JD 5400 3 point hitch slow

Plasticfan · Jul 23, 2018

Long time lurker here. Now I need some help. I知 a fair mechanic but know nothing about hydraulics. Bought a JD 5400 with 540 FEL. FEL works great, it will pick the front tires 2 ft off the ground. 3 point will not move until 2000 rpm and then comes up slowly. Once up it will stay there overnight. Previous owner says it started doing that after he installed the FEL.

What I致e done:
Cleaned suction filter
New JD Hygard fluid
Verified pipe plug is in the pressure port of rockshaft control valve.
Verified I have 2700psi to loader lift cylinder after I adjusted the pressure relief valve
Also noticed the PB sleeve has a hole clear through it, is that normal?

That痴 about the limit of my expertise. If anyone here can give me some more things to check it would be much appreciated.

TIA, Don

JD5210 · Jul 24, 2018

Do not have an answer for you, but you might consider downloading the tech manual from selectmanuals.com for $29.95 and see, if that has any suggestions for you.

Here is a link to JD parts incase you do not have it.

John Deere - Parts Catalog

hosspuller · Jul 24, 2018

Have you checked the rockshaft linkage ? Try adjusting the rate of drop knob. It's behind the seat.

Plasticfan · Jul 24, 2018

hosspuller-- I've about wore out the threads playing with that thing but thanks for the tip.

Plasticfan · Jul 24, 2018

JD5210--I've got the owners and service manual and did a lot of searching in the parts book. This thing is kicking my butt. Thanks for the tip

kthompson · Jul 24, 2018

"Once up it will stay there overnight. Previous owner says it started doing that after he installed the FEL."

Think they did not get it plumbed properly or a valve is not adjusted correctly. Did he installed the plumbing for the fel? Think your issue is there.

Plasticfan · Jul 25, 2018

kthompson--Here is a pic of how it's plumbed

The top left connection is hooked to the PB valve on the spool valve
The top right connection is hooked to outlet on spool valve
The bottom connection (pressure) is hooked to inlet on spool valve.

I switched the two top hoses once and then the 3 point didn't move.

I'm getting suspicious of the spool valve. It doesn't look new and it has plenty of pressure but the 3 point does not. There is nothing between those two except a rubber hose. Does that make any sense?

Don

oldnslo · Jul 25, 2018

your Loader valve may require a special fitting or plug installed to make the power beyond port operational. Some valves require a special fitting with O-rings, if the internal O-ring is damaged or missing it could allow the oil to flow to tank Vs operating the 3 point.

Can you install a gauge in power beyond line to see what pressure is available while trying to raise the 3 point?

Plasticfan · Jul 25, 2018

oldnslo said:
your Loader valve may require a special fitting or plug installed to make the power beyond port operational. Some valves require a special fitting with O-rings, if the internal O-ring is damaged or missing it could allow the oil to flow to tank Vs operating the 3 point.

Can you install a gauge in power beyond line to see what pressure is available while trying to raise the 3 point?

My loader valve has the power beyond valve installed and the orings appear ok. The gauge in the power beyond line would be helpful. Do I just tee it in that line? If so I'll have to get some fittings in the am.
Thanks, Don

oldnslo · Jul 25, 2018

Yes just tee the gauge into the power beyond. Another on some valves is a gauge port in the pressure line or multiple pressure ports one of which can be used for a gauge. A gauge in this port would also work