JD 540D stiff steering issues. Any ideas???

[lumberjill]

I run an 88 JD 540D and my steering gets really stiff after running a few hours and the winch gets tight too. Replaced the hydraulic pump and all the filters but it seems like it is worse now. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Compensation]

Welcome to the forum. I don't know the layout or components of your machine but i will take a shot. Pressure control valve gets hot and sticks open maybe? Just a guess

[beenthere]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum.

We'd be interested in the work you are doing with the JD 540D. Been running this one long?

[lumberjill]

@Compensation I will check that out, thank you. And @beenthere, we are a 2 man manual felling crew. We have been cutting for a mill here in Norwestern Pa and have been running the 540 for 6yrs.

[snowstorm]

was the stand by pressure set on the pump? or did you just bolt one on? its a closed center system. find someone local that works on them everyday has the test gear and have him look at it. it will be cheaper in the long run

[PaYoungBuck]

I'm also here in nw pa about an hour south of Erie. We are fortunate enough to have a very good independent jd mechanic in town. If I would have to guess a valve is sticking. Does the blade work as it should?

[cutter88]

I have a 1988 640d... ide say the valve or mabie  problem with that small accumulator up by the rad