722 gets tired

[baked]

Just dragged my first loader home! Ran great for about a half hour, then the drive gets real weak. Bucket continues to work great. Let it sit for an hour and it works correctly again. Yes, it leaks but not like spraying fluid... I jacked up the right side and tried turning the tires by hand - rear is not budging. Front moves until the slack is taken up in the chains. I thought it's supposed to turn by hand?

 

[SkidRoe]

Hi and welcome to the forum!
The 722 is a hydrostatic machine, and the wheels will resist movement when not being powered - that is normal. Older clutch operated machines would free wheel.
Regarding your weak drives, have you fully serviced the machine? It could be a hydraulic fluid issue, a charge pressure issue, a pump/motor wear issue, or any combination of these 3.
I would start by making sure that you have the correct hydraulic fluid in it by simply changing the fluid. Older machines work well using engine oil as hydraulic fluid. If you are in a moderate climate (warm summers, mild snow winters), 10w30 works well. If you are in a climate that never drops below freezing in the winter and has hot summers, you may want to consider 15w40.
Change the hydraulic filter while you are at it. I can't remember if the 722 has inline filters in the charge pressure lines or not, maybe some one else will know.
Another contributor could be that your fluid is becoming aerated. You mentioned that you have some leaks, I would track them down and repair them.
Hopefully it is something simple, usually is.
Hope this helps - SR

 

[baked]

Thanks. Looks like the po was a bit remiss in service...got the cab up - not pretty. A piece of linkage is missing for the 2 speed lever where it attaches to the frame behind the pump which explains why that doesn't work! 15/40? That's a whole lot heavier than hydraulic fluid - po used Tractor Supply stuff. I'm in Phoenix so cold doesn't happen. Will do filters and leaks, as soon as I scrape off all the crud. Also found the heim joints for the sticks are completely shot so it probably isn't getting full pressure, right?

 

[SkidRoe]

Thanks. Looks like the po was a bit remiss in service...got the cab up - not pretty. A piece of linkage is missing for the 2 speed lever where it attaches to the frame behind the pump which explains why that doesn't work! 15/40? That's a whole lot heavier than hydraulic fluid - po used Tractor Supply stuff. I'm in Phoenix so cold doesn't happen. Will do filters and leaks, as soon as I scrape off all the crud. Also found the heim joints for the sticks are completely shot so it probably isn't getting full pressure, right?

Yes, sounds like she could use some TLC. Clean her up, fix all the known issues, get the right fluids in her, and see what you got.
Cheers - SR

 

[Tazza]

Yes, sounds like she could use some TLC. Clean her up, fix all the known issues, get the right fluids in her, and see what you got.
Cheers - SR

15w/40 sounds heavy, but these machines, being hydrostatic drive need thicker fluid.
This is an older model, i 'm wondering if it has a hidden suction line filter. With the seat out, look at the hydraulic pump. Is there a square block on it with about 5 hoses hanging off it? If so, the left side, the middle fitting has a filter hidden in the block. remove the hose and fitting and clean the filter.
I had a 731 with one that i never knew was there, cleaned it and worked awesome.

 

[Wayout]

Hi and welcome to the forum!
The 722 is a hydrostatic machine, and the wheels will resist movement when not being powered - that is normal. Older clutch operated machines would free wheel.
Regarding your weak drives, have you fully serviced the machine? It could be a hydraulic fluid issue, a charge pressure issue, a pump/motor wear issue, or any combination of these 3.
I would start by making sure that you have the correct hydraulic fluid in it by simply changing the fluid. Older machines work well using engine oil as hydraulic fluid. If you are in a moderate climate (warm summers, mild snow winters), 10w30 works well. If you are in a climate that never drops below freezing in the winter and has hot summers, you may want to consider 15w40.
Change the hydraulic filter while you are at it. I can't remember if the 722 has inline filters in the charge pressure lines or not, maybe some one else will know.
Another contributor could be that your fluid is becoming aerated. You mentioned that you have some leaks, I would track them down and repair them.
Hopefully it is something simple, usually is.
Hope this helps - SR

I need some help, you look like the one to ask.
I have a 722 ford runs great. Everything works, when moving forward or around get some whining but the thing that is the worse is the bucket will only pick up about 100 lb?
I heard to help picking up put it in low gear, I just went over that and moving the arm, the arms on the motors only move maybe 1/4" mabey 3/8"? but no change. I'm not sure if it's in low or high, when running it I move the leaver and I don't see any change in speed.

I just got this, changed the filters and toped of the fuild with Traveller 5 gal. Premium Anti-Wear Hydraulic Oil, ISO 46.

I only put in app 6 gallons have no idea how to empty the whole thing. I think it holds 17 gallon?

I'm a parts changer not a old timer motorhead lol.

 

[LazyKG]

Hey, Baked. Your "weak" issue sounds like the trouble I have every now and again in my 732 with the Ford 4-banger; after running for a while it would just lose power and move sluggishly especially when going up any grade at all. I learned that I need to clean and reset the point gap in the distributor, and I need to do this annually to keep it from reoccurring.

 

[ZekeSkyree]

I recommend the Pertronix Electronic Ignition for the Ford's. I have one and it was the best $100 I spent on the old girl.