Farm Equipment - D 15 lift arms and hydraulic problems

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D 15 lift arms and hydraulic problems

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=46941
Printed Date: 01 Apr 2025 at 5:59pm
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Topic: D 15 lift arms and hydraulic problems

Posted By: Neal
Subject: D 15 lift arms and hydraulic problems
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2012 at 9:54am

I recently inherited a D15 with rear lift arm hydraulic problems. The arms will not lift at all, but when there is not an implement attached I can lift the arms freely and they drop back down to the lowest height.

The tractor was previously sabotaged by my dads neighbor that poured some type of degreaser chemical in the hydraulic tank. My dad had replaced the pump and changed the fluid after the damage was done and it did not fix the problem. I have ordered a service manual so I can start trying to figure out where there might be additional seals, etc that could have been damaged, but wanted to ask if anyone might have any suggestions?

Replies:

Posted By: mattb
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2012 at 10:10am

The seals are probaly leaking inside the lift housing. Are u gaining trans/rearend oil?

Posted By: Neal
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2012 at 10:25am

Thanks for the tip. The fluid was replaced with hydraulic fluid v. using a heavier oil. It has been suggested to use a gear oil in the hydraulics by some other people I know, but didnt know if that was good for the system or not. I bought some Lucas hydraulic sealer and was going to try that, but really want to find the root of the problem and fix it.

Posted By: jaybmiller
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2012 at 10:45am

You can use 'Universal Tractor Hyrdraulic' oil everywherer but the engine! I buy mine from WallyWorld, been fine in my D-14s for 5-8 years.

If the oil seems to be missing from the pump hole,check the read end..betcha it's there.

-------------
3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112
Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor)

Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water

Posted By: Gary
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2012 at 4:48pm

Definitely DO NOT use Gear Oil in the hydraulic system.

Way too thick an oil.

Gary

Posted By: Chalmersbob
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2012 at 10:38pm

The hyrdaulic pump has it's own oil reserve with a cap and attached oil level stick. The pump pumps oil into the ram which is in the rear end housing. The ram and/or hose have been known to leak. This will fill the rear housing with hydraulic fluid and lower the fluid level at the pump. If the leak is bad enough the ram will not lift the arms. I wouldn't use any sealer. You should get the repair and parts manuals, and follow the directions to check the pump operation. Bob

Posted By: Neal
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2012 at 11:58am

Thanks for the tips. I pulled off the rear housing and did find the hydraulic ram to have very bad seals. I had drained all the fluid and found a fair amount of water and heavy sludge in it. I pulled off the pump cover to inspect that area and other than having some sludge and fluid/water mix it didnt look obviously damaged. I think i will start with replacing the ram seals and put the rear end back together and then check the hydraulic pressure at the rear remote and see what it registers. Dont know if i want to pull the pump out and rebuild it if it doesnt need it.

Just in case the pump is bad if anyone has a rebuilt pump for a 1965 series 2, let me know.