Jd 855 Hyd Control Valve Problem

[GreenTime]

I am looking to purchase a 1990 JD 855 that is set up just the way I want (4WD, Curtis cab w/heater, 54" front blade, 72" mower, collection system, and both turf and ag wheels and tires). The owner says the hyd control valve is bad and the joy stick only controls one hyd function. The owner has discounted the price accordingly ($5000 as is). JD dealer said the valve will cost about $2000.oo to repair. I haven't seen the tractor yet--only photos--long ways away.

Is this a fairly common problem with these models? What are chances of finding a used valve? Is the valve an easy replacement for a DIYer? Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[kennyd]

I would suspect bad or worn linkage before the valve itself, especially because "it only works one funtion" as you say. I can't get you a picture now from jdparts but I would bet it's a simple repair, and no-it's not common.

 

[Mechanos]

...What are chances of finding a used valve? ...

Pretty darn good..... if you looked in my barn. :laughing: However, I'm on the fence about parting with them as they are my only spares. But then again, if they aren't a commonly failure part, then why need spares?


Could also look at rebuilding the valves.

 

[beenthere]

Sounds fixable to me.

What level of interest and experience do you (OP) have in tackling the removal and repair of the valve (will learn then if it is just a linkage problem) ?

 

[kennyd]

Here is a picture of the valve. There is not a lot of "rebuilding" you can do to one...I still say it's a linkage problem

 

[techwrtr2]

I would go linkage first. When I got my 855 a couple of years ago, the valve didn't work as I'd like, the float was totally gone. I bought nearly all of the parts in the linkage including a new lever etc. Only problem I have now is my seat has enough play in the mounts that it interferes with the bucket functions on the lever. I'll deal with that one of these days.