Side shift flail won't shift?

[BobInSD]

Problem Solved: Not Woodmaxx's fault. This seems to be a quality mower

ust put together a brand new Woodmax "Hydraulic shift" flail mower. When I try to shift it with the hydraulics it sometimes twitches/jerks but doesn't move significantly. I will call them on on Monday and ask how to handle it, but wondering how to troubleshoot? Trying to determine if the slides were binding or the cylinder wasn't working I disconnected the end of the hydraulic cylinder from the mower and it still would not retract (it would have had to move the mower to expand). But, I also couldn't shift the mower by hand with the cylinder disconnected. What would the next step be?

Thanks,

 

[ctfjr]

When I hooked up mine it was jerky until it cleared the air out. Took a minute.

btw do you have it off the ground?

 

[BobInSD]

Yes, off of the ground. Once my head hit the pillow I thought maybe I should bleed it? Crack one banjo bolt and push fluid out that end, then repeat for the other? I think I’ll try that after church today. It seems like a well built unit-Im hoping it’s something simple.

Thanks,

 

[Kennyd4110]

The system self-purges air, there is no need to 'bleed' the system. Are you using a rear remote or a function off of your loader to shift it?

 

[TheOldHokie]

Yes, off of the ground. Once my head hit the pillow I thought maybe I should bleed it? Crack one banjo bolt and push fluid out that end, then repeat for the other? I think I’ll try that after church today. It seems like a well built unit-Im hoping it’s something simple.

Thanks,

See Kenny's comment on bleeding.

You say you cant shift it manually. Any chance there is a shipping bolt immobilizing the shifting mechanism?

Absent that my guess is no hydraulic power getting to the cylinder or one of the lines is blocked (e.g. quick connect not fully seated)

Your bleeding procedure would test whether you are getting hydraulic flow to the cylinder. Remove both lines at the cylinder and put them in a bucket. Cycle valve both directions to verify flow.

Dan

 

[D2Cat]

When a hyd. hose twitches like you describe first thing I'd check it quick connects. Be sure they are connected tight and correct.

 

[BobInSD]

Thanks all. Problem solved the quick connects themselves were somehow defective. They could push fluid, but not return the fluid. They were brand new from Summit. Thanks everybody for the suggestions.

Any suggestions on where I can get decent couplers?

Thanks again,

 

[TheOldHokie]

Thanks all. Problem solved the quick connects themselves were somehow defective. They could push fluid, but not return the fluid. They were brand new from Summit. Thanks everybody for the suggestions.

Any suggestions on where I can get decent couplers?

Thanks again,

Thata odd. How did you determine the couplers were not returning?

Dan

 

[Kennyd4110]

Thanks all. Problem solved the quick connects themselves were somehow defective. They could push fluid, but not return the fluid. They were brand new from Summit. Thanks everybody for the suggestions.

Any suggestions on where I can get decent couplers?

Thanks again,

Well sell high quality name brand couplers, made in the USA or Italy, not from you-know-where. Not the first time I've heard of some quality issues with some of the Summit stuff.

Glad you found the issue.

Hydraulic Quick Couplers - BoltOnHooks LLC

Bolt-On Hooks and Hydraulic accessories for compact tractors.

www.boltonhooks.com

 

[BobInSD]

Thata odd. How did you determine the couplers were not returning?

Dan

it would move if I cracked the other banjo bolt, so it was getting fluid (both ways). I got frustrated and stole the couplers of of my grapple. Worked like a charm.

 

[BobInSD]

Well sell high quality name brand couplers, made in the USA or Italy, not from you-know-where. Not the first time I've heard of some quality issues with some of the Summit stuff.

Glad you found the issue.

Hydraulic Quick Couplers - BoltOnHooks LLC

Bolt-On Hooks and Hydraulic accessories for compact tractors.

www.boltonhooks.com

Are you saying you sell couplers? I can attest to the quality of your hooks!

 

[whitetiger]

Thata odd. How did you determine the couplers were not returning?

Dan

I run into quick couplers only flowing in one direction at least once every other month.

 

[Kennyd4110]

Are you saying you sell couplers?

Yes Bob, check the link in my post.

 

[D2Cat]

I got a set from Surplus Center a couple of months ago and one wouldn't push in far enough to connect.