Thomas 135TA - User Manual

Questions and Answers

K
karina84Aug 2, 2025
Why is there a loss of hydraulic power with flow from the gear pump in my Thomas Front End Loader?
- H
  Heather KelleyAug 2, 2025
  The loss of hydraulic power, despite flow from the gear pump, can be due to several reasons. The reservoir may be low on fluid, so replenish it with 10W30 API SJ oil. The foot pedal linkage might be disconnected or binding, requiring inspection and adjustment. Also, the auxiliary hydraulics could be engaged, so disengage them. Finally, there may be a relief valve failure in the control valve, in which case you should check the pressure and adjust it.
Y
Yolanda RamirezAug 7, 2025
How to fix hydraulic fluid overheating in my Thomas 135TA Front End Loaders?
- E
  ericawoodsAug 7, 2025
  Hydraulic fluid overheating can occur due to several reasons. First, check if the reservoir is low on fluid and replenish it with 10W30 API SJ oil. Second, the oil cooler might be plugged or dirty (also check engine radiator), so clean the cooling fins. Third, the auxiliary might be engaged, so disengage it.
S
Scott AdamsAug 12, 2025
What to do if lift arms raise slowly at full engine RPM in my Thomas Front End Loaders?
- J
  Jack WilliamsAug 12, 2025
  If the lift arms raise slowly even at full engine RPM, several factors could be responsible. Start by checking if the reservoir is low on oil and replenish with 10W30 API SJ oil. Inspect and adjust the foot pedal linkage if it's binding. Ensure the auxiliary is disengaged. Verify the engine RPM and reset if it's too slow. Replace the anticavitation check valve spring if it's broken. Check the pressure of the main relief or port relief valve in the control valve, and adjust if necessary. Inspect the pump flow for internal leakage due to wear, and repair or replace as needed. Finally, install new piston seal kits if oil is bypassing one or both lift cylinder piston seals.
W
Walter WashingtonAug 17, 2025
What causes hydraulic action to be jerky in Thomas 135TA?
- L
  Lisa JenkinsAug 17, 2025
  If the hydraulic action is jerky, it could be due to a few reasons. The reservoir might be low on oil, so replenish it with 10W30 API SJ oil. There could be air in the hydraulic system; check for leaks between the reservoir and pump, and bleed the system by extending and retracting the lift cylinders several times. Also, the anticavitation check valve may not be functioning, requiring inspection, repair, or replacement.
H
Holly HernandezAug 22, 2025
What to do if lift or tilt cylinders will not support a load in Thomas 135TA Front End Loaders?
- N
  nmahoneyAug 22, 2025
  If the lift or tilt cylinders won't support a load, first check for external leaks between or at the control valve and cylinders, and correct any leaks found. Next, check for sticking foot pedal linkages, as the control valve spool may not be centering. Also, check for a broken or stuck return spring on the valve spool. Finally, install new piston seal kits if oil is leaking by one or both cylinder piston seals.
S
Sheila LopezAug 27, 2025
Why is there a loss of hydraulic power with no flow from the gear pump in my Thomas Front End Loader?
- A
  Amber SkinnerAug 28, 2025
  If you're experiencing a loss of hydraulic power with no flow from the gear pump, it could be due to several factors. First, check if the reservoir is low on fluid and replenish it with 10W30 API SJ oil, also check for hose or fitting leaking. Second, inspect and replace any damaged parts in the coupling between the engine and pump, and check for misalignment between the engine and pumps. Third, inspect the spline coupling for sheared splines between the front and rear hydrostatic pump, and also check the pump shaft bearings. Finally, the hydraulic gear pump itself may not be functioning, so inspect and repair it.

Summary

135 TA;137;153 Skid Steer Loader

Owners and Operators Manual

Title page for the owner's and operator's manual.

Thomas Equipment Liability Warranty

Foreword and Safety Information

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

General Operating Safety

Provides essential safety guidelines for operating the loader to prevent accidents.

Maintenance Safety Precautions

Details safety precautions to be followed during maintenance procedures.

Safe Starting and Parking Procedures

2. CONTROLS

Control System Overview

Lists all the control components of the loader with their corresponding section numbers.

Instrument Panel Functions

Control Lever Handle Functions

Seat and Seat Belt Safety

Seat Bar Operation and Safety

Loader Controls: Brakes, Throttle, and Supports

Lift Arm Supports

Describes the lift arm supports for safety during service and maintenance.

Steering and Lift Arm Support Operation

Electric Solenoid Auxiliary Controls

Foot and Hand Control Operations

Quick-Tach Attachment System Operation

Electrical Panel Overview

3. OPERATION

Starting Instructions

Covers pre-starting inspection, starting procedure, and shutdown procedure.

Operation: Starting and Shutdown Procedures

Operation: Basic Procedures

Operation: Digging with a Bucket

Operation: Leveling and Backfilling

Operation: Auxiliary Hydraulics

Operation: Lifting and Towing Procedures

Operation: Transport and Safe Shutdown

Operation: Lowering Lift Arms (Engine Off)

Operation: Accumulator System

4. MAINTENANCE

Preventative Maintenance Service Schedule

Lists recommended maintenance tasks at various hour intervals.

Preventative Maintenance Schedule Details

4.2 SERVICE ACCESS

Daily Service Checks

Engine Compartment Access

Information on accessing the engine compartment and its components.

Routine Checks and Lubrication

50 Hour Service Check

Radiator and Oil Cooler Service

Instructions for servicing the radiator and oil cooler.

System Maintenance: Hydraulic, Hydrostatic, Final Drive

Controls and Safety Equipment Checks

Checks for control levers, hydraulic controls, seat bar, seat belt, and parking brake.

Component Checks and Lubrication

4.6 FINAL DRIVE MAINTENANCE

4.7 HYDRAULIC; HYDROSTATIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Hydraulic Fluid and Filter Service

Oil Cooler, Fan, and Brake Service

4.8 ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Engine Specifications

Technical specifications for the loader's engine models.

Oil Level and Filter Replacement

Steps for checking engine oil level and replacing the oil and filter.

Engine Fuel and Air Systems Maintenance

4.9 AIR CLEANER MAINTENANCE

4.10 ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

4.11 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electrical Schematics - ROPS

Electrical Schematics - Engine

4.12 TIRE MAINTENANCE

4.13 TROUBLESHOOTING - Hydraulic System

Troubleshooting - Hydraulic and Hydrostatic Systems

Troubleshooting - Drive, Controls, and Electrical

Troubleshooting - Electrical and Engine Start Issues

Troubleshooting - Engine Performance

Troubleshooting - Engine Overheating and Output

Hydraulic; Hydrostatic Circuit Diagram

Hydraulic Circuit Diagram

4.15 SPECIAL TOOLS

Special Tools - Engine and General

Special Tools - Hydraulic and Electrical

5. SPECIFICATIONS

Loader Specifications

Detailed specifications of the loader's dimensions and operating capabilities.

Torque Specifications

List of torque values for various bolts and components.

Decals

Reference to the location and identification of decals on the machine.

Loader Specifications - Dimensions

Component Specifications

Tire and Fluid Specifications

Torque Specifications

Specific torque values for loader and hydraulic components.

5.3 DECALS

Warning and Operational Decals

Collection of various warning, operational, and informational decals.

System and Indicator Decals

Model and Identification Decals

6. ATTACHMENTS AND BUCKETS

Thomas Approved Buckets and Attachments

List of Thomas approved buckets and attachments.

Attachment Details - Buckets and Options

Attachment Details - Forks, Breakers, Backhoe

Attachment Details - Brooms, Sweepers, Tracks

Summary

135 TA;137;153 Skid Steer Loader

Owners and Operators Manual

Title page for the owner's and operator's manual.

Thomas Equipment Liability Warranty

Foreword and Safety Information

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

General Operating Safety

Provides essential safety guidelines for operating the loader to prevent accidents.

Maintenance Safety Precautions

Details safety precautions to be followed during maintenance procedures.

Safe Starting and Parking Procedures

2. CONTROLS

Control System Overview

Lists all the control components of the loader with their corresponding section numbers.

Instrument Panel Functions

Control Lever Handle Functions

Seat and Seat Belt Safety

Seat Bar Operation and Safety

Loader Controls: Brakes, Throttle, and Supports

Lift Arm Supports

Describes the lift arm supports for safety during service and maintenance.

Steering and Lift Arm Support Operation

Electric Solenoid Auxiliary Controls

Foot and Hand Control Operations

Quick-Tach Attachment System Operation

Electrical Panel Overview

3. OPERATION

Starting Instructions

Covers pre-starting inspection, starting procedure, and shutdown procedure.

Operation: Starting and Shutdown Procedures

Operation: Basic Procedures

Operation: Digging with a Bucket

Operation: Leveling and Backfilling

Operation: Auxiliary Hydraulics

Operation: Lifting and Towing Procedures

Operation: Transport and Safe Shutdown

Operation: Lowering Lift Arms (Engine Off)

Operation: Accumulator System

4. MAINTENANCE

Preventative Maintenance Service Schedule

Lists recommended maintenance tasks at various hour intervals.

Preventative Maintenance Schedule Details

4.2 SERVICE ACCESS

Daily Service Checks

Engine Compartment Access

Information on accessing the engine compartment and its components.

Routine Checks and Lubrication

50 Hour Service Check

Radiator and Oil Cooler Service

Instructions for servicing the radiator and oil cooler.

System Maintenance: Hydraulic, Hydrostatic, Final Drive

Controls and Safety Equipment Checks

Checks for control levers, hydraulic controls, seat bar, seat belt, and parking brake.

Component Checks and Lubrication

4.6 FINAL DRIVE MAINTENANCE

4.7 HYDRAULIC; HYDROSTATIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Hydraulic Fluid and Filter Service

Oil Cooler, Fan, and Brake Service

4.8 ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Engine Specifications

Technical specifications for the loader's engine models.

Oil Level and Filter Replacement

Steps for checking engine oil level and replacing the oil and filter.

Engine Fuel and Air Systems Maintenance

4.9 AIR CLEANER MAINTENANCE

4.10 ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

4.11 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electrical Schematics - ROPS

Electrical Schematics - Engine

4.12 TIRE MAINTENANCE

4.13 TROUBLESHOOTING - Hydraulic System

Troubleshooting - Hydraulic and Hydrostatic Systems

Troubleshooting - Drive, Controls, and Electrical

Troubleshooting - Electrical and Engine Start Issues

Troubleshooting - Engine Performance

Troubleshooting - Engine Overheating and Output

Hydraulic; Hydrostatic Circuit Diagram

Hydraulic Circuit Diagram

4.15 SPECIAL TOOLS

Special Tools - Engine and General

Special Tools - Hydraulic and Electrical

5. SPECIFICATIONS

Loader Specifications

Detailed specifications of the loader's dimensions and operating capabilities.

Torque Specifications

List of torque values for various bolts and components.

Decals

Reference to the location and identification of decals on the machine.

Loader Specifications - Dimensions

Component Specifications

Tire and Fluid Specifications

Torque Specifications

Specific torque values for loader and hydraulic components.

5.3 DECALS

Warning and Operational Decals

Collection of various warning, operational, and informational decals.

System and Indicator Decals

Model and Identification Decals

6. ATTACHMENTS AND BUCKETS

Thomas Approved Buckets and Attachments

List of Thomas approved buckets and attachments.

Attachment Details - Buckets and Options

Attachment Details - Forks, Breakers, Backhoe

Attachment Details - Brooms, Sweepers, Tracks

Thomas 135TA Specifications

General

Brand	Thomas
Model	135TA
Category	Front End Loaders
Language	English

Thomas 135TA - User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

Summary

135 TA;137;153 Skid Steer Loader

Owners and Operators Manual

Thomas Equipment Liability Warranty

Foreword and Safety Information

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

General Operating Safety

Maintenance Safety Precautions

Safe Starting and Parking Procedures

2. CONTROLS

Control System Overview

Instrument Panel Functions

Control Lever Handle Functions

Seat and Seat Belt Safety

Seat Bar Operation and Safety

Loader Controls: Brakes, Throttle, and Supports

Lift Arm Supports

Steering and Lift Arm Support Operation

Electric Solenoid Auxiliary Controls

Foot and Hand Control Operations

Quick-Tach Attachment System Operation

Electrical Panel Overview

3. OPERATION

Starting Instructions

Operation: Starting and Shutdown Procedures

Operation: Basic Procedures

Operation: Digging with a Bucket

Operation: Leveling and Backfilling

Operation: Auxiliary Hydraulics

Operation: Lifting and Towing Procedures

Operation: Transport and Safe Shutdown

Operation: Lowering Lift Arms (Engine Off)

Operation: Accumulator System

4. MAINTENANCE

Preventative Maintenance Service Schedule

Preventative Maintenance Schedule Details

4.2 SERVICE ACCESS

Daily Service Checks

Engine Compartment Access

Routine Checks and Lubrication

50 Hour Service Check

Radiator and Oil Cooler Service

System Maintenance: Hydraulic, Hydrostatic, Final Drive

Controls and Safety Equipment Checks

Component Checks and Lubrication

4.6 FINAL DRIVE MAINTENANCE

4.7 HYDRAULIC; HYDROSTATIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Hydraulic Fluid and Filter Service

Oil Cooler, Fan, and Brake Service

4.8 ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Engine Specifications

Oil Level and Filter Replacement

Engine Fuel and Air Systems Maintenance

4.9 AIR CLEANER MAINTENANCE

4.10 ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

4.11 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electrical Schematics - ROPS

Electrical Schematics - Engine

4.12 TIRE MAINTENANCE

4.13 TROUBLESHOOTING - Hydraulic System

Troubleshooting - Hydraulic and Hydrostatic Systems

Troubleshooting - Drive, Controls, and Electrical

Troubleshooting - Electrical and Engine Start Issues

Troubleshooting - Engine Performance

Troubleshooting - Engine Overheating and Output

Hydraulic; Hydrostatic Circuit Diagram

Hydraulic Circuit Diagram

4.15 SPECIAL TOOLS

Special Tools - Engine and General

Special Tools - Hydraulic and Electrical

5. SPECIFICATIONS

Loader Specifications

Torque Specifications

Decals

Loader Specifications - Dimensions

Component Specifications

Tire and Fluid Specifications