Ford 3000 hydraulic leak

TimFish70 · Jan 14, 2019

Hey guys first time poster and first time tractor owner. Need some advice, I have a Ford 3000 with a hydraulic leak coming from the very front of the hydraulic cover I believe. When the 3pt is operating is goes down fast and comes up relatively quick but kind of jerky on the way up. Is the leak as simple as replacing some o rings under the cover? Is the jerk on the 3pt have to do with it being 30 degrees today? Thanks

TimFish70 · Jan 14, 2019

RoyKing · Jan 14, 2019

Sounds like air in the lines which means low oil check that first, next would be a leaky return line letting air in. Mine was snug against the tranny case and rusted through in some spots. Ford want a lot of $ for new one I brazed the holes painted and put new oring in been fine for years.

TimFish70 · Jan 16, 2019

Thanks for the advice! I check the oil in the hydraulics and when in took the bolt off it took a few seconds but some fluid did come out.. from my Understanding this is the proper level?

RoyKing · Jan 16, 2019

Bolt off

Do you mean the 1/4" pipe plug square top on the side of the rear transaxle, I'm not sure but if memory serves me both the tranny oil plug and hyd oil plugs are on the right. Let's assume you check the right plug, did the oil look like vegetable oil clear with yellow tinge, or was it opaque and beige. If beige you got water in it. If the tractor if left outside and rained on it will collect water. That Pic was top cover and that small amount of oil I don't believe is your problem. Inspect on the left side the two metal lines from the oil pump to the transaxle, run your hand under those lines to see if you got oil collecting there. Report back what you find? If you find oil take a pic

TimFish70 · Jan 18, 2019

TimFish70 · Jan 18, 2019

I checked the plug for the hydraulic oil and it looked like fresh oil. The 3pt raised up just fine today no jerk at all. I believe I had the knob that controls the hydraulic flow turned in too much?? After using the lift for a few hours the leak started to get worse and worse. It’s right at the seal from the pic where the arrow is pointed.