Ford 1220 lift arms drop when I use the FEL?

AZFord1220 · Oct 4, 2022

I bought a very used Ford 1220 from a local landscape company. It has an unknown brand FEL. It is connected to the Hydraulic Manifold block at the inlet and outlet ports. The control screw is set in the Lift Linkage position. The FEL works but when I lift with it the lift arms drop. As soon as I release the loader the lift arms rise.

My questions:
What position should the control screw be in?
Will I have to switch it when I want to use the lift arms?

It also has a 48" Gannon with Top Tilt and Scarifier hydraulics. These are connected under the seat. None of these cylinders will hold position for long when the control is released. I suspect the control valves are shot. Mentioning this in case it has some bearing on things.

Roadworthy · Oct 4, 2022

For starters check the level of your hydraulic fluid.

AZFord1220 · Oct 5, 2022

It was slightly low and that has been topped off.

JasperFrank · Oct 5, 2022

Probably not related, but have you tried adjusting the speed valve directly below the seat?

LD1 · Oct 6, 2022

How fast do the lift arms drop?

Any pics of this control screw, I'm not familiar with the model.

Any pictures of the hoses and plumbing of how the loader valve is hooked up and how it's tied into the pump and 3ph

AZFord1220 · Oct 6, 2022

Even when shut completely they still drop. Isn't shutting that supposed to hydraulically lock them? I will get some pictures today.

BukitCase · Oct 6, 2022

Starting to sound like your 3PH lift cylinder is leaking by - if so, could be as simple (note- I did NOT say "easy")

If that cylinder leaks (internally) enough, it'd take ALL the pump can put out just to keep it up... Steve