Tractor Repair: Farmall Loader Hydraulics Questions, horrible damage, loader bucket

Question
Hello Arnie -
I have three questions, but first some background:

About a month ago I purchased a 1951 Farmall M with a loader.  It was in very good condition, and as far as I could tell had no leaks.  It runs well, and so on.  The other day I tried using the loader to lift the front end of my F250 to put blocks under the wheels (chains attached to hooks on the loader bucket and the front hooks on the truck).  That was only moderately successful, and just as I got it high enough, a leak started at one of the fittings where a hose attaches to a metal line alongside the loader.  So, I figured I strained it too much.  The problem is, now I have all kinds of leaks (the control valves, and a couple of the pistons controlling the bucket).

Questions:
1) Is it conceivable that I did indeed strain it too much?
2) Have I caused horrible damage, or can it "easily" be fixed.  I do have mechanical ability, but have never worked on a tractor before, have VERY basic knowledge of hydraulics, and no manual.
3) I think the fluid level in the reservoir is low... but don't know what to put into it.  Any way to tell without flushing it out?  Or is "mixing" different fluids ok (assuming I can't figure out what's currently being used)?

Oh - I live in Northern Colorado, and plan to use the tractor year-round... primarily for cleaning up after the horses and maybe moving some snow now and again.  No haying operation or anything like that.   :-)

Thanks Arnie, for your help.


Answer
Hello,

  Don't worry, it isn't possible to put too much strain on the loader.  The old M lift-all hydraulic system only had 750-850 psi maximum pressure, and I'm surprised it could lift that much.  The loader probably hadn't been used for a while before you bought it, and now the seals are leaking from use because they dried out over the years, or are just worn with age or it hadn't been used to lift that much weight.  The hydraulic cylinders and valve on the loader can be rebuilt with new seals, o-rings, packings, etc.  A hydraulic shop should be able to supply what is needed.  If any fittings or hoses need replacing, they should be able to help you there, too.  The filler cap for the hydraulic system is on top of the clutch housing under the fuel tank.  Some tractors had a dipstick attached to the filler cap, some did not.  Mine does not.  The system holds 6 qts. of #30 engine oil.  Do not use hydraulic oil, it is too thin for these pumps.  I would just drain it all out and refill with fresh oil.  Hopefully, this will put your mind at ease.  Looking at it from my view as a tractor mechanic, it really isn't a big deal and is a minor repair job.  These were a good old tractor, and an M was our "BIG" main tractor when I was a kid.  I only remember it being in the repair shop once in my whole life.  Very reliable.  Lots of parts still available through CaseIH and aftermarket companies such as OEM Tractor Parts.           

                       Good luck,

                            Arnie