Front end loader and 3pt hitch Hydraulics sluggish and then stops working..

Hamp · Aug 26, 2014

After using front end loader or 3pt hitch for an hour or more, they become sluggish and screaming sounds start, then the front end loader or 3pt hitch start to jump up and down in a shivering motion and finally stop lifting. I have installed a new Hydraulic pump, I have changed the fluid and filter six times in three months

.. I tried off brands and New Holland brands and it still stops working after a period of an hour or less of work. My original filters were full of metal shavings from the brakes being so worn. My last change of filter and fluid allowed me to work over an hour before problems began again.. Any suggestions??

J_J · Aug 28, 2014

Metal shavings could be all through your hyd system.

That also says that something is wearing down, brakes maybe or some hyd component.

You essentially have a pump pumping constantly and when you move a lever, the fluid is routed to a hyd component.

If you install a hyd gage, you can see when pressure is developed or not, which will help you troubleshoot the hyd system.

Perhaps your pump is giving out when warm, but you say you replaced it.

Hyd jumping sounds like air, maybe not enough fluid, blocked return hose, etc.

Do you have bubbles in the hyd tank?

The relief should only activate when you are using the hyd to max, like extending a cyl or raising the 3pt.

A hyd gage will tell you a lot.

A hyd test set would only cost about $30.

Check all your QD's

Hamp · Aug 28, 2014

Thanks JJ, Your suggestions are just what I need.. I"ve tried everything I can think of.. I will try to locate a gauge and at the same time get help from someone who knows more about this than I do.. Again, Thanks. By the way,, Can the hydraulic system be flushed in any way to hopefully clear any remaining metal shavings??

J_J · Aug 28, 2014

Not really.

You have a return filter to help keep the tank clean, and a hydro suction filter to keep particles from the transmission if you have a hydrostatic tractor. .

If something breaks down after the filters, those particles just float around and stick to anything until they meet the filter.

There are machines to clean up fluid and filter as small as 1 micron, remove any impurities, water, etc.

A hyd shop can do a flow and pressure check., and that will tell you the health of the pump.