First thing I brought up to the owner and we checked. Reservoir was full and clear oil. Going in for repairs and full routine service as due. I didn't see any oil leaks and all cylinders appeared tight. 

Thanks,

He purchased it new and it's his feeding tractor for cattle. The receiver hitch welded to the bucket floor allows for a bale spear to be installed and removed easily. 

It's getting a full routine service while in the shop along with whatever is wrong with the hydraulic function(s) repaired.

Always in a garage being too nice to be called a "shed" when not in use. 

Sounds almost like air getting into hydraulic pump...

Or maybe broken or sticky relief spring.

 Sump screen or filter plugged?

Hate to think seals shot in pump itself.

Definitely a cavitation issue. I don't know the hydraulics system in these tractors at all but am going to get a lesson I'm sure. If only the steering were "jerky" it would be narrowed, but the loader is also when cylinders are stroked.

So... I don't know the 175's hydraulics with any significant authority, but before you dig in too deep... pull any  hydraulic suction lines off, and substitute them.  It may be simple case that the interior lining of the suction hose has delaminated and collapsed in, and it's being 'sucked shut'.

Not mine. I hauled it in for this hydraulics problem. I don't work for the implement dealer; only haul things requiring a CDL for pickup and delivery. They are good friends is reasoning for my involvement. I will step in and work with them when they are short on manpower and this time of year is heavy with field and tillage equipment preparation. Usually my involvement is go in and set up new mowers, but they think me a competent mechanic if need be..... I may do that to free up the young man in the mower shop that wants to be an ag mechanic. Pretty good young guy but not a lot of experience.

Thanks Dave;

I'll pull a flow diagram first as they have books on the series. I don't know these at all but a suction line restricting itself closed happens more often than most will believe. Sometimes when the internal NBR rubber tube is cut, or skived upon assembly, this problem doesn't rear it's ugly head till several years later also. If any of the hydraulic lines are hard, stiff, or cracked they will be arbitrarily replaced as "due". 

I just built up 12 hoses for an older Ford loader tractor yesterday from age related issues. Really nice having your own hose machine and stock to pull from..... 

I did notice a couple of hoses on the tractor had been replaced and did lightly converse with the owner about overall condition. I don't get the impression he will balk at repairing correctly, (whatever that entails) to have it dependable.  

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YouTube channel Ross the Oliver man did replacements of all hydraulic hoses on that model or pretty close that had a cab. He converted rubber to hard lines on some to last longer. May be useful to skim through those few videos.

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Be careful! You get started watching Ross and you might not leave your computer for months. All kidding aside, he has a ton of great content. I believe that was a 200 he did those lines on.