Ferris IS1500, 52”, hydro help please

[Shawtd]

Hey all,

During winter, I changed hydraulic oil and filter. 15 minutes into first mow, my left rear wheel wouldn’t respond to any input. I hauled it into my garage and went about troubleshooting. The drive belt looks fine. There isn’t any grease or oil on the belt/pulleys. Next I raised the rear end and tested hydraulics. Right side is crisp and responsive. Left side works, but is slow and takes forever to change direction. I’ve attempted to bleed air out of the system but haven’t gotten any better results as yet.

Any advice for me? Thanks in advance for the help and support.

 

[BlazNT]

Purging Air from Hydraulics
1. Raise rear wheels off ground. Brace with jack stands.
2. Put bypass valves so it freewheels.
3. Get on mower start it and release the brake.
4. Push drive lever full forward for 10 seconds the full reverse for 10 sec. Do this 10 times for forward and 10 times for reverse alternating between each.
5. Return levers to the parked position and set brake. Turn off the mower. Move bypass valve bake to normal operation.
6. Get back on the mower and start it. Do step #4 again.
7. Return levers to the parked position and set brake. Turn off the mower.
8. Return mower to ground.
9. Test for proper working. If not repeat.
10. Check oil level and fill.

 

[Shawtd]

Good Morning BlazNT!

Thanks for the reply. I've tried purging air in a similar fashion, but not as thorough as you describe. I'll follow your suggestion to a T this evening and post my results. Thanks again for the help.

shawtd

 

[Shawtd]

Purging Air from Hydraulics
1. Raise rear wheels off ground. Brace with jack stands.
2. Put bypass valves so it freewheels.
3. Get on mower start it and release the brake.
4. Push drive lever full forward for 10 seconds the full reverse for 10 sec. Do this 10 times for forward and 10 times for reverse alternating between each.
5. Return levers to the parked position and set brake. Turn off the mower. Move bypass valve bake to normal operation.
6. Get back on the mower and start it. Do step #4 again.
7. Return levers to the parked position and set brake. Turn off the mower.
8. Return mower to ground.
9. Test for proper working. If not repeat.
10. Check oil level and fill.

Good morning. I followed these instructions exactly. Went through the process twice. No change in operation. Is purging air really this stubborn or is there another idea I should try?

Thanks in advance for any help and support.

Shawtd

 

[Luffydog]

Did you fill the filter with oil

 

[Shawtd]

Did you fill the filter with oil

Good morning Luffydog. No, I didn't fill the filter with oil. Since you asked, I assume I should have done that. Is there any point in doing it now?

Thanks for the help.

shawtd

 

[Shawtd]

Re: Ferris IS1500, 52”, hydro help SOLVED!!

Hey all, I appreciate the help. Turns out the woodruff key that links the wheel to the spindle has broken. It would catch just enough to spin the wheel but was definitely broken. 0.85$ later I’m back to mowing.

Thanks again.

 

[Luffydog]

Yes as that it air it has to push out air and hydro don't mix very with air as it creates heat and damages the hydros prematurely. Glad to hear u got it going.