3-Point Hitch Why 3Pt Does Not Maintaining Elevation Set

   / Why 3Pt Does Not Maintaining Elevation Set #1  

swmich42

Bronze Member
Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
98
Location
Southwest Michigan
Tractor
2000 John Deere 4700 4x4 Hydro
When under load, 3pt allows implement to fall slightly, (1-4 inches) then corrects itself, and brings the implement back to where it started. What would cause this, and how to correct? Hydrolics are not something I am familiar with.
 
   / Why 3Pt Does Not Maintaining Elevation Set #2  
Has it always done this or did it just start doing it recently?
Hydraulics moving like that, or a jerking motion, or even slow behavior are generally because of low fluid level. Also check for obvious leaks. A plugged suction screen or return filter would affect performance too. So I would check the easy things first ... leak and fluid level and clean the filters. Symptoms are more apparent at low roms than at high rpms. Once the fluid level is correct, and your filters are clean, try it again.

If the problem persists, then it could be worn "O" rings or glands in the hydraulic 3pt cylinder.
Another thing to check is your position control lever. Is the lever moving (creeping down) while you are working the tractor? It may need to be tightened a bit to stay in the position you put it?
 
   / Why 3Pt Does Not Maintaining Elevation Set #3  
What year/tractor/model do you have? That will help someone diagnose the problem. Some of the old tractors did not have good three point hitch systems and wouldn't maintain elevation very well.
 
   / Why 3Pt Does Not Maintaining Elevation Set
  • Thread Starter
#4  
2000 John Deere 4700 4WD Hydrostatic, with 100 hours. Serviced last spring, all fluids changed. I will check fluid level. I have not noticed this until I recently attached box blade. Until then, I did not have any implements to try.
 
   / Why 3Pt Does Not Maintaining Elevation Set #5  
Had the same thing happen a couple of years ago. Went through the same set of checks. No joy. Was still in warranty and took it in. Was some type of divert valve that was not working properly. Nothing major. Good luck.
 
   / Why 3Pt Does Not Maintaining Elevation Set
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Thanks tchmango. I will check the fluid level. If that does not correct, I will inquire with my dealer, about how to fix.
 
   / Why 3Pt Does Not Maintaining Elevation Set #7  
2000 John Deere 4700 4WD Hydrostatic, with 100 hours. Serviced last spring, all fluids changed. I will check fluid level. I have not noticed this until I recently attached box blade. Until then, I did not have any implements to try.

Is 100 hrs right??? Geez, that's just 10hrs a year! That tractor is just now getting broke in good lol.
 
   / Why 3Pt Does Not Maintaining Elevation Set #8  
Do you have the power beyond on this tractor?
Just in the last few days, I think there was a JD 4600 member with similar problem. Disconnected and reconnected QC's and solved his problem.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ing/182403-jd4600-hydraulic-problem-help.html

Here is a troubleshooting chart. Hope it isn't a faulty rockshaft control valve, and assume the position of the lift control lever isn't moving.
 

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   / Why 3Pt Does Not Maintaining Elevation Set
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Thanks beenthere. I quick quoted MD3 on his issue. I am new to the tractor maintenance and or troubleshooting process, so you will have to forgive my ignorance. But where would the Quick Connects MD3 references be located? Since I do not have a loader, I am unfamiliar with QC's for a 3-point, if in fact there are any. The issue I have is exactly as MD3 describes.
 
   / Why 3Pt Does Not Maintaining Elevation Set #10  
I noticed you had asked MD3, and see his response.

What is the history of your 4700? New to you, or had it since new in ?? year?

If new to you, then you may get your Deere dealer to run the serial number and learn what mechanical history it has gone through. Special note to any hydraulic work possibly done, or not done. A bit surprised it doesn't have a loader (FEL).
 

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