Ford 744 front loader on my Ford 250C

chimneyman · Apr 29, 2019

My Front-Loader "control valve" is stuck in the float position so I am anticipating that it will need rebuilding. (Tractor has a full "Sims cab" on it, blocking the view and access to the hydraulic control valve assembly.) I used my cell phone to get some pictures from many angles to help me start the removal procedure. I see the two bucket hydraulic lines, and I see the two boom hyd. lines coming out of the valve main block (four in total, all half inch dia.)... To my suprise I can only find one other ( 3/4"steel) line, which I assume is the supply from the Hydraulic Pump. I cannot find a return hydraulic-fluid line back to the sump/tank. I am a good mechanic but new to hydraulics. As I have tried to understand this system it has led me to a number of questions about this sytem specifically ..., but also to additional questions. First-Is there really only one supply line to my loader-control-valve? If so does this system work with a (fluid) bypass at the pump, which stays open until I call for pressure at the valve? Is this a closed or open center system?

Some additional info: the [744-Loader] hydraulic system appears to be a totally separate self contained system powered by a forward mounted 26GPM pump,..with the hyd-oil-supply held in the hollow part of the loader frame posts. On my 250C, is the 3-point hitch raise/lower system powered thru the transmission? Also I have noticed that my (loader) control-valve is mounted/standing vertically, where as the models 345 thru the 545D have the same control valve,.. but mounted horizontally (with the joy-stick linkages turned 90 degrees also.

LOVE this tractor--Truly a tank. Have operated some heavy iron, NewHlld JCB's JD's, but nothing is as fast or as powerful (deadlyin the wrong hands) as this little 250C. I would really appreciate some expert teaching here. Thanks in advance!

Dave M7040 · Apr 29, 2019

It will be an open center system

The loader valve has to have a return to the reservoir in the loader frame.
Otherwise, you could not move the arms nor bucket as the volume of oil is different on one side of the cylinders due to the push rod.
This difference needs to get back to the reservoir through the valve. The valve will have 6 ports.

The float position will just be in the outside end of the arm spool. The spools themselves are a precision fit in their bores and have no internal seals.

With your model of tractor being built from 1989 - 1994, you may have difficulty getting any hydraulic parts.

The 3 pt hitch will be powered off another pump either connected to the engine or transmission.

Is there a label on the loader valve?

Dave M7040

chimneyman · Apr 29, 2019

Dave M7040 said:
It will be an open center system

The loader valve has to have a return to the reservoir in the loader frame.
Otherwise, you could not move the arms nor bucket as the volume of oil is different on one side of the cylinders due to the push rod.
This difference needs to get back to the reservoir through the valve. The valve will have 6 ports.

The float position will just be in the outside end of the arm spool. The spools themselves are a precision fit in their bores and have no internal seals.

With your model of tractor being built from 1989 - 1994, you may have difficulty getting any hydraulic parts.

The 3 pt hitch will be powered off another pump either connected to the engine or transmission.

Is there a label on the loader valve?

Dave M7040