Ford 1715 loader problem

fordnhguy · May 21, 2013

I purchased this little tractor a couple of years ago mostly for the front loader. It is in really good shape with very low hours and appears to have been well taken care of. I use it now mostly for mowing our 5 acres. Now the problem..... the hydraulics seem to sputter going up almost like it has air in the lines. It has done this for as long as I have had it and is not getting any better or worse. I have used the loader a lot since I have had it, but am no expert with it! The only other experience I have had was with a Ford 4000 with a Freeman loader years ago. I'm not sure it is lifting as much as it should, but I realize it is a small utility tractor.... It will not pick the front wheels completely off the ground with down pressure much to my surprise! I have changed the hyd. filter and put new hyd. oil in it as recommended by our New Holland dealer. Someone told me not to worry about it as it has air in the system and will work itself out eventually. I'm not buying it as I have used it long enough now to have self vented if that were the case.
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Randy

J_J · May 21, 2013

Air will purge it self in a normal hyd system.

You must have a constant source of air getting into the hyd system.

Check the suction hose for leaks.

Look in your hyd tank for many bubbles.

rback33 · May 21, 2013

Is the three point lever pulled all the way up? It could be pulled to far and forcing the tractor system over relief.

J_J · May 21, 2013

If the valve has regen, you might not be able to lift the front wheels off the ground.

Try the bucket lever all the way to the end, and then try the lever just a little bit.

Install a hyd gage and check the pressure.

fordnhguy · May 22, 2013

Well there's a couple of things to look at, so I will check it out. Don't know exactly how to check for air bubbles in the tank as it appears to be all internal. I'm also not sure what a regen valve is.... Thanks

cooterdude · May 24, 2013

when you pull the filler cap out look down into the sump with a small flashlight and see if you have foam a regen vlave is also called a float
does your 3 point have plenty of power while opperating if so check for a valve under your seat to swap power from it to the loader and make sure it is in the right position
could also be the main releif valve on the loader control valve could be stuck open causing all your preasure to be lost

billybobjimmyjoejack · May 25, 2013

I have the same model tractor with a factory model 7108 loader.
You won't be able to see anything in the filler hole. If you pull out the dipstick you might see some foaming of the fluid on the dipstick.
Your loader should have a "float" feature on it. When you push the joystick all the way forward it should make a "click" and stay in that position and if the bucket is flat on the ground as you move forward or backward the bucket will "float" on the ground. If you hold the joystick forward until you feel pressure against that "float" position you should be able to lift your wheels right off the ground.
There is a manifold block that supplies hydraulic fluid to the loader. There are 3 pipes that come straight down from the underside of the loader valve.
Make sure that the slot of the control screw is in line with the "S".

If my tractor sits for a long period of time it takes a while to get the hydraulics to work smoothly without "sputtering", but it does clear up.
You might also check the "quick connect couplers" at the front of the tractor sometimes these can stick or not seat properly and prevent one of the control functions from working properly.

fordnhguy · May 28, 2013

Thanks billybob, I checked the valve under the block just as your picture shows. It is turned to the s position just as you stated. Didn't even know that was there.... This tractor does have the float position on the joy stick hyd. control like yours. All appears to be working as it should be. I also can find no loose hyd. connectors anywhere on the tractor. From the looks of them I don't think they have ever been taken removed. They are all very clean, as a matter of fact, 2 or 3 of them are a little rusty. The loader all seems to work as it should, it just seems to not have as much power as I think it should have. It will still not lift the front axle off the ground like others I have used... Not sure what else to do at this point.

J_J · May 28, 2013

Did you check the pressure. It could be on the low side.

If it is low, then that would explain the low power.

Other things could be leakage on seals, valve, pump, etc.

You might have someone do a flow and pressure test.