jd 420 loader will not stay in float position

Mark from Maine · Dec 29, 2015

I have a year 2000 JD 4200 with a 420 loader and jd back hoe. 1900 hours. Tractor lives outdoors. Sometimes under carport. I was removing snow today from driveway. Cold out. 16 F. I use the snow blower powered by the tractor on the 3 point hitch and then scrape it clean with the loader in float position. Big driveway/yard. One and one-half hour job. Float position worked fine first half of job. Joystick starting popping back sometimes upon releasing the joystick. Gradually but steadily happened more often till now and will not stay in float position at all. I can feel it go in as usual but it no longer will stay there. New problem, never had before.

Additional info. I hose washed and pressure washed the tractor and bucket two and one/half weeks ago on a warm day. Washed away the years and years of accumulated grease and grime. Dried it off in my warmish garage for several days. Looks good again. I think I am falling in love again like when we first met in 2004. I was single then and lonely. It was the weekend of Valentines in February. I searched a local trader magazine. I made the phone call. Told myself I was just going to have a look. I should know me better. She was attractive sitting there with her loader and factory installed back hoe. Her seat beckoned me. She smoked, clacked, and rattled. I could tell, she needed me. I was weak. I had cash. I was not going home alone. We have both matured over the years and are both showing our years. We need each other more than ever. Me with help around the property. She with updates, repairs, and maintenance. Please help us. We will be most thankful. We are in it for the long haul.

Upon doing a search I found a thread but it was for kubotas. Did not know if advice would apply to John Deere.This is the thread I found. FEL control valve problem

Also, I am a new member. Look forward to hearing from you,

Mark

J_J · Dec 30, 2015

Remove the cans on the bottom of the FEL valve and inspect the springs, ball bearing and the groove for the float.

Clean or replace any damaged part, and then lube well.

Make sure the weep hole is at the bottom.

Dutch445 · Dec 30, 2015

Welcome Mark from Maine!
enjoyed your little love story, glad it's still going strong.

as JJ said, pull the cover off the scv and look at the springs etc.
the scv is part 8 in this diagram, the cover is on the opposite side from
where the joystick yokes connect to the valve.

Mark from Maine · Dec 30, 2015

Thank you JJ and Dutch 455 for the prompt response. I found an exploded diagram of part number 8 that you referred me to Dutch on my JD service manual CD. It clearly shows the springs, detent cap and ball bearings and other parts that make up the scv. The CD manual list the parts by name but does not list the individual parts associated part numbers. I was hoping to order a gasket for the can cover in case I damaged mine during removal. When I tried looking up the John Deere part numbers I got the same page you are showing me Dutch. It list the scv as a component for over $800 but does not give a break down of the individual parts that make up the valve as it does on the before mentioned JD service manual CD. Any body know if the individual parts ( springs, ball bearings, cover gasket, ect ) are available separately?

I located the scv on my tractor and it looks like it is going to be somewhat difficult to access. Do you remove any of the cover plates over the scv for easier access? I considered reaching in from the back of the tractor but the backhoe mounting plate is somewhat in the way.

Thanks for your help,
Mark

TimBuck2 · Jan 2, 2016

Mark, welcome to the forum.

I belive that was my Kubota FEL thread you refered to. I recommend you go ahead and order the rebuild kit for the float dentent. Chances are yours is worn and needs replacing.

I would search the web for a useful parts diagram for that SCV - I did so on your behalf without much luck - found diagrams but not much info or specifics associated with them. Otherwise you may need to go to your local Deere dealer and have them look through their books.

Good luck.

Tim

Mark from Maine · Jan 2, 2016

Tim, thanks for your reply. Yes, that was your article, thanks. I have the JD service manual on CD. It has a nice diagram of the SCV and also how to dissasemble and inspect. If I recall correctly the manual said if any of the parts are worn, to purchase a new SCV. I will call the dealer and see what they say. I would love to have the parts and can cover gasket beforehand.

The weather has temporarily warmed up and I used the tractor the other morning and the float position worked as it should. The temperature was below freezing during the night but just above when I was using it in the morning. Makes me wonder if the problem is moisture related. Between bitter cold arriving this week and the float position currently working I will not be taking it apart this week.

Mark