What would cause 1988 John Deere 544E wheel loaders hydraulics to come and go?
Welcome to HEF Barry ! Oil level OK? When it does not work, any noise? Off the top of my head, stuck priority valve? Maybe a system relief valve sticking intermittently?
Yes full of oil , air noise coming out of valve connected to main pump by large steel pipe also when hydraulics are working oil coming out of front differential vent
No one wants a serial number?? Did this just occur, Has any work been done recently to machine, How many hours on Machine?? The more information you provide gets a better answer or direction to proceed.
Yes, I agree, everyone should be posting a serial number when seeking information. Air noise? Is the hydraulic oil very aerated? As far as the axle leaking out the breather, your brake pistons are most likely leaking. Not as likely but possible, would be the diff lock. Both use hydraulic oil to activate. Pressure checks would be in order. You should get yourself the Operation and Test Manual TM1413 if you don't already have it. Can be purchased here
Thank for the replies serial # DW544EB517114 have not done anything to the machine recently, the loader was being used doing snow removal, I very cold temperatures recently, lost all hydraulics , but still had transmission was able to load on low bed and move back to shop when we got back to shop and went to unload all hydros where working as they should
Machine has 12000 hrs
I am starting to wonder if the pump splines are stripped, intermittently slipping and grabbing.
Yes that’s something I was thinking my be plausible
I am going to stupidly ask when is the last time the hydraulic tank was bled using the drain at the bottom of the tank?? Is it possible there may be a little water in the hydraulic fluid that may have frozen?