L3410 Power Steering becoming Intermittent
I am new to the forum and new to the tractor world. I have a L3410 HST with a LA481 loader, and a Kelley Backhoe attachment sub frame mounted. I Have used the tractor for many tasks and have not had any real issues. When I purchased the tractor about a year ago I did the 1000hr PM to the best of my ability. Changed the fluid (SUDT), all filters (fuel, oil, HST) engine oil, radiator flush, air in the tires (ha ha). You get the idea. Well when I was using it for moving a dirt pile last night the loader began to act strange. The control for lowering it became sticky as in it would hit a point in the joystick where it would drop quickly in an uncontrolled manner, then I noticed raising the bucket was almost not possible. When it would raise it was very slow. The raising issue seemed to be related to the amount of weight load in the bucket. Then shortly after that the "power" steering became intermittent and became difficult to steer. At that time began hearing a noise every few seconds from the "passenger" side of the engine compartment almost like something was spinning and rubbing at a point on each revolution. I immediately shut the tractor down and looked at the HST fluid through the sight glass in the rear. It appeared to be milky but full. I am not sure if it was air bubbles or condensation. When I get home tonight I will drain some and let it sit to see if it separates. At this point I think I might need to have a pro look at it. I am however fairly mechanically inclined and I am sure with some direction I could trouble shoot further. I also do not have any significant funds available right now. So Any advice would be appreciated.
I am new to the forum and new to the tractor world. I have a L3410 HST with a LA481 loader, and a Kelley Backhoe attachment sub frame mounted. I Have used the tractor for many tasks and have not had any real issues. When I purchased the tractor about a year ago I did the 1000hr PM to the best of my ability. Changed the fluid (SUDT), all filters (fuel, oil, HST) engine oil, radiator flush, air in the tires (ha ha). You get the idea. Well when I was using it for moving a dirt pile last night the loader began to act strange. The control for lowering it became sticky as in it would hit a point in the joystick where it would drop quickly in an uncontrolled manner, then I noticed raising the bucket was almost not possible. When it would raise it was very slow. The raising issue seemed to be related to the amount of weight load in the bucket. Then shortly after that the "power" steering became intermittent and became difficult to steer. At that time began hearing a noise every few seconds from the "passenger" side of the engine compartment almost like something was spinning and rubbing at a point on each revolution. I immediately shut the tractor down and looked at the HST fluid through the sight glass in the rear. It appeared to be milky but full. I am not sure if it was air bubbles or condensation. When I get home tonight I will drain some and let it sit to see if it separates. At this point I think I might need to have a pro look at it. I am however fairly mechanically inclined and I am sure with some direction I could trouble shoot further. I also do not have any significant funds available right now. So Any advice would be appreciated.
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