Ford 1310 Hydraulic issues

jayjaysin · Oct 2, 2013

I have a mid 80's 1310 that we inherited. It has and FEL that has worked o.k. while I've owned it. I don't use the tractor a whole lot, but over the past 2 years or so the FEL has gotten more and more sluggish. I was told once that the controller most likely needed rebuilt. Last summer while landscaping a friends yard it was spitting fluid out pretty consistently from the controller, so I figure that's an issue that needs corrected. Earlier this year another condition developed with the hitch hydraulics where it was pulsing while in the up position. Now this week it's loosing it's position while in use. When running the brush hog I'd set the height, then within 5 minutes it was riding on the ground. If I moved the lever all the way down for s few seconds then lifted it back up, it would raise the arms again.

So is this issue all related to the FEL controls leaking or needed rebuilt, or is there a valve to the rear hydraulics that is allowing backflow? Or something else going on?

jinman · Oct 4, 2013

Your FEL would have to be leaking buckets to effect the 3PH lift that much. More than likely, you have a lift cylinder seal problem. You may also have a weak hydraulic pump. To fully check the functions, you need a pressure test and maybe also a flow test. I'd suggest you talk to a local NH dealer's shop or even almost any other tractor place that will have people with knowledge and the tools to do testing. Without being able to see your tractor in operation, nobody here can make a call about your issues. The flow for hydraulic fluid on a NH normally goes through a diverter valve that sends the fluid first to the FEL and then it gets routed back to the 3PH. Sometimes inside the FEL dual valve a power-beyond plug can loosen and cause the 3PH to not get fluid or not enough fluid to operate. A New Holland dealer can check all these things and give you an estimate of repairs. That's what I'd suggest because you don't have the tools, knowledge of the system, or service manuals.

BTW: If you have had the tractor several years and not done fluid/filter service, you could have a clogged filter or contaminated fluid causing the problems. Long periods of inactivity can cause problems even though hours used are low.