L555 boom hydraulics

[Ldfry001]

I just bought a L555 with a Perkins diesel in really good condition that was used by and landscape company. Everything on it works great except I notice that when I boom up and leave the boom up it slowly bleeds back down. Just wondering where to start or what to look for on a slow bleed off? I haven't found and leaks and the hydraulic fluid and filters have recently been changed.

 

[Tazza]

99% of the time, that is the lift rams leaking internally. Remove the cylinders and re-pack them. Hopefully that will fix it.

 

[Ldfry001]

99% of the time, that is the lift rams leaking internally. Remove the cylinders and re-pack them. Hopefully that will fix it.

Ok Ill try that. What's the best kind of oil for the hydraulic system? I'm going to do a fluid change while I'm doing it for peace of mind. I've seen everything from the cheap stuff at tractor supply to using 10-30w motor oil?

 

[deaop06]

Ok Ill try that. What's the best kind of oil for the hydraulic system? I'm going to do a fluid change while I'm doing it for peace of mind. I've seen everything from the cheap stuff at tractor supply to using 10-30w motor oil?

I use Tractor Supply Super S SuperTrac Tractor hydraulic fluid. This meets the John Deere specification J20A. It is 29.99/5gal. You will need around 17 gals. Also use NAPA Gold filters 1746 & 1199. Water filter is NAPA Gold 3166. Kubota V1902 oil filter is 1311 Gold.

 

[Ldfry001]

I use Tractor Supply Super S SuperTrac Tractor hydraulic fluid. This meets the John Deere specification J20A. It is 29.99/5gal. You will need around 17 gals. Also use NAPA Gold filters 1746 & 1199. Water filter is NAPA Gold 3166. Kubota V1902 oil filter is 1311 Gold.

I drained most of the fluid out and am picking up some fluid at tractor supply and filters from Napa tomorrow. Are there any special procedures to refill it or prime the pumps? I ordered a service manual but it won't be here till next week and I've never messed with one of these so any more help would be greatly appreciated

 

[deaop06]

I drained most of the fluid out and am picking up some fluid at tractor supply and filters from Napa tomorrow. Are there any special procedures to refill it or prime the pumps? I ordered a service manual but it won't be here till next week and I've never messed with one of these so any more help would be greatly appreciated

What I did was jacked the machine up so the wheels are off ground. Took the side plates off and cleaned the insides out as best as I could. There is a magnet each side inside the front plates where the crossover tube is. They are round 3" long bars against the back of the tank. Take them out clean and replace them. On top of tank there are plates toward rear. Take them off and clean what you can reach. I made new gaskets for the side plates and for the top plates. Use the top plate to refill the tank. In cab take front cover off and left side cover. Behind left cover is the suction tube. Unscrew the cap take the screen out and clean it out. Careful with the screen as that is a filter and I don't if it can be replaced. Put everything back together fill with fluid and start it up. slowly work the hydraulics to get the air out. I did use a little blue form-a-gasket on the side plates. Try not to get it in the fluid and put it around the bolt holes to seal the bolts.I hope all this helps.

 

[Ldfry001]

What I did was jacked the machine up so the wheels are off ground. Took the side plates off and cleaned the insides out as best as I could. There is a magnet each side inside the front plates where the crossover tube is. They are round 3" long bars against the back of the tank. Take them out clean and replace them. On top of tank there are plates toward rear. Take them off and clean what you can reach. I made new gaskets for the side plates and for the top plates. Use the top plate to refill the tank. In cab take front cover off and left side cover. Behind left cover is the suction tube. Unscrew the cap take the screen out and clean it out. Careful with the screen as that is a filter and I don't if it can be replaced. Put everything back together fill with fluid and start it up. slowly work the hydraulics to get the air out. I did use a little blue form-a-gasket on the side plates. Try not to get it in the fluid and put it around the bolt holes to seal the bolts.I hope all this helps.

Thanks that's exactly what I was looking for. How much fluid does it hold? I take it the dip stick in the cab is how to check for proper fluid level?

 

[deaop06]

Thanks that's exactly what I was looking for. How much fluid does it hold? I take it the dip stick in the cab is how to check for proper fluid level?

I would start with 15gal. You didn't get all the fluid out. Yes the dipstick is inside on right side. Fill it up then run it for 5-10 mins. Then check the level. Just don't over fill. Good luck.