We have a 2000 M6800 we bought used at 1200 hours, about 3 years ago. Its been a hard worker with no complaints. I use it for shredding (mowing) and occasional front end loading with dirt or rocks.
This spring, in a space of about 3 weeks, three of the four hydraulic cylinders on the boom and bucket began leaking. I tore them down and all seals were seriously deteriorated, even though it worked fine. I'll tear the fourth one down when I get a chance.
What I did notice, however, was the fluid was milky, not the amber-clear I am used to. I added about a gallon of universal oil since I lost quite a bit during the cylinder overhaul.
When I put it back to work again (shredding), about 3 hours into it, foamy fluid blew out of the dipstick boot. I washed everything down and put it back to work.
Today, after shredding about 3 hours, the hydraulic steering went completely out. The FEL works fine (LA1001). The hydraulic oil appears to be full but the dipstick has about 1/8" of milky stuff on the bottom. Occasionally, the steering would be jerky.
I dont know where the water coming from, but very likely it was from the shifter boot, it sits outside almost all the time. Obviously, I will have to drain the oil a couple of times to flush the system, maybe it will allow the steering to function again.
I dont have any service manuals. I am a retired auto instructor, hydraulics and most general repairs dont scare me too much.
Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
This spring, in a space of about 3 weeks, three of the four hydraulic cylinders on the boom and bucket began leaking. I tore them down and all seals were seriously deteriorated, even though it worked fine. I'll tear the fourth one down when I get a chance.
What I did notice, however, was the fluid was milky, not the amber-clear I am used to. I added about a gallon of universal oil since I lost quite a bit during the cylinder overhaul.
When I put it back to work again (shredding), about 3 hours into it, foamy fluid blew out of the dipstick boot. I washed everything down and put it back to work.
Today, after shredding about 3 hours, the hydraulic steering went completely out. The FEL works fine (LA1001). The hydraulic oil appears to be full but the dipstick has about 1/8" of milky stuff on the bottom. Occasionally, the steering would be jerky.
I dont know where the water coming from, but very likely it was from the shifter boot, it sits outside almost all the time. Obviously, I will have to drain the oil a couple of times to flush the system, maybe it will allow the steering to function again.
I dont have any service manuals. I am a retired auto instructor, hydraulics and most general repairs dont scare me too much.
Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
