I just picked up a case 1816 off ebay. The bucket is smooth but the drive hydraulics are jumpy when turning left. It bucks pretty bad, enough to not be safe. When I looked at the boxes the controls are connected too. One will move side to side but theres a spring in between them. So is this supposed to have play in it? Other then that any ideas what this could be? At low speeds it doesnt do it or with light turns. __________________
pump is not putting out steady flow
One of the major problems with those machines was the belt tension, all models moved the pumps to tighten the belts. The belts cannot have any appreciable slop in them. There were several variations of the 1816 as far as engine drive systems ones very early had centrifugal clutches, then some had electric clutches but they all had belt tightening provision. If you just got the machine you should get a service manual, there are chain adjustments to be made as normal maintanance and other service itemms and procedures you need to know. If you know how to access the Case CE site you can get a look at the different variations that were built.
have you checked your tire pressure lately?