3-Point Hitch 3-point will not lift implement

[gbofarm]

I am new to the site but it looks like a lot of great information for new tractor owners like myself. I have a Ford 4000 tractor, early 1960's model. 3 point hitch worked great for a few months and then started to jerk a bit when lifting up implements. Next time a few months later I had to increase the idle to lift up the implement but it still appeared to work. The next time I could not get the implement to lift at all. I checked the fluid level and it appeared to be okay. Any suggests on how to start the troubleshooting process? Thanks in advance.

I am reposting this from the hydraulics forum because I did not get any responses. I am hoping I can get some information on where to start.

 

[Ultradog MN]

The first thing to do is try bleeding the hydraulic pump.
Pump is located on the right, rear corner of the engine.
There is a pipe plug on the side of it. It might be an allen head plug or it might be square head, hex head, etc.
Loosen - but don't completely remove - that plug and with the engine at low idle and let it puke out oil till it stops bubbling/spitting air and you get a clear flow of oil. Then retighten.
See if that helps.
It might work for a long time or it might lose prime again.
If the pump keeps losing prime then I would remove the hydraulic manifold and replace the Orings on both ends. Some guys have good luck just matching up the Orings from a hardware store, etc.
I have had the best luck ordering those Orings from the New Holland dealer. They are not expensive.
Another thing to consider is putting a pressure gauge on the tractor. If you have remote vlaves under the seat you can hook it to that. If no remote valve then screw the valve into the test port which is a pipe plug under the front of the seat. Pressure should read 2000 psi or better.
A gauge can be ordered from Northern Tool and is not expensive.
Valley Instrument Hydraulic Pressure Gauge Liquid Filled, 5000 PSI | Filled Gauges| Northern Tool + Equipment
The problem can be caused by other things too such as a rusted suction line in the tranny but try the simple/cheap things first. There is plenty of help here so don't hessitate to ask.
Also, post back with your results. All of us are constantly learning here and it helps us help others if we know we analyzed your problem correctly.

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

The first thing to do is try bleeding the hydraulic pump.
Pump is located on the right, rear corner of the engine.
There is a pipe plug on the side of it. It might be an allen head plug or it might be square head, hex head, etc.
Loosen - but don't completely remove - that plug and with the engine at low idle and let it puke out oil till it stops bubbling/spitting air and you get a clear flow of oil. Then retighten.
See if that helps.
It might work for a long time or it might lose prime again.
If the pump keeps losing prime then I would remove the hydraulic manifold and replace the Orings on both ends. Some guys have good luck just matching up the Orings from a hardware store, etc.
I have had the best luck ordering those Orings from the New Holland dealer. They are not expensive.
Another thing to consider is putting a pressure gauge on the tractor. If you have remote vlaves under the seat you can hook it to that. If no remote valve then screw the valve into the test port which is a pipe plug under the front of the seat. Pressure should read 2000 psi or better.
A gauge can be ordered from Northern Tool and is not expensive.
Valley Instrument Hydraulic Pressure Gauge Liquid Filled, 5000 PSI | Filled Gauges| Northern Tool + Equipment
The problem can be caused by other things too such as a rusted suction line in the tranny but try the simple/cheap things first. There is plenty of help here so don't hessitate to ask.
Also, post back with your results. All of us are constantly learning here and it helps us help others if we know we analyzed your problem correctly.

I just bought a 5000 lb gauge off e bay for $9.85 and free shipping to use to check my loader pressure on the JD 855 looks exactly like the one above

 

[Ultradog MN]

Thanks Grumpy.

 

[gbofarm]

thanks both of you! it at least gives me a place to start which is good... i will let you know how it goes.....

 

[gbofarm]

Well I went to tractor supply and got a gauge like above but I am not sure where the test port is to check it. But the tractor has sat since the last part of January and I fired it up today. The 3 point started to work again and seemed to pick up a scrape blade I had. There was a little shutter when it first took it up to the highest point but then it disappeared. Even when I turned off the tractor it held up the blade. I still plan on trying to check why it did what it did before when I get time. Thanks again for the help which I plan to put to use very soon.