Loader Found a spring??

[Wade.ayala]

I just acquired a Ford 3000 and was changing the hydraulic fluid. I was using a strainer and to my surprise I found a spring that came out with the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulics take about 15 to 20 minutes before their operational and I’m wondering if having lost this spring that’s the issue.View attachment IMG_6425.jpeg

 

[TractorTech]

Welcome to TBN!

Pretty sure that is spring #37 in the illustration, called a restrictor connector. I don't remember the purpose of it though.
Your hydraulics may have a suction air leak on the large metal line going into the pump over the bell housing. The line is just stabbed into the pump and held in place by a clamp on top of the bell housing under the fuel tank. The line may have come out a little or the oring that seals the tube dried out and needs to be replaced. Try spraying some oil around the tube at the pump before starting next time to see if the hydraulics respond.