Hydraulic System Troubleshooting in the John Deere 8875 Skid Steer

[MikePhua]

The 8875 and Its New Holland Roots
The John Deere 8875 skid steer loader was built during a period when Deere partnered with New Holland to expand its compact equipment offerings. Mechanically, the 8875 shares its platform with the New Holland LX865, including the hydraulic system, drive layout, and control architecture. With an operating weight of around 6,800 lbs and a rated lift capacity near 1,750 lbs, the 8875 was designed for demanding tasks in construction, agriculture, and landscaping.
Its hydraulic system powers the lift arms, tilt cylinders, auxiliary attachments, and drive motors. The system is driven by a gear-type pump mounted to the engine, feeding a valve block that distributes flow to each function. When hydraulic issues arise, they can manifest as sluggish movement, total loss of function, or erratic behavior—each pointing to different failure modes.
Symptoms of Hydraulic Failure
Operators may encounter:

• Lift arms or bucket refusing to move
  
• Jerky or delayed response from controls
  
• Hydraulic whine or cavitation noise
  
• Fluid overheating or foaming in the reservoir
  
• Weak auxiliary flow to attachments
  
• Machine movement but no lift or tilt function
  

A contractor in Ohio reported that his 8875 would drive normally but refused to lift the bucket. After checking fluid levels and filters, he discovered a clogged suction screen starving the pump.
Common Causes and Diagnostic Pathways
Hydraulic faults in the 8875 often stem from:

• Low fluid level or contaminated hydraulic oil
  
• Clogged suction screen or return filter
  
• Air ingress through cracked hoses or loose fittings
  
• Worn pump unable to build pressure
  
• Stuck spool valve or internal leakage in the control block
  
• Faulty relief valve causing premature pressure bypass
  
• Electrical solenoid failure on auxiliary circuits
  

To diagnose:

• Check fluid level and condition (milky fluid indicates air or water contamination)
  
• Inspect suction screen and return filter for debris
  
• Use a pressure gauge to test pump output at the valve block
  
• Manually actuate spool valves to check for sticking
  
• Inspect hoses for leaks, bulges, or abrasion
  
• Test solenoids and relays with a multimeter
  
• Monitor system temperature during operation
  

A technician in Georgia used a flow meter to confirm that the pump was delivering only 40% of rated flow. Replacing the pump restored full hydraulic function.
Repair Strategies and Component Access
Once the fault is identified, repairs may include:

• Flushing the hydraulic system and replacing fluid
  
• Cleaning or replacing the suction screen and filters
  
• Installing a new hydraulic pump with matched flow rating
  
• Rebuilding spool valves with new seals and springs
  
• Replacing damaged hoses and fittings
  
• Replacing solenoids or relays in the electrical control circuit
  
• Adjusting relief valve settings to factory spec
  

Recommended tools:

• Hydraulic pressure and flow test kit
  
• Multimeter for electrical diagnostics
  
• Seal installation tools for valve rebuilds
  
• Torque wrench for pump and valve mounting
  
• Clean work surface and lint-free rags for contamination control
  

A fleet manager in Texas rebuilt the valve block on three 8875 units using OEM seal kits and upgraded relief valves, improving lift speed and reducing heat buildup.
Preventive Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
To reduce hydraulic failures:

• Change hydraulic fluid every 500 hours or annually
  
• Replace filters and inspect screens at each fluid change
  
• Grease all pivot points weekly to reduce side-load stress
  
• Inspect hoses quarterly and replace any showing wear
  
• Monitor system pressure and temperature during operation
  
• Train operators to recognize early signs of hydraulic lag or drift
  

A landscaping crew in Maine added a hydraulic inspection to their seasonal maintenance checklist, catching a failing pump before it stranded the machine on a remote jobsite.
Conclusion
Hydraulic issues in the John Deere 8875 are often rooted in overlooked maintenance or component wear. With methodical diagnostics, proper tools, and clean repair practices, operators can restore performance and avoid costly downtime. Whether lifting, tilting, or powering attachments, the hydraulic system is the heart of the 8875—and keeping it healthy means keeping the job moving.