Hydraulic Drop When Engine Off

[rwinter]

I have just owned a Deere compact tractor for about two years, and just now noticed that when the 3 pt has an heavy implement on it, like a 1000 lb bush hog, in a raised position, the implement and the arms will drop to the ground in a few hours when the tractor is parked with the engine off.

I must confess that I never noticed this before in the two years of ownership, and I am wondering if this is normal or if this might indicate a hydraulic leak that needs to be fixed. All hydraulic implments like the loader and the 3 pt implements seem to work fine when the tractor is running.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[J_J]

The seals on the piston could be leaking, or the valve spool might be leaking.

It will up to you to decide how much is to much.

 

[oldnslo]

I would say this is pretty normal for 3pt.

 

[J_J]

The leak down rate varies from tractor to tractor, and that is not only affects the 3pt, and loader arms as well. The hydraulics unit will descend at different rates.

Some people hydraulics will stay where they put them for months, and others leak down.

My loader arms will descend from full up to full down in 24 hours. The more weight the faster the leak down.

If it leaks down while operating, you should be concerned. There is not a whole lot you can do to a valve to stop a leak, although some valves have o-rings, and can be replaced, but most valve spools are metal to metal fit with a very close tolerance.

There might be a leak free hyd valve somewhere, but it is probably rare.

 

[banjodunn]

Most 3pl will drop over a period of time but there is an easy way to stop it dropping:thumbsup: put it onthe ground when you shut off the tractor



Jon

 

[rwinter]

It all works fine when operatiing...thanks for all the advice

 

[Hollow]

Normal, especially if you've made a habit of parking it with the lift holding something heavy off the ground. Tractor 101: Always lower the implement before leaving the operators station unless otherwise needed. For safety and to release pressure in the hydraulic system.

 

[J_J]

That is why people install a T-N-T kit to keep the attachment set in place, using check valves.

Even when new, some 3pt will descend down over time. .

You probably only need worry unless the operation of the 3pt affects the job you are doing.

You may not notice it until dragging a long drive, and you set it for 1 in scrape, and when you get to the end of a 1/4 mile, the blade is down about 3 in.

 

[oldnslo]

JJ
How does a TNT stop the 3PH from dropping?

Yes with checks it will keep the TNT from moving but it won't have any influence on the 3PH itself.

Roy

 

[J_J]

You are right, I misspoke.