JD 440B hydraulic Help

[cur1ouscat]

My dad just picked up a John Deere 440B power shift skidder and we're trying to figure out some things.

This is his first JD. It starts easy, but the blade won't even lift the machine off the ground.
It doesn't have a dipstick to check the hydraulic fluid, and the last guy just welded on a pipe to make it easier to add fluid.
We're thinking it's probably low on fluid, but we have no way to check it.

Does anyone know the measurements of the original dipstick?
Also, what's the best way to get air out of the hydraulic lines? We're wondering if that's why the blade isn't lifting

We'd love to make a makeshift one so we can figure out what's going on. Any help would be awesome.

 

[Eric'sDossier]

On 440B the dipstick was part of the fill cap, about 10 to 12" long with marks near the bottom. Easiest way is to drain and refill with the correct capacity from the manual so you know it's right, then make your own dipstick to match. Air usually works itself out once fluid is at the right level

 

[3spressoday]

Also, what's the best way to get air out of the hydraulic lines? We're wondering if that's why the blade isn't lifting

If you suspect air, the system is mostly self-bleeding. Simply cycle the blade and steering cylinders through their full range of motion (up and down, left and right) 5–10 times. Hold them at their travel limits for a second or two. This forces the trapped air out and back to the reservoir
you can't trust the previous owner's fill pipe, so put about 5 gallons of HyGard in there as a safe starting point. Start the skidder and see if the blade lifts. If it lifts, let it run and warm up, then check the oil level using the measurement. If it still doesn't lift after adding fluid, you're looking at a failed main hydraulic pump or a pressure relief valve stuck open

 

[por.den]

The 440B should have the dipstick in the tank behind the cab, maybe 18-20" long with markings. For bleeding air, run the engine at idle and cycle all functions slowly until it stops being jerky. Low fluid will definitely kill your lift power though