Today's project

Today I was working on replumbing the hydraulics for the loader on our 165. Went up in size on the suction line because it just wasn'ty big enough. Also relocated the return pipe because the port I was using was only 3/8 NPT.

I was gonna use a drain plug for the return, but after figuring out the drain plugs were 18mm x 1.5 and the drill didn't have enough clearance between the loader frame and the case to drill it out to tap it for a 1/2" NPT, I put it in the PTO plate along with the suction line. Not ideal, but I think it should work just fine. Here are some pictures of what I've got now:









I had to grind away some of the boss for one of the bolts that hold the cover plate on so it would clear my fitting for the suction, and I had to grind away a part of the bracket that holds the platform on to clear the return. Once it checks out ok, I'll need to cut away a small portion of the platform to clear the screen on the suction line.

I still need to test it but the battery was dead today and it was cold so it didn't want to start. I may end up removing both the generator and regulator this weekend yet to have them tested to figure out the charging problem. Hoping to make this tractor a little more reliable for Dad this winter. Also have to figure out where to drain the water that is in the gear box for the steering wheel, because right now it's frozen solid and won't steer. Can get it to warm up and it'll eventually steer, but it needs to idle for around 20 minutes every time before he can move it. While I've got the generator out I'm tempted to put in the new drive shaft and drive hub for the loader too. Had it in the shop for around 2 1/2 years now but my farmer fix is still holding up from when we were waiting for parts. Been waiting for it to either break or present a good time to do the change. Should probably change the fan belt at the same time, but I need to inspect it first.

Donovan from Wisconsin

What's the big cast thing on your suction line? I haven't seen too many hyd. filters mounted so they're horizontal. You might want to see if they are recommended for other than vertical down applications. I've heard of people using the drain plug for aux. hyd's. I think it was on this site. Dave

The big cast thing is a cast iron strainer. It's got a screen in it similar to the one on the tractor's pump.

I was gonna use the drain plug, but it's a metric thread (M18x1.5) and I don't have the fittings. Was gonna drill one out, but there wasn't enough clearance to get a drill in there between the tractor and the loader frame, which happened to be perfectly in the way. Wasn't gonna take the loader off either.

I originally plumbed it up what must be 8 years ago. Was 18 at the time and not as much thought was put into it. At that time I used a 1/2" line for the suction but the hydraulics were slower than using the tractor's pump in the winter time because it couldn't pull the oil due to it being so thick. Went up to 3/4" suction line, which is a 50% increase in area. Not sure if it'll be a straight line increase in actual increase of volume or if it'll be more of an exponential deal. Either way will be much more bearable. Don't see any reason the spin on filter won't work on it's side like that- it's no different than an engine oil filter really and they're on they're side quite often. Either way is better than nothing which is what it had before.

Donovan from Wisconsin

Got a chance to start the 165 today and test the loader- Man does it work better! Amazing how going up from a 1/2" hose to 3/4" hose in the suction line can make so much difference. It's faster in the cold than it is in the summer now.

Now the only things I've gotta address is the water in the steering box and the charging system. Then we can put the weather break on and plow some snow with it.

Donovan from Wisconsin