I have a 1972 Ford Model 3500 that I use to maintain the property and grade the 1.8 mile driveway. A week ago I tried to start it and the battery was broken, of course it is 8 years old, so I replaced it and started it, but found that the 3 point lifting mechanism was not working and decided to replace the hydraulic system.
I used two pulleys to lift the three-point attached scraper box so it could be transported to the shop, and I was able to lift the heavy parts with the electric overhead hoist.
The roof and seat had to be removed to allow the hoist a straight stroke to raise the three-point hydraulic roof cover.
The 3-point lifting mechanism is located in the top cover of the front portion of the rear end housing (separate from the transmission), with the scraper box tilt and tilt controls located at the top.
I pressure washed the tractor before taking it to the shop and you can see the two lift arms and the hydraulic hoses that go to the two cylinders in the back. I made a lifting plate that is screwed to the two screws for the seat so that the ceiling lift can also be hooked into place.
All connections to the lift arms and top plate were disconnected, then the top cover was removed and the hydraulic oil was drained.
Then place the top cover with the bracket on the hoist onto a steel trolley. The assembly is very heavy and had to be moved and turned over using a hoist.
Top cover with raise/lower piston assembly removed.
This is the raise/lower piston unit on the right side and the crank driven front hydraulic pump on the left side.
Image of the top cover rear cylinder control valves.
Looking down at the rear housing with the drive shaft and the supply and return lines for the hydraulic pump mounted on the engine.
The old crank-operated hydraulic pump for front loader operation was removed.
This is the new front loader hydraulic pump.
The 3-point reciprocating piston assembly with the recorded 3-inch piston, O-rings and piston seals and a new pressure relief valve mounted on the top.
The top lift cover and components received all new O-rings, seals and gaskets and were then lowered into place using the lift bracket I made to ensure the cover gasket was not damaged.
Everything is back together at the top then I started trying the 3 point lift which failed. After some research and several tests I came to the conclusion that the engine driven hydraulic pump is not working. The pump is removed below.
Where the pump is bolted to the motor and the high and low pressure lines are connected to the pump.
Disassembled front of the pump with swash shaft and gears.
Disassembled back of pump with 6 pistons and other parts.
This shows the wobble wave in which the seal has wear grooves that allowed engine oil to enter the hydraulic system.
The drive wheels that were in water or moisture and the teeth eroded.
I only took the pump apart on Saturday, so now I have to wait until Monday to order parts and a week for delivery. So until the next post, I hope all is well for the people who read my adventures.
