Tractor losing power after loader attached

[borisvonf]

Yes. 3 pt works fine when loader connected to IN and OUT lines.
Also 3 pt works fine when loader disconnected if in and out connected to each other.
I guess that means I have open center.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Yes, should be a special case of open center, properly termed "tandem center". ... That other port on the valve next to the yellow is plugged. It is probably a Power Beyond port. In normal hookups both ports are used. The out is hooked to an unvalved [open] line straight back to the sump. The PB is hooked to a line leading to whatever loads are downstream. -- That said, I am confused at what is happening with the loader valve in and out of the circuit. I have heard JD uses a closed center setup, at least on some of its tractors. Im surprised no one familiar with JD hydraulics has responded.

,,,,,I think you should probably post on the JD forum so youll have a better chance of reaching JD people.

 

[ovrszd]

And amidst all the confusion, you have indicated this problem progressively got worse? That indicates to me that in the past the tractor has performed as it should??

Incorrectly plumbed or hooked up wrong would cause an immediate problem and deterioration.

Not sure which type of condition we are chasing?? Can you clarify if the tractor/FEL has ever worked properly?

 

[borisvonf]

Tractor and loader have worked fine according to my dad. Last fall when we had the flooding in South Carolina I had to drive down to dads place and move his equipment to high ground. I definitely noted lack of power as I couldn't use the highest gear when driving it down the highway. But then it didn't lose power, just could not get the Rpms up in high gear.
Dad mostly uses the loader with pallet forks on flat ground moving tree limbs and some equipment and doesn't work it very hard.
I brought his tractor up to move free recycled Asphault around my drive way on my hilly farm so I have been working it harder. I have had it on my farm for a month and running reasonably well. Just in the last week would it start dropping rpms when I got it up to pto speeds.
Only thing on back was cyclone spreader with 100lbs fertilizer and not a heavy load.
On Sunday I was able to pick up a hay rake and load on my trailer with the forks.
Once I ran the tractor for a while with no loads it started losing power and when I unplugged/bypassed loader valve the machine ran well and kept up rpm.
I just hate screwing up equipment. I have been greasing religiously, checking fluids, and generally treating it better than my own machine.
I don't even know what question I am asking.
Again thanks for thoughts.

 

[jb1390]

When I had my JD300 Industrial, I replaced the loader valve. The setup looked very similar to what you have here, 2 levers and associated lines, an in and out port, and a Power Beyond Port. That machine had a closed center pump, so the PB port had to be plugged for the system to work. The valve I bought was set up for open-center, but able to be converted for closed center. I had to replace the provided power beyond plug with an extended plug that had an O-ring, to seal off oil. The open center plug that was provided with the valve directly connected the PB fluid to the outlet port. I'd bet that you have a closed center plug installed. Take out the plug labelled power-beyond, and take a picture of it. If it has an o-ring in a groove that extends into the valve, that is your problem. If that is the case, you'd just need to get a new plug for open center, or cut off the end that extends into the valve.

 

[JD5210]

Do you have it connected to power beyond or to the end part after the SCV(s) in the back of the tractor by the right rear wheel? If it is the last that is how my neighbor has it and it works. Part after SCV(s) two hoses to the open center control valve/.controls and four hoses to his 541 loader. If this has never worked before, make sure you valve is open center and not close center. The 5210 is an open center (see tractordata URL). Some valves have a plug to change them from open to closed center or closed to open to center. If you do not know the difference between open/closed or want to learn more about hydraulics, here is a great set of videos to watch.

I suggest checking the valve to insure its open center. Is there a name on the control valve/controls?

If a couple pictures from my neighbors tractor (it does have a different control valve/controls) might help let me know.

TractorData.com John Deere 521 tractor information

Hydraulics Math - YouTube

 

[buickanddeere]

I suspect it's possible the hydraulics were never plumbed correct from the dealership?

 

[borisvonf]

Just wanted to update the situation. The tractor kept acting up and finally took it in to a shade tree tractor mechanic.
What he found was not hydraulic related at all. It was a fuel issue.
The manual priming pump was leaking air through the diaphragm and causing loss of power.
He installed an electric priming pump and removed the manual one. He told me this is the 40 ish one he has replied in a John Deere 5000 series.
I just wanted to give an update and thank everyone for their thoughtful responses.
I will be running the tractor hard next week so will give more updates
Thanks again.
I haven't picked it back up yet but wanted to show my thanks

 

[ovrszd]

This is why we should all hold the reins on quick judgements about problems. We only know the problem as described by someone we don't know that might view it differently than us. This is a classic. Very glad you figured out the problem and hopefully the tractor is now productive again.

 

[RLstangs]

This is a link to your loader valve. If the tractor has open center hydraulics, gear pumps on the side of the engine, you need to hook the valve up per the directions in this link. It is on the last page.
http://www.princehyd.com/Portals/0/valves/RD5000Manual.pdf