47 Hoe Drops when using Tractor

GoodGuy · Oct 20, 2004

When I'm using my tractor such as with the FEL, but not using my hoe, I find that my hoe will "leak down" to the point where if I don't turn around & pull the lever, it will eventually drag on the ground. Does anyone know if there is a bulletin from JD to fix this because the JD tech tells me that they all leak down & the reason is that the valving is a machine fit not a seal fit. He say the only seal is so the fluid won't leak externally. If this is normal, I can live with it but I feel that although this isn't a mega dollar hoe it still shouldn't leak down especially when the tractor is not being turned off thus no loss of hydraulic pressure. Does anyone know of a "fix" from JD because the unit is still covered by warranty. Thanks !

cef2lion · Oct 20, 2004

I have the 48BH on a 4410 with 160 hours and see the same results. I make a habit out of reaching back checking it's status and if need be, raise it back up. I was going to mention it to service when it goes in for a hydro leak but expect to hear that it is normal.

My hydro leak is on the plate under the tractor that covers the one hydro filter. Not a big leak just some drops on that plate. Didn't appear to be the filter. If it is where the front drive shaft comes out of the case it will need to be split. Odd, as I was looking at a new 4410 at the dealer last week and noticed the same type of leak on that unit?

Craig

Jim_Fisher · Oct 20, 2004

GoodGuy,

Here are the leakdown specs from Deere's web site: Loader and backhoe boom/bucket lower slowly while parked

If the leakdown exceeds the spec, I would expect that it be repaired under warranty.

If you are using the loader for an extended period of time between backhoe uses, you might want to lock the backhoe with the pins provided.

Dutch445 · Oct 21, 2004

that's a great link,,
never knew it existed.

thanks!

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Dave4410 · Oct 21, 2004

My 4410 with 430 & 48 hit 100 hrs today. My dealer replaced a backhoe valve to cure a leakdown problem at the 50 hr service. The leakdown is still occuring but not as severely. I'll live with it.

BrianC · Oct 21, 2004

I thought I might pipe in here as I am going through a similar situation with my 990.

I have experienced the leak down on my loader and bucket as most all others have and I went to the Deere site to get the allowable leak down specs.

It seemed that the leak down is to be expected and accepted, in fact my salesman said as much.

When I went in to my dealer to order a grapple set up, we talked about my leak down and was told that because of "safety concerns and not wanting their customers painting a house from the bucket of the tractor, leak down was built in to the system. “

However, leak down while the tractor was running was not normal and there may be problems with valves in the hydraulics or the hydraulic cylinders. I was having problems with the bucket dropping while carrying gravel some distance.

As it turns out the control valve system needs to be replaced. I am told that the system for the 4000 series is about $450 but for the 990 it is $750 plus labor (and I am 10 months out of warranty....the story of my life).

The point is, I guess, is that the leak down should not occur while the machine is running as I think the original poster said is happening.

With kind regards

Brian

Dave4410 · Oct 21, 2004

I should add to my earlier post that the leakdown I'm noticing is only a problem with the backhoe. It seems the boom, bucket and both stabilizers are affected. The stick probably is as well but doesn't move because of the position it rests in. the leakdown occurs both when the machine is running and not. My loader only leaks down when the machine is shut down. This weekend I'll check it against the JD tolerences posted above and report back.

GoodGuy · Oct 21, 2004

Jim...
Thanks for the link, I had seen that before & tested the FEL & Hoe for leakdown "off" & they were within spec. My problem/question in this post is that the hoe is dropping without turning off the engine thus no loss of hydraulic pressure.
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Eric

Jim_Fisher · Oct 21, 2004

Eric,

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My problem/question in this post is that the hoe is dropping without turning off the engine thus no loss of hydraulic pressure. )</font>

To the best of my knowledge, the only hydraulic component that shouldn't leak down while the tractor is running is the three point hitch, which has position control and corrects the level automatically.

My 48 boom and outriggers leak at about the same rate whether the tractor is running or not. I can go for a long time before I have to raise them so I don't feel that there is a problem.

If I do need to raise the boom, it's been long enough that I probably should have locked it with the pin.

I suspect that at least some of the drop is internal cylinder leakage. The only leakage on my tractor that I have ever been able to trace to a valve is in the curl circuit on my 430 loader. If I have to carry something heavy in the bucket for a long distance, I will experience a slight leakdown. Turning off the power to the Fasse valve (solenoid valve that allows me to use the curl circuit to control both curl and 4in1 bucket) all but eliminates the leak down. I've rebuilt all four loader cylinders within the last 18 months and they're still pretty tight. I've never had to touch any of the cylinders on the hoe.

Do you feel that it leaks faster when the tractor is running and you are using the loader?

GoodGuy · Oct 22, 2004

Jim...
Thanks once again; I can't honestly say that the hoe drops more or less with FEL usage, my gut tells me no. Like I replied earlier with the tractor off, the attachment leak down falls within the JD spec so I'd think that I'm Ok but I was hoping to get a reply that someone knew of a bulletin from JD that had a fix for the leakage with the tractor running.Oh well, hoo hummm
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Eric