LS 180 loss of hydraulic pressure and power

[cyensen54]

I have a LS 180. It is a 2001 and has been a great machine. Recently it has had a loss of hydraulic pressure when lifting and bucket tilting back. It used to lift over 3000 pounds easily, now it has trouble lifting 500 pounds. We put a pressure gauge on the aux and its only reading 1600 pounds instead of the 2400 pounds it should read. We have replaced the hydraualic filter, and hydraulic fluid, and pressure relief valve. None of this has helped. Any suggestions? Pump need replaced? If so, which pump and where it is located. We have taken of the cover for the pedals and not sure what pump to fix or look at? Thanks

 

[skidsteer.ca]

The correct pump would be the one farthest away from the engine. But you may want to try a new relieve valve too (if its a non adjustable like the LS 160 170). If its adjustable it may need set. But first off, does the performance seem to get worse as the oil warms up, usually thats the first sign of a weak pump. Adjustable reliefs often lose their spring tension over time resulting in a gradual reduction of max pressure, but regardless of weather the oil is warm or cold.
Ken

 

[cyensen54]

The correct pump would be the one farthest away from the engine. But you may want to try a new relieve valve too (if its a non adjustable like the LS 160 170). If its adjustable it may need set. But first off, does the performance seem to get worse as the oil warms up, usually thats the first sign of a weak pump. Adjustable reliefs often lose their spring tension over time resulting in a gradual reduction of max pressure, but regardless of weather the oil is warm or cold.
Ken

The relief valve is NOT adjustable, and we have already tried a new one. It didn't help at all. Yes the performance gets worse as the oil warms up. Does this mean the pump needs replaced? is it the pump that we have been told is called the "prime pump"? If so, where can I get one cheap?

 

[Tazza]

The relief valve is NOT adjustable, and we have already tried a new one. It didn't help at all. Yes the performance gets worse as the oil warms up. Does this mean the pump needs replaced? is it the pump that we have been told is called the "prime pump"? If so, where can I get one cheap?

If it gets worse as it heats up and a new relief does nothing your pump is most likely worn. Remove it and have a look for scoring. When the bushings wear, the gears start to touch the housing and wear it away. This will cause a reduced flow and pressure as oil by-passes. When this hapens, there is no fixing the pump, new bushings will not bring the pressure/flow back.

 

[cyensen54]

If it gets worse as it heats up and a new relief does nothing your pump is most likely worn. Remove it and have a look for scoring. When the bushings wear, the gears start to touch the housing and wear it away. This will cause a reduced flow and pressure as oil by-passes. When this hapens, there is no fixing the pump, new bushings will not bring the pressure/flow back.

so you are talking about the "prime pump" farthest away from the engine? Where can I get or order a new one of these?

 

[Tazza]

so you are talking about the "prime pump" farthest away from the engine? Where can I get or order a new one of these?

Someone like http://loaderpartssource.com/ should be able to assist you.
As mentioned earlier, before throwing a pump at it, its a good idea to check it for wear, just in case its something else.

 

[cyensen54]

Someone like http://loaderpartssource.com/ should be able to assist you.
As mentioned earlier, before throwing a pump at it, its a good idea to check it for wear, just in case its something else.

what else could it be?

 

[Earthwerks Unlimited]

what else could it be?

I'd contact messicks dot com and see if there's a pump rebuild kit. Typically the're less than $40. Also, my 185.b had the same issue except I lost all hydraulic power including power to the wheels. Turned out to be a broken fitting on the right drive motor.

 

[Scottree]

I too have the same loss of power in the lift and tilt. Drive works well. What did you find wrong with your LS 180