LT295DT troubleshooting hydraulics

[dbroshea]

Evansville, IN 09 21 13
My brother acquired a 1979 LT295DT model tractor with bucket loader. It has a history of progressively strange hydraulic actions. It began a few months ago with the loader sometimes operating very slowly and weakly at initial startup... but then kicking in within 15-60 minutes and operating great until tractor shutdown....and then the process repeated on next start.

Control valves were reworked by a professional and some old lines were replaced. But now the problem has progressed to the transmission and the tractor will barely move itself even in low range. I understand this tractor uses a common hydraulic reservoir for the hydraulics and the transmission. Does it have two separate pumps?

I don't have a manual. This tractor had not been maintained properly. I estimate more than 5000 hours. Where do I start? Where is the hydraulic oil filter? I doubt it's been changed in years...if ever? I'd like to save this tractor, it's ugly but the engine seems fine and it has worked well before.

All help and advise greatly appreciated.

 

[Tx Jim]

I didn't locate your model(LT295DT) in Kubota parts. I did find a L295DT. Filter is parts key #070

 

[dbroshea]

I didn't locate your model(LT295DT) in Kubota parts. I did find a L295DT. Filter is parts key #070

thanks Jim.... I think the LT was supposed to mean Light Tractor at some point. Is this filter locate under the seat?

 

[Tx Jim]

If your phantom model tractor is similar to a L295DT tractor then the filter should be close to engine which drives hyd pump.

 

[dbroshea]

If your phantom model tractor is similar to a L295DT tractor then the filter should be close to engine which drives hyd pump.

Jim,... you're right...it is a L295DT....thanks for the information... I hope changing the filter and flushing with new hydraulic oil does the trick....if not...this might be a parts tractor.

 

[ipz2222]

"progressed to the transmission"????? This should be a gear drive trans and have nothing to do with the hydralics except for lubrication. If it barely pulls, the clutch is slipping.

 

[dbroshea]

OK...Thanks,.......I thought perhaps the clutch pressure plates were somehow hydraulically assisted. This tractor has done some strange things. At the same times the bucket all of a sudden stated working OK the transmission also started operating normally... which sort of indicated a correlation of some kind. When the bucket would barely lift itself, the high range would not move the tractor, but the low range did operate at a seemingly normal power range. When the bucket stated working...the high range also worked normally. I know, it does't make any sense...other than a weird coincidence.

 

[BAP]

I suspect a tractor split is in your future. Sounds like your clutch has something broken or worn out that at times causes the clutch to slip, and at others, locks up and goes back to working.

 

[dbroshea]

I suspect you are right. We don't have the expertise to tackle a big job. Any cost estimate range of the such a major rebuild by professionals?