This is my first skid steer so I'm very limited my experience with them. I've been wrenching all my life, but never with these machines. I'm about to buy an L553. It's got 2 issues. Main issue: the lift arm will not go up. The owner says that the machine was running 100% before this issue. There is also a decent leak at one of the lift cylinders. My best guess is that the hydro level got so low cuz of the leak that the arms stopped working. Question: Where is the reservoir on this machine and how to I check the level? Can I just add some generic hydro fluid to test if the lift arms work? What are your other thoughts on this issue and what else am I missing that I should look at. The second issue is that it's got an intermittent starting problem. The ignition looks like it's been changed recently (but maybe they didn't do a good job fixing it). How complicated is the wiring on these machines? I would imagine that it shouldn't be to hard to fix whatever is causing the electrical issue. P.S. the machine is super clean and got 3k hours on it, no engine leaks or smoke, new tires. I can probably get it for just under 5K so to me it's worth the risk of buying a machine that's not 100% working. Unless I'm missing some big thing that could be a huge problem. Your input is much appreciated, thank you. P.P.S. do I need to buy a manual for it, or someone can e-mail me a copy, thanks.
Need some help/advice before buying an L553
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foton
Well-known member
these were made from 1987-1993 from what I have seen with a 38 hp kubota diesel. Might ought to check with your local new holland dealer about parts availability. But a 5,000 I would say is a good price. One this old will be electrically be as simple as one will get.
deaop06
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- May 5, 2013
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Setting in seat on left side above your left foot should be a dip stick to check level. Seat belt has to be fastened for lift to work. Lift cylinder needs new seals. Right side behind panel is round tube with nut on top. Unscrew and clean screen. I use Tractor Supply hydro for mine. $25 to 30 for 5 gals. Good luck.
I have one with about t he same amount of hours on it . I have had mine since 2000 and it has been trouble free. I have a cracked head now but I have pulled the engine nd doing a rebuild on it at present time. As ws said some models seat belt has to be hooked to get hyd to work. But the other model it does not which mine is. Under the eat is a switch that if you are not sitting in the seat Hyd do not work. Make sure all safety switches are connected befor eyou use it. The screen that was talked about is on the left side by your leg and you have to remove acover to get to it. I use TSC hyd oil that is in t he 20 dollar range for 5 galons. Price wise I don't know but when I bought mine I paid 3000 for it at that time
