New hydraulic pump on left side. How to bleed system?

[K&F lawn]

we just replaced the hydraulic pump on our dixie. The old pump blew, sending aluminum pieces all throughtout the system. My dad went through and cleaned everything out with air tools and got all of the metal out of the system, put the new pump on and put new fluid in. Our problem is we have tried everything to get the air out of the system I.E (jacking back tires up and slowing rocking handles back and forth). We can see air in the lines and they seem to be escaping through the resevoir but the handles are not getting any better, no power.

Any suggestions would be very greatly apreciated. We need our mower back!
thanks in advance

[DC Service]

Try rotating the tire (with the machine off and jacked up in the rear)This will make the wheel motor act as a pump.If you have bubbles moving in your clear lines when you start the engine,You can let it idle(jacked up in rear)with the steering levers pinned forward(use a bungee cord or tarp strap).
the system will bleed itself.It may take quite a while for this to happen.As long as the bubbles are moving,you should be ok.if the bubbles stop you have an airbound pump.Shut it down right away (the pump can self destruct in 16 seconds or less if airbound)Good luck! Let us know how you make out! :cool: