Slow plow

[snowman914]

:( I have a Curtis Sno Pro 2000 . I was hooking it up and getting it ready for this season and noticed that the hydraulics are way slow. I drained the old fluid and lines but is still is slow. What do I do?

[wyldman]

What shape is the motor in ? Are all the connections good ?

If it seems slow all the time,then it's most likely a pump\motor\voltage supply issue.

I'd clean and check all connections first.Make sure your getting good voltage to the pump motor,and it is well grounded.That may just fix your problem.

[snowman914]

I checked voltage , ground and pump. All seem to check out . The pump motor runs strong but really is loud. Could it possibly be air trapped in the system. It is the only thing I can think of. I do use tranny fluid , do you think that may be the cause...

[wyldman]

Trans fluid is fine in this weather.As it gets colder it will slow down some.I find synthetic ATF doesn't thicken as much when cold,and prevents freeze up.There are other low temp fluids out there too.For now,ATF will work at least to get it diagnosed.

Is it the motor that is noisy ? or the pump itself ?

If it's the motor,you may have rust inside,and a noisy bearing or bushing holding it back.You may be able to disassemble it and repair it.

If it's the pump,the pump may be scored or damaged,or it could just be air.Try getting the air out first.

You can crack the lines loose at the cylinders to help purge any excess air.Angle the plow to the right fully,and then crack the right side hose loose at the cylinder.Now try to move the plow to the left,and it should pump fluid out.Tighten the right side,and angle full left.Crack that side loose and angle the plow to the right to purge the line.Tighten it back up.Try working it back and forth,and it should bleed out the rest.Always check the reservoir each time and make sure it's full,so you don't run it dry and trap more air inside the system.

The fluid may be foaming too,which is common after changing the fluid,and trapping some air inside.After bleeding,let it sit overnight,and top off the fluid again before operating the plow.

[snowman914]

I reallly appreciate all your advice. So far nothing has worked . I think I am going to tear the whole motor pump assembly apart. This type of setup is a pain because it is all contained in the A frame of the plow., fun fun . Thanks for all your help.:headwall