3-Point Hitch JD 4300 power steering, 3 point intermitent

chapells · Sep 6, 2005

My 2000 JD 4300 HST started losing power steering this weekend. It was underpowered at all engine RPM and got worse as I used it. In addition, the 3 point would not function reliably - it would sometimes not lift at all, at other times it would lift slowly and very noisily. Seemed to be in sync with steering trouble.

I was using bush hog when I first noticed issues and had difficulty getting the PTO to disengage. Eventually had to man-handle the engagement lever. After a few minutes of engine off time - the steering and 3 point would partially work but very quickly degrade to unusable again.

Didn't notice any problem with the hydraulic drive though. Any ideas?

beenthere · Sep 6, 2005

They are two different pumps, and the only thing in common is the drive shaft and the hyd. oil.

I'd first look at the fluid level, as I suspect it is low.

Second, I'd have the pump drive gears and shaft looked at.

Other than that, don't know.

chapells · Sep 6, 2005

The level was at the top of the site glass - the small round site glass next to the PTO. It is a tad lower then I've seen it before - usually it is above the top of the glass. The manual says it should be "within the site glass" so I ruled out fluid as an issue. Perhaps I'm wrong.

"beenthere" - When you say they as different pumps - do you mean the steering and the 3 point? And they both draw from the same hyd resevoir?

I'm trying to get the dealer to come take a look at it but thought I would simultaneously check for a solution on this forum - in case I was missing something easy.

Thanks, ScottC

beenthere · Sep 6, 2005

Yes, as I understand, there are two hyd pumps, one for the steering and the other for the hydraulics. I believe they both run off the same 'shaft' or gear.

Maybe there is a filter that is plugged. Have you changed the transmission filter and cleaned the screen?

jd110 · Sep 6, 2005

I would change the filter and clean the sump screen first. Does the oil look clean? I would also check for a crack in the molded rubber suction hose at the hydraulic pump. I have seen this happen on a couple of occasions.