What's that noise!? Please tell me it isn't the hyd pump.

OldGrayOne · Aug 19, 2018

I have a JD 3020, 1970, serial number above 123,000. It has a FarmHand 22 front end loader on it. When I bought it, the bucket would move up and down only when the lever was moved just off the detent. When released, it would bleed down very quickly. I replaced the Selective Control Valve and it no longer bleeds down. The tilt function always worked fine. It will not lift the front of the tractor off the ground and will not lift much of a load.

When I start the tractor, I have no hydraulics for 10-15 seconds then they kick in and I have brakes, steering and 3 point operation. When it kicks in, I hear a loud ratcheting sound from somewhere forward on the tractor. The speed of the ratcheting sound is proportionate to the engine speed. Is that normal? Any help would be appreciated.

beenthere · Aug 19, 2018

What is the history of hyd. oil and filter changes?

OldGrayOne · Aug 20, 2018

I bought it from a large, reputable used farm equipment dealer. I was told the filters were new. The fluid looks/smells fresh. The dealer told me about the bucket problem before I bought it, but the price was too good. He said they had changed the fluid/filters and said the problem was either the SCV or by-pass in the lift cylinder(s). In another life, many years ago, I was an aircraft hydraulic mechanic and figured I could replace the valve or repack the cylinders. The tractor sat for six months before I started working on it (life gets in the way) so, looking back, I don't believe it made the ratcheting noise before I changed the SCV. I don't believe I would have bought it had I heard that noise in the beginning.

Tx Jim · Aug 20, 2018

1st thing you need to check is frt hyd pump drive coupler. It's possible the bushings(AR49427)&/or couplers halves are worn. When you replaced FEL control valve did you install a closed center conversion plug with proper seals?

OldGrayOne · Sep 3, 2018

Tx Jim. Thank you for your reply. I ordered a rebuilt SCV and specified it was for a JD 3020, serial number above 123,000. When it came in, I just swapped them out. I did buy new bushings, but haven't had time to work on them, yet. (Hence, my late reply to you) I did learn that if I depress the clutch too long, it starves the pump and the FEL won't operate. On the dipstick the hyd fluid looked and smelled fresh. I changed the filter today, and what drained out looked like old motor oil, but thinner. The old filter had almost no debris on/in it. I was going to pull the screen to check it and drain the system and start with fresh fluid. I was told to use a 1/2' breaker bar in the square hole on the filter cap. When I got under there, the hole was not square, but requires a fair sized Allen wrench. I own enough tools to disassemble a locomotive, two airplanes, and a bicycle, but since we are living in temporary quarters, they are all packed in storage. Would you happen to know what size Allen wrench is required?

Tx Jim · Sep 4, 2018

JD parts specifications calls for a 0.500 sq hole.for screen retaining plug on a '69-'72 3020 BUT I'll guess someone installed a plug(2nd photo) from a JD utility tractor tractor built in Mannheim factory.