Loader GC2310 hydraulic issues...again!

[slb04786]

Background, spring 2024 I replaced the hydro pump due to worn pump and gear spline. It has been working ok ever since until Sunday.

My GC2310 was working fine and then out of no where the loader, BH, and 3 pt lost hydraulics. Still have power steering and HST. I checked the main pressure relief valve and the spring is intack, the flow divider spring looks ok but I must confess I don't know much about how it works. I put a pressure gauge on the main port and have no pressure unless I run the power steer to full left or right and the pressure goes to 1200# which seems to be in tolerance. I took the top block with steel tubing off the top of the main control under the seat and I get no output from it. I also removed the pressure hose going to the loader and get no pressure which makes sense seeing as there isn't any pressure at the main block coming out of the main control valve. I haven't taken the main valve body off the tractor yet. I have taken the PRV and flow divider out and checked for broken springs and o-rings. I couldn't get to the main valve without taking the body off the tractor. I did take the plug out where the 3pt lift control attaches and could verify that the valve is moving back/forth when I operate the 3pt handle. So my question to you guys is, have you ever run into this? Do you have any thoughts or suggestions? Appreciate any help you can offer.

Stan Baker

 

[dicktill]

Background, spring 2024 I replaced the hydro pump due to worn pump and gear spline. It has been working ok ever since until Sunday.

My GC2310 was working fine and then out of no where the loader, BH, and 3 pt lost hydraulics. Still have power steering and HST. I checked the main pressure relief valve and the spring is intack, the flow divider spring looks ok but I must confess I don't know much about how it works. I put a pressure gauge on the main port and have no pressure unless I run the power steer to full left or right and the pressure goes to 1200# which seems to be in tolerance. I took the top block with steel tubing off the top of the main control under the seat and I get no output from it. I also removed the pressure hose going to the loader and get no pressure which makes sense seeing as there isn't any pressure at the main block coming out of the main control valve. I haven't taken the main valve body off the tractor yet. I have taken the PRV and flow divider out and checked for broken springs and o-rings. I couldn't get to the main valve without taking the body off the tractor. I did take the plug out where the 3pt lift control attaches and could verify that the valve is moving back/forth when I operate the 3pt handle. So my question to you guys is, have you ever run into this? Do you have any thoughts or suggestions? Appreciate any help you can offer.

Stan Baker

My first thought is that the dividing valve is not working.

 

[slb04786]

My first thought is that the dividing valve is not working.

That was my thought too. I don’t know how it works so I am not sure how to diagnose it. There are two sections to the divider seperated by o-rings. One section has multiple holes (like 8-9) and the other section has 3-4 holes. I am guessing that is how the flow is divided. But there is also a spring inside the tube that maintains pressure on a sliding cap. Almost like a pressure relief. Going to tear into it today and replace the o-rings. I also plan to get the main control valve out an replace those o-rings. I know the main control valve controls the 3pt lift and if it the 3pt handle is in the wrong position (off detent) the hydraulics stop working. But I don’t have 3pt lift either. Very confusing. Thans for your thoughts.

 

[oldnslo]

Is it a flow divider or priority flow control valve?

Flow divider divides the flow in a fixed proportion regardless of inlet flow. Example: 50/50, 60/40 ratio

A priority flow control sends a predetermined flow rate (priority) to steering and excess flow goes to implement functions. The priority flow is fixed so as engine speed increases implement flow increases.

I would suggest checking for flow to the loader valve to see if there is any. If not then have to work back to see where flow is going.

 

[Dmacleo]

my first thought was the pressure relief valve (on gc2400 its beside/under deck adjust knob) but seems you checked that.

 

[dicktill]

Is it a flow divider or priority flow control valve?

Flow divider divides the flow in a fixed proportion regardless of inlet flow. Example: 50/50, 60/40 ratio

A priority flow control sends a predetermined flow rate (priority) to steering and excess flow goes to implement functions. The priority flow is fixed so as engine speed increases implement flow increases.

I would suggest checking for flow to the loader valve to see if there is any. If not then have to work back to see where flow is going.

As always you are correct, it is a priority flow control, although the factory service manual calls it "flow dividing valve". The steering valve gets 7.5 liters/min, and the implement flow is 16.5 or 18.7 liters/min depending on whether it is the 23 or 25 horsepower model.

 

[Dmacleo]

are you able to get backhoe off or least disconnect and hook return line up?
years ago on a 2015 gc1710 I had a bad line (iirc was the blue/yellow one with crush damage) causing similar issues with fel. not to the extent you see but would prob want to remove it to work on it anyway.

 

[oldnslo]

Sounds like this was a sudden failure. If yes what were you doing when it failed?

How is the GC plumbed if it does NOT have a loader valve? Is there some plug that needs to removed or installed to direct flow to the loader valve and not 3 point hitch? I believe some tractors were made this way and if that plug falls out it disables all functions. Again not certain on the GC series.

 

[slb04786]

Is it a flow divider or priority flow control valve?

Flow divider divides the flow in a fixed proportion regardless of inlet flow. Example: 50/50, 60/40 ratio

A priority flow control sends a predetermined flow rate (priority) to steering and excess flow goes to implement functions. The priority flow is fixed so as engine speed increases implement flow increases.

I would suggest checking for flow to the loader valve to see if there is any. If not then have to work back to see where flow is going.

Thanks for the reply. I have taken the pressure line off at the loader valve and got no flow when the tractor is running. I moved back to the block at the top of the main hydraulic control and got no flow there. Which stands to reason this is the block with piping that goes to the loader pressure hose. I put a gauge on the port near the power steering pressure hose and got 1200# with the steering turned far left or right. Overnight I looked the hydraulics schematic over and concluded it was either the flow control valve or the main hydraulic valve. This AM I started with the flow control because you can get it out without taken the whole valve body off the tractor. There is what appears to be some sort of pressure control or relief spring that controls a plunger that slides back and forth inside the flow control valve. This isn’t shown on the parts list. I took the spring out so the plunger was free to move back and forth. I reinstalled it, started the tractor and then I had hydraulics to the BH(I have the FEL hoses disconnected because the bucket is tied up to prevent it dropping down and dragging). I still didn’t have 3pt lift so that confuses me somewhat. I am leaning towards the flow control but would like to verify for certain. Anythoughts? I have my pressure gauge on the left side near the PS pressure line and I am only seeing readings from the PS. I need to get on the main pump port to verify full hydraulics pressure. Thanks guys!

 

[slb04786]

Sounds like this was a sudden failure. If yes what were you doing when it failed?

How is the GC plumbed if it does NOT have a loader valve? Is there some plug that needs to removed or installed to direct flow to the loader valve and not 3 point hitch? I believe some tractors were made this way and if that plug falls out it disables all functions. Again not certain on the GC series.

We were loading the tractor ono or trailer to go get some wood. My son was driving and extended the BH arm so it wouldn’t drag when it went up the ramp. That worked but when he went to lift the loader bucket he had nothing. It certainly wasn’t being stressed.

The metal piping that bolts to the top of the main hydraulic valve is a supply and return that goes down under your right foot. There is a metal pipe that loops ties the supply and return together right there.

I do know the main hydraulic valve controls the flow to the 3 pt lift and hydraulics. You have no hydraulics when you are operating the 3pt handle. And that is the main hydraulics spool valve in that assembly under your seat. Ask me how I know.

Thanks for your valued input.