3 pt hitch jumps up and down continuously!

[jimgerken]

My JD4100 has developed a problem, and I thought maybe one of you guys had seen these symptoms before. The 3 pt hitch moves up and down about one-half inch at the swivel balls, all by itself when the tractor is running. The cycle rate is about one jump per second. The only way to stop it is to drop it all the way to the bottom. It will do it anywhere else, all the way to the top. This started after using my new tree getter, although I did not feel I was abusing anything. Is there something which needs adjustment, hopefully? Any suggestions? Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Casimir]

I'm not a hydraulics expert, by any means, but I can't help wondering if you got air in your hydraulic system when you attached/detached the tree getter. Also, was the hydraulic system on the tree getter full when you first hooked it up, or did you pump some hydraulic fluid into it from the tractor? Have you checked the level of the hydraulic fluid in the tractor since you detached the tree getter?
(Just questions that popped into my feeble mind /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif)

 

[jinman]

It sounds to me like your position control is out of adjustment and there is some overcompensation going on. Another possibility is an internal leak. If you put a load on the hydraulic lift, raise it to the top, and shut off the engine, does the lift hold the load or drop? If it drops, you probably have an internal leak. I've seen this "hunting" syndrome on older tractors, but haven't seen it recently...but then I'm not a tractor mechanic. I'm just making suggestions.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

My 4300 has started to do it to, it'll go down about 1/2 inch then go back up again, and over and over about once every 5 seconds, it'll do it even empty... Hydraulic oil is top of bubble and I'm not sure what to check either.... does the valve under the seat need cleaning, I think its the rockshaft or something? Anyone else find a fix?

John

 

[vankirt]

Had the same problem on my 4300. I don't recall what it was exactly, but the dealer replaced a part (something having to do with fluid being able to bypass where it was suppose to go). I remember being told that it was a known problem, so your dealer should be able to help. It's been two years since I had it fixed, and it never happened again.
-Tom

 

[RoyJackson]

Since Vankirt mentioned replacing a part...it sure sounds like a check valve going bad.

Oops!! Spelled Vankirt's nick wrong originally! Sorry!

 

[jimgerken]

My 4100 goes in today. I called the dealer and he also said it was a known problem, he suggested probably replacing the valve. It is under warrantee at 1.5 yrs and 100 hrs. Decided to have them do the hyd oil change and screen clean right away too. Thanks for the info.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Is the valve hard to replace, if easy, where is it located?

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Does anyone have a part 3#?

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I called the dealer, my tractor is under warranty from my 4/2/02 purchase date, he said it was a 5 hour job if I did it myself, have to drop the fenders, trans pan etc... Looks like I'll have to be without a tractor for a while /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif and let them do it. Luckily its a free fix. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Is there an hour limit on warranty's? I forgot to ask....

John