550B tracks stop...after some run time

[redfalcon102]

Hi All, I've got a 550B...recently had the transmission suction screen and filter replaced by RDO. I can run the dozer for a little while (30-90 mins) and then the tracks just stop (won't budge)...takes about a min from the time it starts feeling weak to when the tracks wont move. I've checked all the fluid levels (transmission, oil, radiator.) I'm in Central Texas...very hot here..not sure if that has anything to do with it.

Any suggestions...feels like when it gets hot a pump fails. I'm pretty novice when it comes to machinery. Appreciate any suggestions before I have to call RDO again.
Thanks,
Darrel

[DrLoch]

Given you just had transmission service, did it do this before the service work? If not, next question would be what fluid did they use? Appears to be more to the issue.

[Jim B]

A search for RDO turns up as RDO Equipment which appears to be a major JD dealer, along with other brands, in the western half of the US. I am guessing this is the company you are referring to. I would assume a JD dealer would have used HY-GARD, or other approved transmission oil/fluid.

The 550B is a full powershift not the HLR transmission. There are a few fellows who post on this Board having some experience with those. I have not worked on one and would be doing all the diagnostics and adjustments in the manual to start with. Hopefully one of the fellows who has worked on one will be along with something for you. Do you have the correct technical manuals to get diagnostic information from?

To DrLoch's point if it was doing it before the screen and filter work by RDO, it appears you have deeper problems. If it started after that work, either there is a problem with what was done during that work, or it was developing but hadn't reached the point you noticed. Just my thoughts.

[redfalcon102]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, hy-gard is the transmission fluid and RDO is a major service company. Dozer worked fine before the repair. I don't have any manuals. The fluid is new, but is there a thought that when it gets hot it degrades? Would seem odd, but thought i'd ask.

Thanks,
Darrel

[Jim B]

I doubt the fluid is the problem.

[Lavoy]

If it is degrading, it is getting excessively hot from slippage, which is not a fluid issue, it is a mechanical issue.
Lavoy

[gregjo1948]

Is the fluid that's getting hot? I think if it is; I'd try changing the fluid and filter. Maybe the fluid thins out as it gets warm and keeps on warming until it gets too hot and thin to operate the machine. Not all dealers tell the truth in order to cover their ---.