Tractor hydraulic problems

[HAV2FISH]

I have a 1999 John Deer 5310 Tractor with a 521 front-end loader. The problem im having is with the loader. It has no hydraulic leaks but when I raise the bucket it only comes up about half way then stops. Then after messing With the lever (moving it back and forth and side to side ) it will come up the rest of the way. This also happens on the way back down. Also when I tilt the bucket up and down I have to do the same thing. I have checked the fluid level and it checks full. I don?t know what steps to take next to figure this out other than calling the dealer in and having them transport it to the shop. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[mla2ofus]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

could be ice in the hydraulic filter.
mike

 

[Bondo]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

Ayuh,... Does this tractor have the "Return to dig" auto-control for the bucket,..??

We've got a Ford with it, 'n the control/ sensor rod freezes...
Nothing works quite Right, til ya get out, 'n tap it a few times to break the ice free from it...

 

[HAV2FISH]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

This problem started this past summer so i don't think its ice. How ever where would i find a filter and could it be dirty? The system does have the return to dig auto-control.

 

[JB]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

Hmmmmm. My previous tractor was a 1985 Kubota B8200. Sometime around 1994 I rolled it down a dam where it sat upside down for about an hour while I manipulated comealongs.

Shortly afterward the hydraulics went intermittent, then quit altogether. Fortunately it was not Hydrostatic Drive, so I could still drive it around and mow, but the bucket was immobile.

I decided that some residue from the bottom of the reservoir had gotten into the flow/filter so I replaced the filter. Worked for about 5 minutes and quit again.

Long story, but I eventually had to drain the entire hydraulic system while hot and put in all fresh fluid and another (expensive) filter. She worked for another couple years until I traded her in on the infamous Big Orange (1997 B2150 HST, 4WD). BO is a wonderful, hard working and reliable machine.

I suggest that you flush the entire hydraulic system (after warm-up) and replace the filter.

Good luck.

 

[Pascal]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

Does the 3 point hitch work properly?

The filter is on the righthand side, under the cab, just ahead of the rear axle - a horizontal filter canister I believe.... When was the filter last changed?? the hydraulic oil?

Also, confirm the operation of the 'joystick'. make sure that there is no lag between the movement of the lever and the movement of the spool in the valve housing... you will find the valve above and behind the filter under the cab. It might be a chore to find the right viewing angle to see this and have a helper to move the lever.

 

[HAV2FISH]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

We purchased the tractor in 2002 and since we have had it neither the oil nor the filter have been changed. I didn?t even know it had a filter till tonight. Shows how little I know. I will try my best to also check the operation of the joystick.

 

[mxfever]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

Sometime around 1994 I rolled it down a dam where it sat upside down for about an hour while I manipulated comealongs.

How did you walk away from that on?!

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

I think the guys have nailed it on starting with changing the filter. It sounds like the directional valve that your lever is connected is not having its inner spool shift properly which is usually caused by contaminants in the oil.
Another thing you can try is to move the lever (attempting to shift the valve and lift or lower the bucket) and then gently tap the valve with a hammer...gently tho'. Do not hit the hydraulic fittings. If the bucket then fully raises (or lowers) without any more lever movement or back and forth shifting then it is in that valve and it is probably debris and like the guys said....give it a good flush.
Good luck and keep us posted.
BP

 

[HAV2FISH]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

We are going to flush the system and replace the filter this weekend. Thanks everyone for the help. I'll let you know how it works.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

First off you'll need a factory service manual. Then we'll need you tractor and front end loader serial numbers along with the type of oil and weather or not you are using factory filters and parts.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

First off you'll need a factory service manual. Then we'll need you tractor and front end loader serial numbers along with the type of oil and weather or not you are using factory filters and parts.

Obviously an ethanol problem......

 

[JB]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

How did you walk away from that on?!

The ROPS stopped her when she fell on her side. I bailed and got out of the way as she slid down the slope and finally tipped upside down.

I wasn't scared. All I was thinking of was how the heck I am gonna retrieve this tractor?

 

[Pascal]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

We are going to flush the system and replace the filter this weekend. Thanks everyone for the help. I'll let you know how it works.

How did the flush and change go???

I still think that the control cables at the base of the joystick are a likely culprit. the ball and sockets are made of plastic/nylon stuff and have worn away on many other units to cause problems. The operational correction after wiggling the stick must reset the spool in an operating position.... worth a look anyway if the flush and change doesn't fix it...

 

[HAV2FISH]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

The tractor is running fine now. We went to our local JD dealer yesterday to get the oil and filter and talked with the mechanic. Ron (the mechanic) said he could come over today and help us out. It took him about an hour to flush the lines and replace the oil and filter. He also checked out the joystick controls. While talking with him today we found out his mom is a hay client of ours that we store hay for so he wouldn?t accept any payment for his help. Life is wonderful.

 

[Pascal]

Re: Tractor hydraulic problems

The tractor is running fine now. We went to our local JD dealer yesterday to get the oil and filter and talked with the mechanic. Ron (the mechanic) said he could come over today and help us out. It took him about an hour to flush the lines and replace the oil and filter. He also checked out the joystick controls. While talking with him today we found out his mom is a hay client of ours that we store hay for so he wouldn?t accept any payment for his help. Life is wonderful.

Glad it all worked out with the simple stuff.