Adding Auxiliary Hydraulics to my Compact Tractor - Fabrication - Leaks - and Lessons Learned

[@thomasdesmond2248]

The Professor would be so proud. Lol God bless

[@digdrivediy]

Great. Another project to add to my list! All this grapple talk has me foaming at the mouth. Nice job on this project Mike. Can't wait to see some new attachments added now too!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Everyone who is anyone needs a minimum of 12 projects. I read it in an article I believe

[@thomasdesmond2248]

Great job Captain. The body work is fine. it's a tractor not a show car. God bless

[@grosseileracingteam]

Hey Mike. Just FYI from this old guy, I use mechanical hydraulic systems vs electric over hydraulic when I can. Way more reliable and easier to troubleshoot. Your welding skills sure are getting better. Just takes practice. I bought a cheap set of transfer punches from HF...game changers in fabrication. I also love using the rotary burr tools for deburring edges in tight corners. Hydraulics ain't rocket surgery once you understand them. You have to be careful with them, but they are pretty straightforward. Nice job on the installation/fabrication. Stay safe and thanks for posting.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@jimchurchman2628]

Make a wood splitter but that big cylinder has a huge bore. Its almost a hydraulic press or maybe a rebar bender for the paddle wheel build?

[@mw5905]

I have those HF transfer punches.. Pretty freakin good set for $10. 👍

[@grosseileracingteam]

@@mw5905 They work for me.

[@maximummarklee]

Mike, always remember that in doing something for the first time, the normal human learning process dictates that any job worth doing… … is worth doing twice. Remember you are prototyping for the most part and “iterative development” requires refining the final design of any complex system over and over until it fulfills the desired function. Congratulations on expanding the capabilities of your 755. Going all-hydraulic was absolutely, hands down the right decision. I believe your frequent fabrication and maintenance activities would justify owning a portable tool cart; equipped with larger wheels/tires to handle the uneven gravel and the ground, You could have a medium sized vice on top over the edge, space for your cordless tools, bits and adapters, and a handy set of LED lights that run on your rechargeable tools’ batteries - which would be always charged since you also included a 100-foot extension cord. Besides having your tools charged up, you would then be able to use corded power tools when you can keep it plugged into a power strip on your cart. starting with a waist level rolling tool cart, you could put some fat tired casters on it along with the handle from a hand truck to get it mobile, and even equip it with a hitch attachment and hang it off either end of the 755. BTW, I have always found that Teflon tape is even better than pipe dope and is far less messy.

[@CaptainKleeman]

I tell ya what, a tool cart with big tires and the ability to be picked up with the forks would be awesome. Maybe a project I need to move to the top of the list

[@maximummarklee]

@@CaptainKleeman Thanks Mike!

[@Harleyguy307]

I was thinking about those big wagons some of them have a 1200 lb weight rating.

[@thomasdesmond2248]

Now you need a hydraulic ram for your top link. Makes adjustments easy. God bless

[@CaptainKleeman]

Would be nice

[@robertlukacs1762]

Flip the cylinder over to convert it into a log splitter. Or into a bumper jack of sorts. Or even a fork lift. Small farm lifting bails of hay to a loft, wood to the loft/ roof. Not meaning extra heavy loads but lighter loads that’s repeated over and over. And again no camera drop. Wifey been cracking that whip. Lol. As always very interesting job.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Cap’n, I’m not a hydraulic expert nor do I play one on KZbin… but looking at your plumbing from my arm chair here in the Ozarks… it looks perfect! Under mounting the valve was the right way to go. The hose connections where you can easily access them is smart. (Something Kubota could learn from. My third function hoses require hands about the size of a mouse to install.) Your body work looks great… and leaks? Well sir, that is part of the rust retardant plan. A forklift mechanic that I worked with gave me advice on thread seal for NPT fittings. He said, put a small bead around the male end. Start it about two threads above the end. Once tight, wipe the excess off so it won’t accidentally contaminate the liquid if you ever have to take it loose. So far, it has worked for me on oil, water, air and gas lines! Cap’n you’ve opened up a ton of options for the 755… I can hardly wait to see what you fab up next!!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks for the tip! And can't wait to start fabricobbling up some new implements!

[@rons3103]

Mike, head down to the Derby store lot and take one (even both) of those C&C Equipment mud flaps off the lowboy (The other Mike will not mind-Clint might😂😂 ). Use them on the underside of the fender to protect the hydraulic lines and controller from debris coming off the tracker tires. It's amazing how a stick can ruin a $100 hose (that we just don't have $100 to replace them with)! BTW, can't wait to see your little tracker use Mike's new Tile Plow! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mikenixon9164]

A very nice job. Good video.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks mike

[@techlessman2162]

Brilliant, well done on such a professional finish!

[@donbullock8790]

Hello; I understand that this is all new to you. You should use stainless steel pipe and fittings when ever possible. Galvanized pipe etc. is bad because the galvanizing will flake off got into your system. If you have to use brass. Does that have an hydraulic filter? If not I suggest putting one in the return line. I suggest that you consider some sort of cover for the valve area. The elements will really mess things up over time. Good job.

[@lloydwilliams8715]

Hi Hi Captain. Good morning greetings from Jamaica 🇯🇲. See you fallowing in the steps of DP. Lots of upgrade going on over there. Guess u will be adding Lazer guided also 🤣🤣🤣🤣. Let's go have some fun 😊😊

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks for watching lloyd

[@russellp4160]

Good morning Mike, only half way thru my 1st cup of coffee.

[@explorationuk6737]

Me to lol

[@CaptainKleeman]

Hope you enjoy the coffee!

[@russellp4160]

@@CaptainKleeman A few weeks ago I had to do some water connections with brass (NPT) . Read that I didn't need pipe dope with brass on brass, and not to use teflon tape. It seeped, so took it apart and used the pipe dope. All good. I guess NPT always needs the dope. Great job, will be interesting down the road to see what you use it for.

[@markkenes4848]

Nicely done Cpt. HD is easy. It's all the hoses you got to hook up that's hard. As far as your fits it all wrenches I'm going to sneak over and throw em all away. There only for emergency use only. Guess I'm going to have to buy you some wrenches bud !!!!! 🤣🤣🤣Lol.. starting a new project with my loader. Going to put it on my Bolens 1476. Already bought me 100 cutting wheels 👍👍👍🤡🤡🤡🤡 great job Cpt.

[@CaptainKleeman]

If they work, then they work, which means they work...lol. Thanks for watching

[@johnbranch8176]

Mike Love your videos, sometimes I have trouble sleeping and will play 30 minutes and ready for sleep. Sometimes when I want to sleep quickly I will watch dirt perfect, man that guy can put me to sleep, please thank him for me. Just joking, you both have great videos

[@danielpullum1907]

Michael, You amaze me. I'd like to take lessons from you on your research process. I didn't realize how the new circuit worked, ie., power beyond to the valve body and valve body lines to your implements. I mounted my valve body on a the loader mounting beam with levers pointed at my right hand. Well Done Laddie!!!!!

[@garypullinger1604]

Hi from Brisbane Australia. Mate i love how even if your not shore if something is going to work you still give it a go and just roll with anything that happens keep it up mate your doing great. Your welds are getting better every time you have a go.

[@AquaPeet]

33:06 ohhh.... nice, Mike! Did a good job! Way better than what you'd call fabricobbling!

[@jimkavalier2831]

I forgot to call into work today, so I'm 11 hours late getting to the party..... any beer left?? 🍺 lol Awesome job! 👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

Always!

[@bobbydawson7706]

Well done 👍 Bud

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Bobby

[@kylejones2075]

Good job lieut keep it up keep them coming thanks for sharing

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Kyle

[@joedake2287]

Nice job Mike!! Glad to see the hard work and self reliance you keep showing. Like the old saying goes.. “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” I hope and pray more people find it within themselves to do more on there own!!

[@zburdette1223]

Mike, its been awhile since I felt as though your skills have been tested. Once again you hit a home run. Keep them coming.

[@MatthewJRedmond]

Very nice job indeed Capt, very professional and clean look not toention the protection provided from branches and vines in the woods. The video was certainly worth the wait. Big fan of the k.i.s.s fashion in which you did it. Only makes sense to stay mechanical on such a machine not to mention the added ruggedness, reliability and simplicity of such a system when it comes to standing the test of time. Just gotta be sure to shut machine off before unhooking power beyond kit. My old man made that mistake once with his JD 1070 and the pump was not happy by anymeans 😬. Can't wait to see the future attachments you build to utilize the system. As always keep up the great work my man 😁 👍

[@jaredking3361]

Figuring out how to do this has been on my list since I bought a 955 last October after seeing you have so much fun with the 755! I just finished rebuilding the engine it lost compression from being warn out. Just started it for the first time last week. It was my first time doing anything like that. Great video! Thank you for doing the research for me!

[@seanpierce7673]

Nicely done capt!. Got to love those old green monsters. Great little machines!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely!

[@wildtimbrown]

Everything right the 1st time????? Yer a dreamer there Bud! Amazingly well done sir. I really need to talk the boss into getting a kit for our New Holland. Wish me luck!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Fingers crossed!

[@billloomis7611]

If the light bulb wasn't invented yet. I would be counting on you. You're amazing.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Lol thanks

[@dwaynemorrow6594]

Nice job, anything to make it easier and faster to get things done.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely!

[@donmadere4237]

Lookin good 👍🏻 👍🏻👍🏻🚜🚜🚜

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks don

[@richg.8092]

👍👍👍👍 Tapered pipe threads MUST be sealed. With tape or paste, start at the second thread. Ask any plumber.

[@philhunt9297]

Don't quote me but AFAIK and learned BSP and NPT (tapered threads) do not require any tape or paste when/if fitted correctly the first time. Hand tight and 1/4 turn BSP and 1-2 turns NPT (BSP are low pressure whereas NPT are much higher pressure (more tighter (closer) threads)) The threads are designed to lock together at a certain point - over tighten and you strip/destroy the female thread and under tighten just doesn't seal. Most everyday plumbers don't deal with BSP/NPT fittings even gas fitters will have only basic knowledge/experience Sorry...spent quite a few years supplying metal fittings to dairy/brewery and other processing industries

[@4051a]

I agree with your no electronics on this tractor. Looks good. Your welding is getting better.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Chuck!

[@andrewshullick4319]

Hi captain Mike awesome video Time to pick on you. You need a new tractor 🚜 oh wait you like the old stuff.

[@robertdraper7258]

Nice job! Fender modification turned out great. Loved your idea for a wind screen, using what you have at hand. Thanks for another great video.

[@Michael_CS615]

Professor strikes again... nice!

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@MannMade]

For some reason I get a vibe of the Red Green Show when I watch you. I'm waiting to see what your new found bodywork skills will produce next!?! Dual rear tires on 755?

[@pinwizz69]

Captain, I'd say you did a pretty good job on the planing, fabrication and installation of that system. I also seriously agree with keeping it non-electrinic as it'll keep down on future problem issues associated with electronics exposed to weather. Yuppers, pretty good for a part-timer tractor mechanic 🚜 .

[@Bman2020]

You done well like your idea of no electric over hydo. Keep it simple 👍👋🇨🇦

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Alan

[@dougyurecko6500]

Nice build Mike!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Doug

[@darrenblattner2508]

That turned out good, I've bought hydraulics from Summit, good people to deal with. You may want to be careful hooking up old cylinders to your tractor. I did that and contaminated my hydraulic system, I had to change the oil twice at $80/pail and 7 gallons each time, I also added another filter to help clean it up more. Nice job, Keep smilin.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Darren.

[@carloskawasaki656]

Thank you for sharing, another big job and i learn a lot and always a pleasure watch your video👍👍👍👍

[@bnewton5922]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing. Already looking forward to seeing the next video. Stay safe

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks for watching

[@maxobara1496]

Nice job Captain, parts/ screws would be all over the place with me😂 Looking good and should help you in the long run for sure💪👍🇺🇸

[@larrykleeman353]

Captain you continue to amaze me with your skills and abilities to disassemble and reassemble and experiment with your implements. Good job Mike.

[@davidhill4711]

It is great watching you pull together a vision into a functioning outcome. Love it.😁👍😁

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks David

[@kenthesparky178]

A very tidy job there Captain.👍💞

[@sydneymcconnaughhay5947]

Good morning from Fl. Love your vids. You and your beautiful family make my day.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks for watching!

[@dansevern3291]

Well Captain, for once, I've seen an advantage for an orange tractor (the ones DP hate). I have two of them, with the hydraulic block mounted below the footboard on one side. (Yep, I lose a hose from time to time, but I don't have to field strip the tractor to work on it.) Anyway, very impressed with your fabrication skills, I cheated and bought a "kit" to put 3rd function on mine. You are gonna love having the aux hydraulics. I don't like to offer advice, like a lot of "internet experts" but in this case, when you build or add a grapple, think keeping it as light as possible, (my first front attachment was a "thumb" I added to the middle of my regular bucket adding maybe 40 lbs, including cylinder and brackets) I use that thumb just about every day.

[@CaptainKleeman]

My valve block is where it is because they planned on it being a part of the tractor from the get go, it wasn't an after thought 😉

[@steveelfreich6185]

Mike, that turned out awesome!!! When I had my 955 I had the factory power beyond because I had the backhoe. I often wondered if it would have had enough power to run a 3pt mounted log splitter. Never got around to trying that. I sold that 955 to a retired Lieutenant on EPD. I’ll just tell you that when your on the Lloyd going into Newburgh right off the Lloyd on Bell Rd is a place called Sisco’s American Hose & Hydraulics. Those guys are fantastic. They have helped me out with quite a bit for my old 955 and my skid steer. You ever need anything that’s a good place to stop sometime. Keep up the good work my friend.

[@deanbarr5740]

Nice job. I ordered two rear remotes and detent valves on my 2018 John Deere. It wasn't cheap, good that you installed these yourself. You did a great job fabricating this.

[@thomasbailey8306]

It looks good Mike. You did a Great job on the Valve body..Great Video Sir...

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Thomas

[@gayle4804]

Great innovation my friend you did a awesome job you thought and research through

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Gayle

[@stevelowndes5803]

Wonderfully clear video footage and great commentary.

[@martinkennard1669]

Excellent work, Mike. I couldn't have done it better myself 😀 If you are going to do it, do a bang-up job.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Hey thanks Martin!

[@jimmycurran5355]

Awesome job Mike. Those wields are looking great.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Jimmy

[@andytrimble9579]

Hi Mike! You know I have been waiting for weeks for this video since you hinted with that valve at the Derby that day! Lol! You did a fantastic add on and you are going to wonder how you got along without it for so long. I use my setup almost daily for some kind of implement. I put a cylinder on my top link and the left 3 point link and the things you can do with a box blade are amazing. Only suggestion is put all female couplers on that valve. Maybe it's what works in your area but around my parts there is alot of agriculture and every implement is set up with two male ends. I can hook to anything i beg borrow or steal Lol!

[@ianh9772]

I love that you mounted the valve body out of sight, a lot of work, but it looks spectacular. You are an inspiration

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Ian

[@TheGingerGenius78]

Nice and simple system that’s got to be the way to go :) another good project you have done and shared with us :)

[@guyendsley]

I suggest that you consider some sort of cover for the valve area. The elements will really mess things up over time and it well help protect it from stuff hitting it as so drive over stuff.

[@thebear5454]

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner. I'll call that a success Mike.

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@donaldtrabeaux5235]

Awesome Mike, can't wait to see more videos

[@blackdogexcavator21]

I put a power beyond set up on my tractor and it was a true game changer. You will definitely enjoy it.

[@CaptainKleeman]

I'm excited!

[@rsbracer]

You are a very clever nice job I agree less electronics and more mechanical is MUCH BETTER

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@ronalddavis439]

Nice work. The possibles are endless

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely!

[@charlesbrunner258]

Great educational video, enjoy all your videos because you do research and show how the research works and how things can be done

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Charles

[@richardhedrick5601]

It looks great the welding the placement of hydrochloric system you did a great job

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Richard

[@chadglidden7295]

Great job hope u feel better soon

[@ymat5306]

Excellent work thx for sharing and inspiring the masses

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@kevinkenyon7045]

Captain thanks for sharing! Kevin

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks for watching Kevin!

[@brucehuff5566]

Teflon thread tape will stop the npt fittings from leaking. What a great project and you did a fantastic job. Stay safe

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Bruce

[@alexosborne5629]

Shade tree engineering again ?? See you got the plumbing sorted, all neat tidy, not much room for problems to appear 🤞 You did well on adjusting the bodywork, all the controls on one hand, anyone would think you know what you are doing!!! I was expecting you to mount the two rear connectors wider apart, where you have them sited now will work, it may be worth covering the connectors with a dry bag when not in use to prevent build up of moisture and debris in and on them..... just a thought.... and for the nft connections, use thread lock or similar compound on the top two thirds of the thread, this should prevent contaminating the hydraulic system. I agree with you getting the mechanical projects completed before going back to the yacht :- One you will have something to look forward to, Two you will have more daylight to get more done !!! Ps. Have you had much time to view your wildlife camera ?

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely need some thread compound

[@americanpatriot2.06]

Upgrades to make it more versatile! And some fender modifications for a clean install. Probably could use a spring and strap to secure the hoses (similar to the Mack and its hoses/cables for the trailer connections) on the back.

[@denjhill]

Looks perfect to me. Nice work! And thanks for the tutorial on types of fittings.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Dennis!

[@michaelmullins1290]

Great work. You amaze me every time you tackle a project. Welding is getting better as well. I'd never get that back together. Also, you can always run a brace from your bracket to the bolt hole on the seat frame if needed later.

[@jmit5650]

Love your videos, you can use Teflon tape, just start the tape one to two threads from the end. Just don’t start the tape over the end of the fitting. Works just fine. Keep up the great work.

[@katherinerose446]

I admire your willingness to try and you seem to figure things out ❤

[@heatherlane9270]

If you are happy with the installations then that's all that matters after all you are the one using it. The range of new operations sound great. Lovely weather for the task.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks heather!

[@hollandduck79]

thanks for the video Captain 💪

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@dirthog2185]

If I had the cash on hand to buy one of these older hydrostatic tractors 🚜 when I was in the market for one I definitely prefer these over the newer ones. They are so much easier to retro fit aftermarket parts and built extremely well.

[@TairnKA]

Seeing your round work table, I keep thinking, adding a portion of grating might be useful when doing those welding jobs (1/2 existing wood, 1/4 grated and 1/4 open)? ;-)

[@nevillekinsley5610]

Brilliant video

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks

[@stuartlafrancis1371]

Love your take on the Challenge Attitude

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@davisphillips7792]

I love the old school, simple, manual stuff too Mike. Way easier to track down a problem. I say remake the fly sections for the lift out of something lighter and make it into a man lift for out trimming trees or house work. Thanks for sharing

[@tmacie2]

Nice weld on that bracket adjustment! The fender welds were also good for metal that varied so much in thickness.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Travis!

[@genegoodman5233]

I use Teflon tape on all my pipe fittings. Several people I’ve seen on Ytube wrap the pipe 5-6 round, to much. I put 2-3 round and don’t have leaks. Loctite make a thread sealed, lot of people love it. Good job

[@deannelson9301]

Looks better than rust; hilarious. Great job!

[@dondwyer3679]

I'm always impressed with your ideas and solutions. Keep it up!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks don

[@charlesfreed7834]

Looks good

[@andysukosd8177]

Great video, loved it .

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks andy

[@buddyreed2623]

Hi Mike. I can see why you did not post a video yesterday, fairly involved with all of the modifications. Have good days!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks buddy

[@justingregory6708]

Very nicely done, I've seen some pretty bad hack jobs and that looks nice and clean. 👍 Good Job Captain 👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

This comment had me on a roller coaster 😂

[@hoytgunderson1475]

Sweet your a stud. Nice job capt. 👏

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@hoytgunderson1475]

@@CaptainKleeman love your show ❤️ I been disabled and enjoy show.

[@CMDSR]

Whole lot of wrench turning for a non mechanic. Good job Captain

[@farmingsmallkubota1783]

Welding sure is improving. I do not have a mig welder just a Diesel drive and tend to weld on a lot of very thin metal. rural king had some hobart 1/16 inch welding rod 7018 so you can turn the heat way down. has helped me with the thin stuff.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely need to get some thinner rods

[@kb7722]

Nice work on the fender mods!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@arthurtanchak2411]

Great job

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thank you

[@Big-John]

Nice job! Glad you went under the fender. Looks much cleaner and not cluttered! I would try to protect the valve body from mud and water some way? Keep up the great work 👍

[@ronjackson449]

Cool thanks I'm getting ready to do the same thing I just got a backhoe my Kubota doesn't have hydraulics in the back

[@seanparchim9165]

Instead of a welding stick get yourself a couple of straws that come with a slurpy/icee,it's got the little shovel,works perfectly✌️ Napa California

[@CaptainKleeman]

Good idea