1845C (1999) Loss of power -

Hello and I hope someone can help......I have some questions

My problem: Skid steer was working great.....but is sluggish lacking speed and the snappiness. Power is equal across both sides. Motor runs great.

I found a blown fuse 20 amp on the fuse block the inside fuse. Does anyone know what this fuse is for?

I know when you work on these contamination is to be avoided. DO I pressure wash everything first of how do you all handle that?

No idea on the fuses.
But since it's affecting both sides equal, my first thought is a plugged hydraulic filter. When was the last time it was changed?

As for pressure washing, just try not to spray directly and close up on anything sensitive, like electronics, seals, openings. Most stuff should be ok if keep a bit of distance. I also make sure to regrease everything after pressure washing.

Not sure as I have not had it long. however, I ran the test called out in the manual and the filter light does not light. systems light is green,

Maybe the indicator doesn't work...I'll replace the filter

your auxiliary hydraulics aren't on, are they?

phil314 said:

No idea on the fuses.
But since it's affecting both sides equal, my first thought is a plugged hydraulic filter. When was the last time it was changed?

As for pressure washing, just try not to spray directly and close up on anything sensitive, like electronics, seals, openings. Most stuff should be ok if keep a bit of distance. I also make sure to regrease everything after pressure washing.

Click to expand...

Just make sure chain case covers are good and tight .There are four of them .And water will get down into chain case oil and turn it milky white ,than it will freeze in the winter. I am working on oneright now with that issue.

Ok, it s not the Filter or oil level. I noticed an orange wire off a lug on the hydrostat. I'm trying to find a damn screw but I've had no luck. Anyone know what this wire provides. I have a few other wires needing attention. I'll start a second thread on those.
Thank you everyone

That's the pressure switch to activate the backup alarm. There is one on each pump. Unrelated.

Back to your problem.
There is NOTHING electrical on that machine to slow the hydraulics, slow the engine, or create performance issues.

First, does the engine rpm drop when traveling or raising the boom? It shouldn't unless pushing into a pile or lifting heavy.

That machine has three pumps, the gear pump under the radiator, and the two travel pumps, which are tandem under the seat.

Gear pump in the rear runs bucket, boom, and auxiliary hydraulics (foot pedal) if equipped.

Tandem pumps under the seat run the travel circuits, that's it.

The gear pump and the tandem travel pump have their own suction line from the tank, but they both return thru the cooler and hydraulic filter.

You need to be clear as to which is sluggish before blaming a pump. If both are sluggish, the hydraulic filter is the common item shared between the pumps.


If the engine is pulling down, then the fuel and air filters are suspect, with the fuel filter being most likely, as the air filter can be damned near plugged solid before it gives problems.

I replaced the hydraulic, and both air filters. no change.
Engine does not drop when traveling or raising the boom. Engine seems fine in all regards
If I have to travel in a straight line down the driveway it will go slower and slower I can boast the throttle and it will increase and again start slowing down. the hydrostat pump is new.

With my 1845C machines, all 4 of them, typical hydrostatic wear out/ failure shows up as a loss of torque, and it's typically more noticeable on one side.

Another thing of note is that the machine is designed to be run at full throttle when travelling. Low engine rpms, on that hydraulic system, reduces hydraulic oil circulation, and can lead to excess heat in the hydrostatic system, mainly when traveling long distances or working hard.

Ok I discovered a few things.
1. The wire that was disconnected is part of the load sensing - per dealer. It does effect the performance.
2. It was mainly the fuel filter. I have not had this 1845C long and when I changed the fuel filter I had my power and speed back. It was starving for fuel. I discovered this when it started failing to run (like a bad fuel filter)......could tell it was the filter.

heymccall said:

With my 1845C machines, all 4 of them, typical hydrostatic wear out/ failure shows up as a loss of torque, and it's typically more noticeable on one side.

Click to expand...

I've been away from the 1845C for a few years and don't have ready access to a service manual. I was wondering if there is a case drain line on those motors, seems most if not all hydraulic motors have one. If so maybe there is a spec. for the amount of oil you should see. If no spec. at least one could compare right to left flow from case drain to get some idea of internal wear.