John Deere 3050 steering stiff when cold

[cowmechanic]

I have a a 3050 which has stiff steering when cold but is reasonable when warmed up
It has the correct spec oil
Screen is clean and filters changed
It will tip a twin ram trailer without juddering at tickover but I need to be 1800 revs to run a wrapper at sufficient speed
I tested port on front pump and am getting 100 psi at tick over when cold , getting 140 psi at 4wd solenoid ( Reving flat out)but haven’t correct fitting to test at shift cover
Tempted to buy new main pump but want to be sure it’s not transmission pump
Measured pressure at spool 2900 psi
Is there an easy way to ascertained which pump is poor
Pto, Hilo 4wd all working perfectly

 

[Phil P]

Ideally you need to test pressures with the oil hot, however going of what pressures you’ve listed.

Lube is fine (test port on pump at front) 3-6bar

System 1 is a little low (pressure at mfwd) should be around 25bar

System 2 is also low (pressure at scv) should be around 205bar.

The fact lube pressure is fine your transmission pump should be ok, it may just be a case of setting the pressures at the relief valves.

 

[cowmechanic]

Measured oil flow at oil cooler and got 30 litres in one min at tick over cold
Does that sound about right
Waiting on technical manual

 

[Zebbedee]

Flow testing for pump output will tell you more than a pressure test will, i a would suggest that if there is no juddering that trans pump is ok? But these tractors can be funny beasts to fault find on in my experience.

 

[Sharpy]

Steering on 50 series is operated by main (front and high pressure) pump, which is why when you turn the steering the trailer etc tips slower. I would check for flow at pressure from the main pump, both cold and hot before throwing parts at it.