I bought a l245dt w/ a FEL a month or so ago and have been lurking in the shadows since then using the vast amount of knowledge here to remedy quite a few issues. However, one still remains - the weak 3 point lift. It seems like there are lots of threads as this seems to be a common issue, and most get resolved fairly easily. I've slowly worked my way through suggestions to remedy the weak lift, but still have the issue. I'm really new to working with hydraulics, but am slowly gaining knowledge. So I thought I would ask for help both in understanding how the system works, and any suggestions on how to proceed.
From what I understand (in a nutshell) from the hydraulic pump on the right side of the engine, there is a supply line to the same case the 3 point linkage is connected to (not sure of proper name, directly under my seat). From there, is supplied to a small block under the left side of my seat. Two hydraulic lines are tapped into this block and feed the FEL, it's my understanding that one supplies pressure to the FEL and the other sends pressure back to the manifold block from the FEL when the FEL is not in use... it's that pressure that would lift my 3 pt hitch. There is a relief valve on the block manifold i'm describing and the FEL control seems to ahve one as well. Is this correct?
That said, onward to what i've done thus far to try to fix the issue.
- drained tranny/hydraulic fluid and purchased new hydraulic filter. The old one was totally gummed up, and collapsed. New fluid and screen installed, somewhat of an improvement. Will now hold the weight of my back blade - still will not lift.
- cleaned vent tube. Blew it out w/ air compressor. Vent tube is clear, but looking in the vent tube hole with a flashlight - it looks like there is still quite a bit of gunk within the case?
- cleaned relief valve on manifold block next to seat the best I could. Can I verify it's function?
- cleaned relief valve on FEL controls, this one was different than the one on the manifold block, more of a self contained cylinder. I could open the valve with a small file by pushing on it.
- blew out both lines connecting from manifold block to FEL controls.
So, that's where i'm at - the FEL works fine, maybe a bit slow. The 3pt lift will not lift on it's own, but if I lift the implement manually it will hold the weight.
Anybody have suggestions on what to check next, or steps to revisit?
Thanks!
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From what I understand (in a nutshell) from the hydraulic pump on the right side of the engine, there is a supply line to the same case the 3 point linkage is connected to (not sure of proper name, directly under my seat). From there, is supplied to a small block under the left side of my seat. Two hydraulic lines are tapped into this block and feed the FEL, it's my understanding that one supplies pressure to the FEL and the other sends pressure back to the manifold block from the FEL when the FEL is not in use... it's that pressure that would lift my 3 pt hitch. There is a relief valve on the block manifold i'm describing and the FEL control seems to ahve one as well. Is this correct?
That said, onward to what i've done thus far to try to fix the issue.
- drained tranny/hydraulic fluid and purchased new hydraulic filter. The old one was totally gummed up, and collapsed. New fluid and screen installed, somewhat of an improvement. Will now hold the weight of my back blade - still will not lift.
- cleaned vent tube. Blew it out w/ air compressor. Vent tube is clear, but looking in the vent tube hole with a flashlight - it looks like there is still quite a bit of gunk within the case?
- cleaned relief valve on manifold block next to seat the best I could. Can I verify it's function?
- cleaned relief valve on FEL controls, this one was different than the one on the manifold block, more of a self contained cylinder. I could open the valve with a small file by pushing on it.
- blew out both lines connecting from manifold block to FEL controls.
So, that's where i'm at - the FEL works fine, maybe a bit slow. The 3pt lift will not lift on it's own, but if I lift the implement manually it will hold the weight.
Anybody have suggestions on what to check next, or steps to revisit?
Thanks!
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