Hyd. valve problem (Wallenstein)

[L3450]

Recently purchased a new Wallenstein GX700 backhoe . First usage revealed a very stiff control valve. (main boom ,had to moderately force lever)

After futher usage(20 min.) valve began to move more freely but locks (detent style) in both lift & lower positions . Dealer /Mechanic says "stiff spool" !

Anyone out there had a similar Wallenstein or general Hyd. valve problem ?

Any advice greatly appreciated !


Thanks for the advice 85 !

 

[RonMar]

How clean was the hydraulic system? There could be crap in the lines/system from assembly that could have found it's way into the spool. I have found aluminum and brass shavings in valves before mashed between the steel of the spool and valve body. It probably wouldn't hurt to disassemble the spool and check for debris and clean it out. It also could be a bad/incorrectly installed sealing "O" ring at the end of the spool. These usually have a compression washer that forces them into the proper position. If it is was not put together correctly or the valve was cycled dry, the "O" ring could have split and a small sliver of rubber could be interfering with the spool action. If all is clean, and the "O" rings are still in one piece, then it could just need a little time to loosen up.

 

[TedLaRue]

It could be simply that the linkage from your levers to the valve needs lubricated (a shot of WD-40 or Liquid Wrench or whatever), especially if the machine has been exposed to the weather for a month or several months.

Or it could be a more serious internal problem as described in RonMar's excellent post above. You might want to get your complaint in writing with the dealer saying it's "normal".

Note that while WD-40 or Liquid Wrench or PB Blaster might loosen your controls, they are not a lasting lubricant. A white lithium spray grease is a good follow up to using penetrating oil on hard-to-reach joints. It's not perfect, but it's better than penetrating oil.

 

[L3450]

Thanks for the advice guys , both of you have been very helpful.

Attachment is brand new and under warranty ,so will give it another try or two before tackling the dealer to get paperwork / have a mechanic sent out .

Will post end result at later date !

 

[L3450]

Further to my previous post it took some chasing (dealer) to finally get the valve checked out ! ( in all fairness i didn't pursue it through out the winter)

Long story short i have / had a defective valve which Wallenstein was more than willing to replace . Tractor is at dealers shop now , back home early next week hopefully ready & raring to go .