3 Common John Deere 240 Skid Steer Hydraulic Problems

john deere 240 skid steer hydraulic problems
john deere 240 skid steer hydraulic problems

Skid steers are used by millions of construction workers all over the world. Regardless of your construction project size, a skid steer can help you in many ways. They are extremely versatile and can handle a variety of functions efficiently.

They are powered by powerful engines to perform in the most demanding conditions. Furthermore, modern skid steers pack many automated features and are super easy to use.

With that out of the way, the skid steer market is very competitive nowadays. As skid steers got popular, more and more companies joined this business. Expectedly then, only a few companies enjoy a great reputation in the market. John Deere is one of those companies.

John Deere is one of the big guns in the skid steer industry

John Deere is one of the big guns in the skid steer industry. Based in the USA, John Deere is a popular company that provides machinery for agriculture and construction. With its innovative products, the company has staked its claim on the hearts of millions of users across the globe.

Without an iota of doubt, the John Deere 240 is one of the most sought-after skid steers by John Deere. Although it was introduced a long time ago, it still holds its own as one of the most popular skid steer models of all time.

However, like every other sophisticated machinery, the John Deere 240 skid steer can also show problems over time. We have been filtering feedback to isolate some common John Deere 240 skid steer hydraulic problems and their common solutions, which we will share hereinafter. Let’s dig out!

Common John Deere 240 Skid Steer Hydraulic Problems

Here are a few common hydraulic problems that you will likely face while using the John Deere 240 skid steer.

  1. Issues with The Pump

If you have been using a skid steer for a long time, you’d know that hydraulic problems are quite common in all skid steers, and the John Deere 240 skid steer is no exception. The hydraulic pump is the main component of every hydraulic system, and there have been many complaints about it.

If the hydraulic pump runs into some issue, your John Deere 240 skid steer won’t be able to perform to its potential. There are many reasons why the hydraulic pump may go bad.

Fluid contamination is one of the main causes of a failing hydraulic pump. Fluid contamination is when impurities, such as debris, and dust particles, pollute the hydraulic fluid.

This will lead to poor lubrication and overheating. And if the components are not lubricated properly, the friction will cause them to make a noise.

This will lead to poor lubrication and overheating

So, if you hear a noise coming from the hydraulic pump of your John Deere 240 skid steer, it signifies that your hydraulic fluid is contaminated. If that’s the case, consider replacing your hydraulic fluid immediately.

Overheating harms your skid steer in many ways. Apart from poor pump performance, it will affect other components of the hydraulic system as well, such as bearings. So, you need to act as soon as you notice overheating, or else you’ll have to replace many system components.

Improper fluid viscosity is another common reason for a faulty hydraulic pump. For those who do now know, fluid viscosity is the internal resistance of the hydraulic fluid.

If your hydraulic fluid has a high viscosity, it may not flow to the pump, causing the pump to malfunction. This problem usually occurs when the hydraulic fluid is too cold.

On the other hand, too low fluid viscosity is associated with overheating and noise. So, your hydraulic fluid must have the right viscosity for optimal performance of the hydraulic pump.

noise

Fortunately, you can use a viscometer to check the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid in your John Deere 240 skid steer. Viscometers are readily available all over the world.

Cavitation can also cause problems to the hydraulic pump of your John Deere 240 skid steer. Cavitation is the process of formation and collapse of bubbles in your hydraulic fluid.

If not fixed promptly, it can damage your entire hydraulic system. You may also experience excessive vibration while using your skid steer. And yes, it will also take its toll on the performance of your hydraulic pump.

It is recommended to use a tool to detect cavitation in your hydraulic pump. When you detect it timely, you can take appropriate actions to prevent it. Furthermore, get your John Deere 240 skid steer regularly maintained to avoid this problem in the first place.

In case of hydraulic pump failure, you will need to replace your pump. The pump replacement can be quite expensive and can cost you around $2500.

  1. Fluid Leaking From The System

Fluid leakage is another main hydraulic problem in the John Deere 240 skid steers. If the reservoir or some other component is leaky, the hydraulic fluid will keep leaking. Not only is it a safety hazard, but it also contaminates the environment.

Spotting a leakage point can be tricky. Start by examining the hydraulic fluid reservoir first. If it is intact, proceed to check the hoses and other components. Of course, it can be tricky and consume a lot of time. Once you have detected the leaky component, consider replacing it.

  1. Shutting Down on Excessive Load

Shutting Down on Excessive Load

Many users stated that the John Deere 240 skid steer often shuts down under excessive load. There are many causes that can lead to this problem. Start by checking the hydraulic fluid level in the system.

Hydraulic fluid plays a vital role in the proper functioning of a hydraulic system. It is responsible for lubricating moving components, reducing heat and friction, and transmitting power to the system.

So, if your hydraulic system does not have enough hydraulic fluid, it won’t have enough power to work under excessive load and will likely shut down. If that’s the case, simply refilling the hydraulic fluid will resolve the issue.

Clogged hydraulic filters can also be the culprit. These filters remove contaminants from the hydraulic fluid, thus keeping the hydraulic pump up and running.

However, these filters can get clogged over time as you use your John Deere 240 skid steer, and when they do, the contaminants may reach the hydraulic pump. This will deteriorate the performance of your hydraulic pump.

hydraulic filters

This is why it is recommended to check the hydraulic filters every now and then. If they are clogged, replacing them will restore the optimal functioning of your John Deere 240 skid steer.

The Bottom Line

The John Deere 240 skid steer is an automatic choice for many construction workers, thanks to its high performance output and versatility. However, hydraulic problems can crop up and kill all the fun.

Fluid contamination, overheating, and vibration are common problems associated with its hydraulic pump. Consider checking the hydraulic filters and replacing them if they are blocked. Furthermore, make sure your system has enough fuel.

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