lazy plow problem

[andrew]

I have a 05 SnoWay MT that just gets slower and slower. It started a month ago and has progessed to the point that it takes up to 15 seconds for the plow to raise all the way up. Fluid levels are good. Grounds are good. The local dealer is stumped and has way too many other more important problems to deal with. I also tried bleeding the air from the lift cylinder by loosening the attachment hose and slightly raising the plow. No air came out. Just lots of fluid. I might also add that this plow has less than 6 hours use on it. Any advice would be gladly appreciated.
Thanks

[wyldman]

Have you pulled the reservoir and checked the filter ? It's probably plugged up,which will cause the hydraulics to be slow.

[LB Landscaping]

Is the fluid clear or does it look cloudy (water in it)?? Just thinking that maybe a little water got into the fluid and is freezing it up.

[andrew]

Thanks for the reply. The fluid is clear. Being a newbie to this I am not sure what is invloved with pulling the resevoir. I imagine that I have to drain it down by pulling one of the cylinder lines first. Where is the filter located?

[wyldman]

You can pull the DPS return line from the bottom of the reservoir to drain it.There are 4 bolts holding the reservoir on to the pump,and then the reservoir slides off.It will be tight,but being a new plow,it should come off pretty easy.The filter is attached to the pump.

When installing the reservoir,coat the o-ring,and the open area between the o-ring and the pump heavily with vaseline.This will help it slide on easier,and protect again further corrosion making it difficult to remove.

Clean the fliter and reservoir,and refill with a low temp hydraulic fluid,or synthetic ATF,and then flush the lines out.

Double check your grille connectors too,to make sure your getting good power to the motor.

Once you have taken care of the normal maintenance,if there are any other problems,they should be covered under warranty.It will have to go to the dealer to have the pump and motor checked if it still is slow to lift.

[andrew]

Thanks for the breakdown. Now its time to make a mess. Hopefully I will be up and running by the time the snow flies tomorrow.
AW