Combines weak hydro

Some dumb things you might check you probably already checked these, but here goes... Hydro fluid level Check hydro fluid tank filter (if the 2388 still has an in tank filter) Make sure your parking brake or service brake is not dragging for some reason (usually the P-brake lights a warning light) Check for any hose leaks that may ooze fluid and also suck in air (my sprayer acting similar to your 2388 until I replaced a hose) If the fluid has been overheated or contaminated, you might consider dumping it and starting with fresh fluid and filters. If it's a 2 speed hydro, on my sprayer the higher speed is not usually so good for running loaded - are you in high or lowIJ Make sure your hydro cable is adjusted correctly at the pump (has cable come out of the clamp, is the lever worn out). Some ideas, hope this helps, Pat

Check the foot_inch valve, "clutch" pedal on the floor. You say it does not squeal anymore I have seen them leak internally and do exactly as you described. The squeal when in 3rd gear up a steep hill is the valve going to relief on the hydro circuit. When you push the "clutch" pedal in this opens the circuit and dumps all the hydrostatic oil. Check the valve before you look at hydro far less expensive. Good luck

We had a similar problem on our 1680, although not as severe. We found that little yoke on the top of the pump and the lever it fits on to were worn, at the end of the hydro cable. This prevented us from sending enough oil to the drive on hills. 10 minutes with the welder and grinder sorted it out!! Ours was worse forward than reverse.

we pulled the whole hydro off today and the shop is going to go completely thru it. big bucks.

we took hydro to shop and they went thru it and replaced some parts and case mechanic put it back on and now the combine won't move at all. This is turning in to a nightmare, we been down 3 days and i don't know for how much longer.

finally got this going, got a pretty good education on hydros. thanks for your help.

Make sure your oil cooler is clean, very, very clean. It takes lots of water and time to do it right. I was ready to junk mine last fall because of weak hydro, and did trade for a 2388, but it ran fine and is still running after I cleaned the oil cooler. Mine was an 1989 1680. Just because a dealer will put his hand inside your oil tank and show you some brass dust in the sunlight doesn't mean it is worn out. Good luck.

Three things: Shims in your foot-n-inch valve. But you'll determine this with your pressure check. linkage at cable end at pump worn severely. Is this a corn machineIJ They are a bit slower than grain versions.

Does your combine slow down a lot going up hillsIJ A weak hydro will take a while to pick up speed when you go from stopped to full speed with the engine revved up. My 1660 was below 5 mph in second and about 13.6 in third. The fork on actuating lever on top the hydro was worn bad. I welded it up and ground it down for a snug fit on the lever and now I have 7.5 mph, and 20.8 mph respectively. I had a 1460 that the hydro went bad and it was no secret. Going into a soft spot or going up a hill in road gear, it would slow way down while the engine rpm's never changed. I hope for your sake, the linkage is all that's all that's wrong. Good luck!

THe forks on the end of the cable at the hydro pump are worn some, Can the end be replaced, then fill in and redrill the actuating leverIJ THere is also play in the handle (cab ) end also. This is a 1990 1680, corn. It doesn't feel real crisp on the get go. In soft areas it does want to bog down some. It will be checked over this winter.