1020 - 3 point lift is jerky

[jjaaam]

The answer to that question is not in our crystal ball.. sorry.

But would you do the work yourself? whatever it might be?

Yeah...I know. Just trying to get a feel for how much it would cost IF something crazy happened (like the pump going out totally). I can do a little of the work but I certainly couldn't split the thing if needed.

Maybe it's best to just keep looking...

 

[Zebrafive]

Does the tractor have any rear remote hydraulic connectors? If so, I would at least want to see standby pressure TxJim suggested. You need a male quick coupler connected to pressure gauge.

The 3pt should lift about 2000lbs.

I would worry more about the clutch than a jerky 3pt. That would require a split to fix.

I would probably buy it. Drain the hydraulic fluid (save it, since clean) replace the filter and clean the sump screen and refill. I doubt it's the pump. I think TxJim will tell many good pumps have been replaced when they were not the problem.


If you can get $500 off that would more than cover a filter change and even new fluid (takes about 10 gallons).

 

[jjaaam]

At first I told the seller "no"...but I then called some dealers and got feedback that it probably wouldn't be THAT major of a repair...so I pulled the trigger. Seller did agree to take $300 off the asking price.

Once I got it home I was able to take a better look. It may sound silly but it was hard to accurately see the fluid level on the trans fluid dipstick. It actually was several gallons low. I filled it and it seemed to take care of the issue. Then I used it for about 4 hours straight working my driveway and doing a little mowing. Once it warmed up, though, the lift got slow and started jerking a little bit again.

I'll change the filter and clean the sump screen at some point. It still works, just not 100%. Good enough for now.

I think I made the right choice. My neighbor came over and was surprised when I told him it was a 1967 model...said he would have never guessed it was that old by looking at it. Admittedly it does have some "character" LOL...but nothing that a can of JD green paint wouldn't fix. And, given the overall condition, the price was really good based on comparables that I had seen. Like I said, I used it for several hours and everything else worked great - loved the power steering and good brakes after dealing with my old MF50 for the last several years!

Thanks to all for the input/opinions.

 

[Zebrafive]

If the shift boots are cracked or porous, they will let water in if outside in rain snow. Water will destroy the brake linings very quickly. I would do the flush filter change and sump screen cleaning NOW. Use the $300 you got off, you will have $$$ left over if you do the work yourself. Buy new shift boots if they look bad at all.