[gro4u]

I have a 2012 550 case quad and I am trying to run a seedhawk case drain. the factory ones are not adequate and there seems like no good place to get into the tank. How is it plumbed for any others using seedhawk? I did search the archives but could not find a topic related. searched some more and found one guy who says he tees into the return line from the axles.

 

[Stew]

We ted into the return line at the top of the hydro tank. We didnt use any hydrlic nipple fittings as they restricted our flow. So from bar to tractor is hydrolic line , no restrictions

 

[gro4u]

Was in a hurry so this is the immediate plan to get going. Works for now.

 

[case]

My question is why aren't the factory returns adequate enough? I think on our older 450 quad we have a few different return options.

 

[gro4u]

As far as the factory returns, one of the returns on our unit is actually tied to the connection blocks. When the flow through the case drain is unusually high (like when you wing down a seedhawk) it actually creates back pressure that blows out various random hyd connections or all the connections. So the factory case drains are simply not true unrestricted return lines. This can also happen with a variable rate cart that has issues or bad fan motor etc. We are also running two variable rate carts on this unit so creates extra case drain demand.

 

[CJS]

It actually should be plumbed into back of tractor or it's supposedly hard on the hydraulic charge pump on tractor all of ours are direct into tank but was just made aware of this today

 

[case]

As far as the factory returns, one of the returns on our unit is actually tied to the connection blocks. When the flow through the case drain is unusually high (like when you wing down a seedhawk) it actually creates back pressure that blows out various random hyd connections or all the connections. So the factory case drains are simply not true unrestricted return lines. This can also happen with a variable rate cart that has issues or bad fan motor etc. We are also running two variable rate carts on this unit so creates extra case drain demand.

Hmm interesting. Can't you just use more than one return? We run a Concord cart with a single case drain for the fan and each variable rater meter (2 total) and it does fine. Also interesting that they use a case drain to put the wings down on a seedhawk. Anyways I was just curious. Best of luck.

 

[jaymo]

When we got a Seedmaster they included a quick attach without the check valve for the case drain return at the back of the tractor. Apparently, just having that valve creates enough back pressure to cause problems. So it's just a bit messy when you disconnect, as a bit of oil will run out before you can snap on the dirt cap.

 

[Jason Hildebrand]

I have run several drains for Seedhawks and I also have the same tractor as the OP. I have been using flat face connectors instead of the messy pioneer-with-the-middle-poked-out option. Seed hawk reps told me this isn't a problem the only reason they use open couplers is so that if the return comes unplugged then it wouldn't pressurize the toolbar. I wasn't concerned and have been running it this way for 2 seasons without issue. As far as the tractor plumbing, you really can't use anything thats factory on the Case, their "case drain" actually dumps back into the rear diff and takes a while to make its way through the system. It actually has enough back pressure that it can blow seals out of air cart fans if they run too much oil bypass, I know from experience. If you look on the back of the hyd tank there is a large steel pipe that has various different connections coming out of it, there is a cap on one of them, you can remove the cap and connect a hyd line directly onto there, it is a flat face o ring type fitting so make sure your dealer has the proper fittings to make a hose.

 

[gro4u]

I saw that plug and thought that it was below the oil level so still wouldn't be ideal. I wondered about flat face connectors as that is mostly what we use. right now we simply have it plumbed with no quick connects. figure if we are going to have the mess might as well not bother with the punched out pioneer. good info guys. thanks. you gotta like the one I made though hey? I guess im a little too proud of that. you would think on a tractor that costs that much new they could include a better way to access the tank.

 

[Jason Hildebrand]

My dealer has also used the plug in the bottom of the tank as well, it's submersed all the time but I guess it still works.

 

[cat man]

I'm not familiar with the new quad track. My old Steiger just went back to the top of the tank, but on agco the case drain line is filtered before it returns to the hyd tank. It has a spin on filter inline to protect transmission from debris in the event something we're to go wrong on the implement. But this is a different breed of tractor where trans and hyd oil are in one.

Just a thought. It hasn't restricted oil flow at all. :54:

 

[australiannh]

Found same problem on JD 9510RT. No other ports on hyd tank. We are thinking of putting in a T-piece on drain plug?

 

[Jason Hildebrand]

My dealer has put two case drain kits on Deere tractors, not sure which ports they used.

 

[australiannh]

I believe the deere free flow return is the same as Case...NOT a free flow return. Having return in bottom of tank works best to stop foaming and cavitating

 

[SWMan]

This is how my NH dealer plumbed the return line on my tractor. Apparently they have had some issues with the factory setup and choose to go this route on current units.

 

[gro4u]

Thanks for all the input. sometimes its just nice to know your not the only one dealing with an issue. gonna find a good clean way to hook this up for the future. filtering the return makes a lot of sense as long as it doesn't create much return restriction. for this year my adapting the return to the filler has been working well. it would still be nice if manufacturers would provide TRUE case drain capability from factory. we had a problem cart that started returning too much oil and kept creating back pressure that would pop out some or all of the other hydraulic connections was how I first figured out the factory returns weren't really right. a lot of frustration in the mean time wondering why the heck connections would pop out at random.