A tired hydraulic pump on a pre-6000 Series John Deere tractor kills lift, loader work, and patience.
Ignoring a weak pump leaves you with slow arms, dead spools, and wet boots under the front end.
In this guide you follow the “How to Fit a Hydraulic Pump | Pre 6000 Series” video step by step.
What the hydraulic pump does on pre-6000 Series tractors
The hydraulic pump feeds oil to the rear linkage and spool valves.
The hydraulic pump supplies pressure for loaders, steering, and external services.
When the pump fails, the tractor loses lift power, speed, and control.
Replacing the pump restores pressure and keeps the tractor earning.
Signs your hydraulic pump needs replacing
The linkage lifts slowly or refuses to raise heavy kit.
The loader drifts or stalls even at high revs.
Spool valves feel weak and struggle with tipping trailers.
You hear cavitation or whining noises from the pump area.
You see oil leaks and wet castings around the pump body.
Parts and tools you need for this job
- You need a replacement hydraulic pump that matches your tractor spec.
- You need an inch and a quarter spanner.
- You need a 9/16 inch spanner.
- You need a half inch spanner.
- You need 3/4 inch and 9/16 inch sockets.
- You need a ratchet with short extension.
- You need a small chisel.
- You need a hammer.
- You need a pry bar.
- You need clean rags.
- You need a drain tray and containers for fuel and oil.
Safety and preparation before you touch the pump
Park the tractor on firm level ground and apply the handbrake.
Lower the linkage and any front loader to the ground.
Switch off the engine and remove the key.
Let hot components cool before you work near them.
Steam clean or pressure wash the front of the tractor.
Pay attention to the pump area and any oil soaked zones.
Dirt and oil are not your friends when you open hydraulic pipes.
Step one: drain and remove the fuel tank
Drain the fuel tank into clean cans so you can reuse the fuel.
Failing to drain leaves you mopping diesel off the floor.
Once drained, remove the fuel tank fixings.
Lift the tank clear and store it upright in a safe place.
Removing the tank gives space and access to the pump and pipes.
Step two: release the pump drive
Locate the pinch bolt that clamps the pump drive coupling.
Use the correct spanner to loosen the pinch bolt.
Do not remove it fully unless the setup needs it out.
Freeing the clamp lets the pump slide off the drive shaft.
Step three: remove the hydraulic pipes from the pump
Place a tray under the pump to catch oil that escapes.
Crack the hydraulic pipe unions with the right spanners.
Expect oil to flow as you undo each line.
Do not wear new boots for this step.
Cap or plug open lines if you can to keep dirt out.
Step four: unbolt the hydraulic pump from the tractor
Find the bolts that hold the pump body to the front casting.
Use the 3/4 and 9/16 sockets with the ratchet to remove them.
Support the pump as you remove the final bolt.
Do not let the pump drop onto pipes, shafts, or your feet.
Step five: slide the pump off the drive shaft
Move the pump forward along the drive shaft.
If the pump sticks, use the pry bar with care to start movement.
If needed, open the slot in the coupling slightly with a small chisel.
Do not smash the coupling or shaft with wild blows.
While the pump is off, inspect the drive cushion or rubber element.
The cushion should look smooth, firm, and responsive.
A torn or limp cushion can cause noise, slip, and extra wear.
Replace damaged cushions now rather than fighting faults later.
Step six: prepare and match the new hydraulic pump
Place the old pump and new pump side by side on a clean bench.
Compare port layout, shaft design, and mounting points.
Make sure the new pump fittings match the old unit.
Swap over any fittings, elbows, or adaptors from the old pump if needed.
Use new sealing washers where required.
Step seven: refit the new pump to the tractor
Offer the new pump up to the mounting face and drive shaft.
Slide the pump onto the shaft and into the coupling.
Seat the pump against the casting with no gap at the flange.
Refit the mounting bolts and tighten them evenly.
Tighten the pinch bolt on the pump drive coupling.
Ensure the coupling clamps the shaft without distortion.
Step eight: reconnect hydraulic pipes and check routing
Refit the hydraulic pipes to the new pump ports.
Start each union by hand to avoid cross threading.
Tighten each union firmly once all pipes sit in their natural routes.
Check that no pipe rubs on sharp edges or tight bends.
Step nine: refit the fuel tank and refill
Refit the fuel tank to its mounts.
Bolt it down securely and reconnect any fuel lines and breathers.
Refill the tank with the drained diesel or fresh fuel.
Bleed the fuel system if your tractor setup requires it.
Step ten: start the tractor and test the hydraulic system
Start the engine and let it idle for a short time.
Check the pump area and pipe unions for fuel or oil leaks.
Raise and lower the rear linkage through full travel.
Operate any loaders or external services to prove pressure.
Lift something heavy enough to show the pump has real power.
Listen for smooth operation rather than cavitation or whining.
Watch for crisp lift response rather than slow, lazy movement.
Common mistakes when fitting a hydraulic pump
People skip cleaning and drag grit into open oil ports.
People forget to drain the fuel tank and end up wading in diesel.
People force pipe unions in at angles and damage threads.
People reuse damaged drive cushions and blame the new pump.
People rush leak checks and only spot issues in the field.
How Nick Young Tractor Parts can help with hydraulic pumps
Nick Young Tractor Parts can supply hydraulic pumps for pre-6000 Series models.
The team can cross reference tractor serial, spec, and pump variants.
They can supply drive cushions, fittings, and seal kits to match the new pump.
They can advise on oil grades and filter changes to protect the new unit.
Quick recap: How to Fit a Hydraulic Pump | Pre 6000 Series
Clean the front of the tractor and prepare safe access.
Drain and remove the fuel tank to reach the pump.
Release the pump drive, remove hydraulic pipes, and unbolt the pump.
Slide the old pump off, check the drive cushion, and match the new pump.
Refit the new pump, tighten the drive and unions, and refit the fuel tank.
Start the tractor, test lift and spools, and check for leaks and strong pressure.
