider just dumping it and replacing with new (expensive) oil. I always have some CLEAN empty oil jugs on hand for this type of thing. I take a short length of hose with a Pioneer male tip on it, plug it into a remote valve. Start the engine, run at an idle. With the open end of the hose in a jug hold the valve open and fill the jug. Move the hose to next jug and repeat. When the pump sucks air shut it off and drain what's left into a small pan. The oil is now neatly stored in clean containers where it can easily be poured back in when done. No loss, no mess.

 

1. I would drain the fluid to pull the screen. Drain into a clean container. Yes, you can strain and reuse. I use the filters for a funnel that body shops use to strain paint.

2. Filters. The one in a housing (near the right rear axle is the charge filter. It filters oil from the charge pump, which feeds the main pump. Your transmission will have its own filter, a spin-on filter. When that filter is getting plugged it will light a warning light on the dash. I always change both at the same time.

3. No idea how low you can let the system get and lose steering. I am guessing quite low? When checking fluid level, screw the dipstick in all the way.

I am guessing the screen is plugged again.

 

Thank you @Zebrafive. Excellent feedback!

The fluid isn't low enough to lose steering. I do have a small leak at the cylinder, so I top it off occasionally, but it rarely, if ever, drops below the minimum.

I'll clean the filter and update the thread.

Do you know what might cause a screen to get plugged? I couldn't tell what the material was when I last cleaned it.

Thank you again!

 

RE what plugs screen. It could be brake lining, usually water contamination cause it to break down. I am not what else.
TxJim probably has more ideas.

 

RE what plugs screen. It could be brake lining, usually water contamination cause it to break down. I am not what else.
TxJim probably has more ideas.

This model tractor was manufactured after I left JD dealership so I have no personal experience with that model. I will guess material came from clutch or brakes. Dark material could also possibly be fungus if there is moisture in trans case.

 

The screen was plugged. I cleaned it, and everything is operating as expected again. I guess I'll start researching the brake change process.

Do you have any idea how to determine if it's a clutch issue or a brake pad issue before taking it apart?

Thank you!

 

Do you have any idea how to determine if it's a clutch issue or a brake pad issue before taking it apart?

From the photo you posted, it looks to be brake pad material and metal fragments. The dark material looks to be cast iron. That is what item number 6 is made of.

If it were mine, I'd remove the final drives to inspect and replace the brake pads(5) and whatever other items are damaged, if needed.