Whining Hydraulics...

[SundaySailor]

Howdy folks! Over the weekend, some friends of mine helped put the finishing touches on my new car/truck/tractor shed at my new humble abode. After they were finished putting the last nails into the tin roof, we then started moving stuff I had parked under a couple of tarps. Then came the move of my Cub. She started right up, and the belly mower came from the ground posiiton to the midway point according to the stop set on the touch control quadrant. I normally wear hearing protection when using the Cub, as the primary function right now is for mowing, and I'd like to keep from losing anymore of my hearing if possible. Because I wasn't wearing hearing protection, I was able to hear the whine of the hydraulics very well. I've used a Super A before, and I don't remember hearing such a loud whine before now. Because I haven't had a lot of time to play with the Cub, I'm wondering what I may need to check to avoid any problems in the future. If I'm low on hydraulic fluid, how do I go about refilling, and where is the location? I'm hoping that's all it may be, as it is starting to get cold in my area, and I don't have proper cover/heating/lighting to do much in the way of a teardown.

As always, thanks for the help! You gents are great.

Rick

[Rick Prentice]

I'm not the one to give you a solution for your cub, but when it gets cold outside, that's when I start to whine.

[Lurker Carl]

The fill plug is also the full level. It's on the left side of the hydraulic block.

If it's low and gets low again really soon, keep an eye on the oil level in the crankcase. If the crankcase is getting fuller while the hydraulics gets emptier, the pump needs new seals. That's the most likely place for it to go when there isn't an obvious external leak.

Another reason for whine could be the filter screen within the hydraulic block is partly blocked with years of crud.

[Bigdog]

Cub hydraulic systems have a certain distinctive normal whine. If you haven't noticed it with the ear protection on, there may not be a problem at all. If the level is up or stays up with no leaks or loss into the crankcase, it may just be one of the loud ones. I have had cubs with loud hydraulics and some with very quiet ones that all functioned properly.

[SundaySailor]

I'll take a gander at it this coming weekend when I have time and sunlight. I'll check the fluid level first. I remember a screen like you spoke of on the Super A. So, I'll see if I can find it on my Cub too. Much appreciated! Oh, BTW, if the fluid is low, how do you go about adding fluid? Do you use a teenitsy funnel?

Rick

[SundaySailor]

You must have posted while I was replying to Carl's. The hearing protection are ear muff style, and they do cut down on noise quite a bit. I will be checking things out, and let you guys know. I don't recall the oil level changing much at all. That's a good thing all the way around.

Rick

[Matt Kirsch]

I think you have to tear down the touch control to get at the screen on a Cub, while the Super A's can be removed and cleaned by pulling 4 bolts and removing a cover...

Man, that really bites.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Matt is correct about the screen. If the whine is only present when the lift is moving, that's pretty much normal and nothing to worry aobut. If it's there all the time, get a touch control manual or go to the Blue Ribbon manual section of Ruci's server and go through the trouble shooting section. You will need a pressure gauge capable of reading at least 1200 pounds, and a pipe nipple for an extension. Pressure gauges are available for about $8 at most places that sell pressure washers. They will be a 3 or 4K pressure gauge, but will work for what you want.

[rleggitt]

Hi Sunday Sailor,

In reference to checking the Hyd fluid level:

Others have indicated where the filler/check level plug is.
Be sure that you first let the tractor warm up first and work the hyd up and down about 3-4 times and lower the hyd all the way down. Then remove the filler cap and check the level. It should be just below the bottom of the filler plug opening. I took a small [about 5-6 diameter] funnel and inserted the small end into a 8 inch long piece of 1/2 inch garden hose and taped them together [can use duct tape or electrical]. The hose should fit right into the filler opening.

I hope this helps some.

Also, if the whine persists after you have raised the hyd try lowering
just a little on the touch control lever and see if this stops it. If it does
stop the noise other adjustments are necessary. Try and then let us
know. We can go from there.

[SundaySailor]

I will be checking things out this coming weekend. Since we no longer have any sunlight after working hours, (and it is cold outside now) - I want to dedicate the proper time to check it out. Interesting that the little blue book also covers the Super A and other similar tractors. Those Ag engineers really had this stuff down pat didn't they?


Rick