3pt doesn't stay raised after engine is shut off

Dan707 · Feb 27, 2015

This problem just developed on my 1984 Ford 1910 1665 hours. Hydraulics for the FEL and the 3pt work great with the engine running but shutting it off causes the 3pt to lower to the ground. Any leads on what to check first?
Thanks

J_J · Feb 27, 2015

The only place for the fluid in the cylinder to go is back through the valve spool, or through the piston seals.

vtsnowedin · Feb 28, 2015

What J-J said. Depending on which O ring or seal is blown it may get worse until you fix it. My 5045E got so it wouldn't pick up 300 lbs with the 3pth. Nothing $900 in dealers shop time won't fix.

LD1 · Feb 28, 2015

Yep. Valve or piston seal for the 3ph. The position control of the valve holds it up as long as the engine is running and the hydraulic pump is pumping.

Not familiar with that model but a lot of newer tractors have a 3ph drop speed adjust knob. If so equipped, you can close that off. If the 3ph still drops, its the cylinder. If not, its the valve.

Egon · Feb 28, 2015

If it does not affect your use of the equipment just carry on as usual. Most equipment will leak down as the hours and wear accumulate.

cormier · Mar 1, 2015

Lower your attachments to the ground when you park your machine. Its relieves the pressure on all the seals and they will last longer that way. And its much safer also. If a hose blows or seal and it crashes down on somebody!

Gunny · Mar 1, 2015

Lots of the smaller Kubota tractors have an o-ring on the lift cylinder that can eventually wear out. It's not a huge deal to replace, but it does take some time. As long as it was lifting while running, I'd let it be.

I also agree about never leaving any implement suspended when the tractor is parked, no sense in putting any more strain on stuff than it has to go through.

Dan707 · Mar 1, 2015

Gunny said:
Lots of the smaller Kubota tractors have an o-ring on the lift cylinder that can eventually wear out. It's not a huge deal to replace, but it does take some time. As long as it was lifting while running, I'd let it be.

I also agree about never leaving any implement suspended when the tractor is parked, no sense in putting any more strain on stuff than it has to go through.

It does have the control knob. I believe its all the way screwed in already but will check

Its not a huge problem that it does it but sometimes I need to inspect the attachment with it up or adjust the sway.

Thanks all

ovrszd · Mar 1, 2015

If your control knob is screwed in all the way the 3pt won't lower.

As far as valve versus cylinder. A few months ago I would have said it can be either. But after a lengthy discussion here on TBN I have been educated. It's impossible for the cylinder to be the problem. It's the valve. Hopefully no one will ask me to explain that, cause it will take several pages of posts. But it's true. Unless the valve lets the oil escape back to the tank, the cylinder cannot drift down.

Be nice everyone. Let's not sling mud as my Dad would have said.

cormier · Mar 1, 2015

ovrszd said:
If your control knob is screwed in all the way the 3pt won't lower.

As far as valve versus cylinder. A few months ago I would have said it can be either. But after a lengthy discussion here on TBN I have been educated. It's impossible for the cylinder to be the problem. It's the valve. Hopefully no one will ask me to explain that, cause it will take several pages of posts. But it's true. Unless the valve lets the oil escape back to the tank, the cylinder cannot drift down.

Be nice everyone. Let's not sling mud as my Dad would have said.

You are right it would be the valve. If the cylinder is bypassing and the valve is good their is no place for the oil to go so it wont move.