Tractor Repair: Cockshutt 540 Hydraulic Lift Problem, vickers vane pump, box blade

Question
Hey Arnie, My 1958 Cockshutt 540 has hydraulic problems. When I start it up cold the lift works fine But as it warms up the hydraulic lift get's slower and weaker. I changed the hydraulic oil and the filter is missing from the tube in front of the reservoir. There is a box blade on the lift and I raised it up all the way and shut the motor off to see if it would leak down. It dropped about 6" in about 24 hours.

Do you have any advice as to what could be the problem? Do you think that remanufactured vane cartridge kits are OK and where is the best place to find a pump for this tractor if you think it is the pump?

Cockshutt 540

serial AM1364

Vickers vane pump

V110 30 2C 10

S117

Thanks very much, Mike E

Answer
Hello,

  The  hitch dropping 6" in 24 hours is acceptable.  Usually, hydraulics that get weaker as the oil warms up is the sign of a worn pump.  I don't know much about remanufactured vane kits so I can't advise on that.  It is going to be very hard to find a pump, new or used.  They are rare and highly sought after among Cockshutt enthusiasts.  I would recommend contacting Phil Heisey at Phil's Cockshutt/Co-op Parts.  Call him at 215-256-8651 after 6PM eastern time.  If he doesn't have what you need, he can probably direct you to someone who can help.