860 Hydraulic problems and questions

Draft/Position lever: Is up Position or Draft?

My tractor's hydraulic system seems to work near flawlessly if I leave the lift lever in the up position when I shut off the engine. If there is an implement attached the lift arms will be in the lowered position in just a few minutes. However, as soon as I start the tractor the lift arms come up just as they are supposed to do. If I leave them raised as high as they will go the arms will "bounce" slightly. I have bled some air out of the hydraulic pump itself by loosening the pipe plug in the top of it while the engine was running, with the lift arms in the raised position. I then bled off some air at the remote plate under the seat. What do you think is the problem?

Should I service the O-rings, checkball valve, cylinder, etc under the Remote plate as described at the website that I've linked at the bottom of this post? Is there a method to check the output of the hydraulic pump? We have high pressure guages at work, so putting together an aparatus to test pressure won't be a problem. What is an acceptable range or minimum pressure? Is there a kit that my local NH dealer sells to service the parts under the Remote plate? I don't have a manual yet, so how about the drain/fill locations for the hydraulic reservoir? Does this tractor have a hydraulic filter? If so where? The fuid looks like used motor oil, so I know that it is way past its useful life. Replace with NH 134?

I know, I know. Questions, questions, questions. But that's why I have asked you guys, because you know the answers. :-)

Thanks a bunch, like I said, had the Search been working I would have read and read before posting.

Gil

• Hydraulic System

I'm going to my local NH dealer today before going to work to get hydraulic fluid and o-rings, perhaps even a manual if they have one and if it isn't too expensive. Lastly, when you talk about the top plate, is that the same plate that has the remote hydraulic "shutoff" (for lack of not knowing the proper name) that is right under the seat, just forward of the seat mounting bolts?

Perhaps all these tractors didn't come with a remote from the factory?

Anyway bro, thanks a million.

Gil

P.S.
I use my tractor quite often, and it is not a show piece by any means, but I'd venture to say that it is in better shape than most that I have seen locally, both mechanically and aestheticly, I have even refused an offer to buy it for $3500. But after seeing some of the pictures of some of these restored pieces of mechanical art I now have the "bug" to start restoring mine. Just what I need, one more hobby. :-P

I went to the NH dealer and got the lift plate repair kit and 2½ gallons of 134 hydraulic fluid. I probably won't have an opportunity to get to it until this weekend. And the price wasn't bad either, $34.05 for the O-ring kit and the fluid.

Lastly, do these tractors have hydraulic filters? I was in a hurry to get to work while at the dealer and forgot to ask.

Thanks again Dave,
Gil

Gil