Recent content by Don Shilling

With the engine off and the controls in neutral, my CL-30 is very hard to move. The hydraulic drive is a closed, positive displacement system. Again, brakes are generally used only for parking the machine. However, if a machine will coast with the controls in neutral, I can see the need for...

I don't know about the Erickson but the CL-30 doesn't have any brakes. The later models had a sort of parking brake on the left side that applied a clamp on the drive chain. I'm building my loader without any parking brake.

Well, I purchased 15 gallons of oil from Tractor Supply. Their Travelers brand 10W30 was the best price I could find. I put 10 gallons in the tank and started the engine. No blowouts so that's a good sign, however, I found a steering motor hose fitting leaking. I noticed it was a little odd...

I have replied to Ralph by email and have asked him to start a thread detailing his progress in getting his old lady up and running again.

I'll try to insert the pics here.

WOW! I can't believe how long it's been since I've last posted here,,,, Time sure flies when you're taking a nap at my age ! Anyway, I had to sell enough good junk on Craigslist to finance all the new,hydraulic hoses. With the engine assembled I test ran it for several hours with no oil leaks or...

Hey DD, don't use dirty oil. Hydraulic systems MUST have CLEAN oil due to the very tight tolerances of the valves and pumps and motors. Yup, the big tank in the back is for hyd fluid and the two 5 gal tanks at the rear sides are for go juice. They drain into each other so you have to refill both...

Starting up is no big deal, just turn the key on and crank. One thing I would strongly suggest is to jack the machine up at a point between the tires and then use a 2X4 to try to lift the tires checking for loose axle bearings. It's better to catch them now rather than get somewhere you can't...

Dennis, the book calls for 14 gallons of 10W30 motor oil. It also says NOT to use hydraulic fluid. I wish someone would say WHY not to use it. That motor oil starts getting pricey after 5 gallons!! There are several service manuals available on Ebay. Search under Ford CL 30.

Howdy DD, I've been off on other projects for awhile and haven't paid attention to this forum. Anyways, your CL 30 may or may not have a drain plug on the main oil tank. If not, just use a siphon hose to drain the oil. The only way to purge the entire system is to drain the tank, fill it with...

Well, I reckon it's time to get back to this project. I had to sell some things on Craigslist to build up my “play money” sock and scrounge some parts for the engine. The only bad bushings were in the lower ones in the side arms where the bucket pivots. After grinding the rest of the weld I'll...

I know nothing about your machine but you could disconnect the chain or whatever drives the wheel and see what happens. Then go to the next device in the drive line until you find the part that is giving trouble. Sorry about the generalization but just practice basic trouble shooting and ALWAYS...

I hope someone can help me on identifying the model number of the Donaldson air cleaner for the above model skidsteer loader. I would like to locate a new surplus cleaner but mine no longer has the model number on it. If anyone has this machine and has a good model number I would really...

Take samples to your local auto parts store, they pull out their Dorman catalog, and you match up your parts with the full size photos in the catalog.

It's 104 outside but I got a chance to install the axles and sprockets yesterday and today. I think that will be the hardest part of assembly and is not an easy task for a one horse rodeo. Anyways, I'll cut some gaskets and install the hydro motors tomorrow. I'll wait to test the hydraulics...