Ok under the cover I referenced I can see the side of what looks like the cylinder. With that cover off, I can see the oil level rise as I run the lift up some. Just looking at diagrams, I guess this is simply oil that's been pumped through already and is on it's way back out, but I'm obviously not certain on that. I'm still getting the same symptoms of seemingly completely normal operation, but with no ability to lift a load. This could be a profoundly stupid question, so forgive my ignorance of normal tractor operation, but could any of this have anything to do with draft control? As I'm looking at the mechanics of where the cams all line up for that, I'm not sure everything is in place, so I'm wondering if somehow that's throwing things off. In addition to not knowing hydraulics, I'm pretty green on tractors overall. I'm just learning as I go. Thanks for the help!
Help Troubleshooting 3 point lift
- Thread starter jraffini
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jenkinsph
Super Star Member
I looked through the pdf of the manual you posted and it seems to be pretty thorough. I suspect you will have to open this up and go through it to find the problem. I would recommend you take pictures of everything as you work through it. I don't see where it matters what else could cause the problem such as draft control, rather open it up and find the actual problem. Make sure everything is cleaned up and in good shape with proper adjustments according to the manual. You don't want to have to tear this apart again any time soon.
ovrszd
Epic Contributor
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- May 27, 2006
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- 32,245
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- Missouri
- Tractor
- Kubota M9540, Ford 3910FWD, Ford 555A, JD2210
Yep, be diligent and patient. It's pretty simple once you open it up and study the process. I replaced every gasket, o-ring and seal whether it appeared bad or not. My cylinder barrel was badly scored so I also honed the cylinder.
My unit was heavy. I got it off by hand but used an engine hoist to reinstall.
My unit was heavy. I got it off by hand but used an engine hoist to reinstall.
Update to close this one out, before fully pulling it off I decided to take one last look at the valves that are easily accessible while still on the tractor. I found that the inlet valve was stuck, something I had missed before. After freeing that up, perfect function!! I guess it was letting just enough through to take the arms up, just not under load. It's still a little jerky at times, but it's lifting weight with no issues, and it's quick and responsive. Thanks for all the help everybody!!
ovrszd
Epic Contributor
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- Missouri
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- Kubota M9540, Ford 3910FWD, Ford 555A, JD2210
Awesome!!! You truly lucked out!!! Good job on methodically searching for a solution rather than impulsively disassembling the tractor. I call that the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid). 
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
mtowncyclone
New member
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- Sep 16, 2020
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- AC 5050
I know it's a long-shot that you're still following this but... I have the same tractor and my 3 pt lift quick working completely. I can freely move the arms up by hand and let them fall. Does this sound like the same issue? If so, can you possibly take a picture of where this valve is and how you freed it up?
Tx Jim
New Member
Welcome to TBN
Nearly all tractors have 3pt hitch designed so that the lower draft arms can be raised by hand & then lowered. This is due to the fact that the internal linkage is not attached to the piston that raises the 3 pt arms.
It would help diagnose your tractors problem tremendously if you would state what brand & model tractor you have.
Nearly all tractors have 3pt hitch designed so that the lower draft arms can be raised by hand & then lowered. This is due to the fact that the internal linkage is not attached to the piston that raises the 3 pt arms.
It would help diagnose your tractors problem tremendously if you would state what brand & model tractor you have.