JD 2155 hydraulics sluggish with clutch fully depressed

[StClair15]

I recently purchased 1990 JD 2155 with a 146 front end loader from a gentlemen that his father had bought it new many years ago. Currently has 3580hrs and hour meter does work. I have noticed that the front end loader and 3 point hitch jerks or is sluggish when the clutch is pressed fully down. If I let the clutch out about a third of the way or all the way out all hydraulics start functioning normally. The fluid is up to the full line and looks clean. Filter was changed recently. The man said it had done this since new. Is this normal? If not anyone have any in-site?

 

[jd110]

I assume you have a 2 stage clutch? If so, then it is normal. On a 2 stage clutch, you push the pedal half way down to stop ground travel and all the way down for disengaging pto. On JD utility tractors of that era, when pto clutch is disengaged, the transmission oil pump stops also and that pump supplies the main hydraulic pump with oil. The small one gallon reservoir above the hydraulic pump is supposed to supply main pump with oil when shifting pto in and out of gear, but if clutch is held all the way down too long, hydraulics start cavitating and get jumpy. If you need to push clutch fully in to shift transmission gears, then the clutch is either out of adjustment or needs replacement. Usually it is just a learning type thing to remember not to push clutch too far. You should feel increased resistance in pedal pressure when pto clutch is disengaging.

 

[Tx Jim]

Welcome to TBN
I'll 2nd what jd110 stated. How is loader valve supplied hyd oil? Ideally return oil from loader valve is routed to hyd ported filter cover.