3-Point Hitch 3 point no longer raises, need help

mach158 · Dec 22, 2008

I have a 70's john deere 1630E. Found out ihad a hydraulic leak the hard way when the reservoir became empty and i noticed the steering was getting harder. Drove tractor like this for 3-5 minutes, didnt have much choice there.

Now I have added fluided and steering is like new but now my 3 point will not raise. I can lift the arms all the way up with little effort it seems. No idea if thats good or bad or even relevant. I figure any air in the line should have bleed itself out by now. Ran tractor for approx 20-30 minutes and 3 point still doesnt move. All fluids are full. No idea what else to check really. I'm an auto gear head, tractors are new to me.

If pictures of the tractor help they can be seen here mach158/JD 1630 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Edit: can i get this moved to the hydraulic section? I didnt see that when I posted this.

Zebra5 · Jan 5, 2009

I have a JD 2030, w'HI-LO and Independent PTO. My PTO stopped working and then the three point would not raise. Disengage the PTO and the three point would raise. Turned out an internal line for the PTO clutch broke (the one to engage the PTO) When the PTO was engaged, Hydraulic oil was just pumping to the transmission case and no pressure was available for the three point. When disengaged, there was pressure for the three point. It took splitting the tractor to replace the broken line.

AKfish · Jan 7, 2009

Does your PTO still work? My tractor has 3 hydraulic pumps but most JD's with power steering have at least 2 pumps (implement/SCV's and steering).

My tractor has a main pump for the loader and backhoe; second pump for the 3pt and pto; third pump for the power steering and some flow split off to the main pump with the hoe running.

So, if my 3pt won't work -- it's a real good bet the the pto won't work either (assuming that the pump went bad)!

Key would be to troubleshoot your other hydraulic functions and try to isolate the problem as one of the pumps failure or an internal line (zebra5 mentioned) break.

If you can get your hands on the Technical Repair manual for your model tractor or get together with the shop foreman or floor mechanic at your dealership for advice and a glimpse of the Repair manual -- IMO -- that would help get you pointed in the right direction.

Best of luck.

AKfish