John Deere 1050 Hydraulic problem Solved?

So today I installed the gutted hydraulic filter and I must admit, for it being such a cold day the hydraulics were much better right off the bat! Wishful thinking, no?

[@jem29680]

Many people don’t know this, but there is a metal screen filter (sump filter) in the belly of the tractor. The 850 I bought had serious hydraulic problems, especially when it was cold. I took that screen out and cleaned it and now my hydraulics work great and the spin on filter isn’t gutted.

[@SteeveeDan]

I've cleaned the sump filter at the same time I replaced the spin on filter and things were ok for about 10 hours then the hydraulics started slowing down again. This was with new JD 2020 fluid. I changed the spin on again and all was well for about another 10 hours. After some research I learned that some years ago there was a spin on filter bypass kit but I didn't want to alter the factory design even if I could find the kit. Decided to gut the spin on and replace the JD fluid with the Firestar. Since then and about 50 hours later everything still works perfectly even when it's well below freezing outside. If I remember correctly, the 850 and 950 didn't have a spin on unless it had power steering or someone added it along the way. Not sure why some of these tractors are fine while others are a nightmare.

[@jem29680]

@@SteeveeDan My 850 is 4WD with power steering so it also has the spin on filter. The previous owner and the person he bought it from evidently had no clue about the sump filter. When I pulled it, it was packed full of crud so it was no wonder the hydraulics weren’t working properly. Mine has over 1600 hours on it and came with the original owners manual which showed the last time the sump filter was cleaned was at 625 hours.

[@SteeveeDan]

@@jem29680 Some folks don't know what the "M" word stands for, Maintenance!

[@misterdooda1978]

Man I gotta tell you. Ive watched part of this video a few times and showed my girlfriend to, cuz I laugh my ass off because we have the same start up procedure. I got the same tractor and I always start by saying something about needing the key first. And I always start it while standing next to it cuz I know im gonna have to grab that hammer every time. It's almost like you are imitating me and I just laugh 😅.

[@SteeveeDan]

LOL, luv hearing from like situation folks!

[@jimthornton5]

My 1050 bucket was very slow, but now will barely move even when warmed up. I have viewed all of your posts and they are extremely instructional. Thank you. I am now convinced that my JD hydro filter is gunked up. Question: can i spin off the off the old folter and replace with a new one without draining the system? I also know that there is a screen filter , but my sense is that it probably is not gunked. However, if you tell me that I need to drain the sysem, I would also open and inspect that. Please advise. Thank you. Your viseos are great.

[@SteeveeDan]

Been there! The spin on filter you can replace without draining the system. You'll lose a bit of fluid so have some on hand. The sump filter you'll loose most of the fluid. If you haven't checked or cleaned it in a long time, I would recommend checking it. My gets filled with condensation and is a milky sludge in the screen but that's because I don't really use mine for very long at any given time. Good luck!

[@jimthornton5]

@@SteeveeDan Excellent. I think that I will start over. That is, drain the system, remove, inspect, and clean the screen, replace te hydro filter, and replace the fluid. Last question: Do I use the JD fluid, or the Starfire fluid. Thoughts please? Many thanks.

[@SteeveeDan]

@@jimthornton5 I've used the Starfire for a while now. From what I've learned, it's compatible with the JD tractors and I've noticed much less condensation in the fluid with it. And it's more cost effective, or it was last time I bought it.

[@jimthornton5]

@@SteeveeDan Many Thanks.....

[@SteeveeDan]

@@jimthornton5 Any time!

[@haroldkirk2213]

For some reason my 1050 hyd want work right unless u use John Deere filter

[@SteeveeDan]

That system is a weak link in an otherwise great tractor. Ever since I gutted my spin on filter my hydraulics have been working great.

[@andygreenfield9537]

I have a 1980 JD 1050 and have replaced the hydraulic pump and it did not make any difference. I think it's a valve issue.

[@SteeveeDan]

I put a new pump in mine a few years ago and it helped a bit but gutting the filter has been the biggest improvement ever.

[@jamieyeomans3803]

awesome, thank you

[@SteeveeDan]

Very welcome!

[@richeyfoss3826]

It’s the pump my 950 when the fluid warms up the pump won’t work right

[@SteeveeDan]

I would check the sump filter if you already didn't.