Hydraulic Blowup

Slamfire · Aug 6, 2003

Although a few folks objected to my statement that it was operator error, you are about to get the bill for the repairs. It didn't hurt them, but you'll pay for it. Counting on mechanical things to do their job is, the way I was taught, operator error. Keep your hand on the stick, when raising the hitch, and when the motor bogs, return it to neutral posititon. Then if the relief valve doesn't work, no harm, no foul, no BILL. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

F350Lawman · Aug 6, 2003

Although a few folks objected to my statement that it was operator error, you are about to get the bill for the repairs. It didn't hurt them, but you'll pay for it. Counting on mechanical things to do their job is, the way I was taught, operator error.

Gee I am about to get in my car and I am counting on the steering and brakes working. Should I avoid highway speeds in case they fail so as I don't have an accident due to operator error? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Slamfire, give us a break already. Sounds like you're trying to justify your original statement. You now have expanded the definition of operator error to include all mechanical failures.

I was going to turn off my TV but that would require a leap of faith on my part that the wiring is all correct and I won't get electrocuted...well here goes if I get electrocuted please don't post about my operator error. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

chrisjbell · Aug 6, 2003

On my tractor the way it is supposed to work is that when the lift lever is pulled back (lift position) the control arms are raised. When they reach full height, there is a mechanism that is supposed to move the lift lever back into the neutral position. There is also an adjustable relief valve that is supposed to release if the system's pressure goes up too far.

If you have a similar system on your tractor, even if you were to hold the lift lever and prevent the release mechanism from working (or if you were trying to lift something that is too heavy for the hydraulic system), the relief valve is supposed to pop off, preventing damage to the system.

It is possible that one of your hoses was old / damaged and blew out at a lower pressure than the system is designed to handle. But in any case, you shouldn't have a blowout like that as long as your lift arms / controls / pop-off valve are all working properly.

BTW, you did exactly right when it went - shut the thing down as quickly as possible. Good luck on getting it fixed, hope it doesn't cost an arm and a leg (and if the tractor is under warranty I would definately ask the dealer about a possible system failure -either the release mechanism or the relief valve)...Chris

stvman · Aug 7, 2003

Slamfire, If I am to follow that line of thinking I would have to weigh everything I plan to pick up with my front end loader. I would never want to try and pick up what could be a 3000# rock with my 2500# loader, that would force me to rely on the relief valve. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

GreenMtnMan · Aug 7, 2003

Gee I am about to get in my car and I am counting on the steering and brakes working. Should I avoid highway speeds in case they fail so as I don't have an accident due to operator error? 

No, but you're supposed to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your foot on the brakes. I just knew that people who ride their brakes had to have a good reason /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

frank_f15 · Aug 7, 2003

you are just funning us right? if i kept my hand on the 3pt lever(to be safe) what is to stop the fel from going up? mabey i should keep my hand on that instead but then i can't keep it on the 3 pt. lever /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif when i raise my 3pt , i just raise it to max and it stops. if i had to do as u suggest with every lever and pedal on the tractor , that machine would be gone.

F350Lawman · Aug 7, 2003

No, but you're supposed to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your foot on the brakes. I just knew that the people who ride their brakes had to have a good reason

Maybe that should carry anchors instead?? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

WVBill · Aug 7, 2003

( Counting on mechanical things to do their job is, the way I was taught, operator error. Keep your hand on the stick, when raising the hitch, and when the motor bogs, return it to neutral posititon. )

I was taught to follow the operator's manual and I'm sure his operator's manual doesn't say "Keep your hand on the stick, when raising the hitch, and when the motor bogs, return it to neutral posititon." - mine doesn't.

How can it be operator error if you follow the operator's manual?

normde2001 · Aug 7, 2003

"How does the 3pt hitch work on your tractor? Can you move the lever to any position on a 1/2 moon arc, and the hitch will raise or fall to that position & stay there?"
"If you have the first type of 3pt hitch, then your pressure relief valve has failed, and you need to have it serviced"

This is very confusing....That's the way mine works and as far as I'm concerned, that's the way it should work. I can raise or lower my boxblade 1/2-1" at a time for leveling by keeping my hand on the lever and I like it that way.

slowrev · Aug 7, 2003

My lift follows the control. If I move the control to the halfway position then the lift moves to the halfway position. This is handy when repeadly lift a hog or plow at the end of a row or something like that. Just put the lever where you want it and the lift follows, you don't have to watch the lift. Easier on the back and neck. It also has adjustable stops for resetting the plow to the same depth for the new row, etc.