John Deere 300X Loader won't lift

[jimmypat6]

I've used this site several times to trouble shoot and it has always helped but this time there is not a thread on it. I am using a John Deere 300x loader and it had quit me. It seems to have lost lifting power and when it is lowered fully it won't come back up. You can feel the hyd. kicking in but it almost seems like it is getting caught on something. Once you mess with it for a little bit it starts working again but only for a couple minutes. I was using it to lift a concrete slab a few inches so I could break it with a sledge and this is when it started doing this. Unfortunately this is not my tractor, I borrowed it from my brother-in-law and want to get it fixed as soon as I can.

 

[beenthere]

Have you tried just disconnecting the hyd. lines at the couplers, and reconnecting them?
That sometimes can be a trouble spot that is corrected by just reconnecting.

Otherwise, should get a pressure gauge to check hyd. pressure ot the ports.

Also, assume you have checked the hyd. oil level and it is up to the sight glass.

 

[jimmypat6]

I have checked the fluid level and the quick disconnects. I pulled them apart to check for an obstruction and reconnected them.

 

[Crznrte66]

You might try swapping the male couplers on loader lines around to see if the problem "moves" to another line. If so, replace the coupler. Just another thought for something quick and easy to try.

 

[greg_g]

What model tractor is the loader mounted on? and are there quick disconnect fittings at the rear for more hydraulic lines?

//greg//

 

[jimmypat6]

Greg G,

The tractor is a 2000 John Deere 4300, the couple is on the right side of the tractor almost below the forward/reverse foot pedals.

Thanks to everyone for the quick responses and help. It's good to see there are still people that enjoy helping others.

 

[greg_g]

No rear remotes, good. That helps narrow down the troubleshooting. I should also have asked if it has a hydraulic lift for a mid-mount mower. I'm leaning toward a dirty joy stick controller valve, but I want a better feel for the overall hydraulic configuration.

//greg//

 

[Bird]

Two threads merged and superflous and/or duplicate posts removed.

 

[charleyfarmall]

Have you figured it out? When I bought the TN75 it had a bad coupler on it so I had one way hydraulics. Moving the lines around is a good way to trouble shoot it in a few minutes. I have also seen a line not seat all the way because of dirt. It looked connected but didn't work.

 

[Villengineer]

A few questions:

1) Does the curl circuit work ok? If the curl circuit builds pressure and works fine then that pretty much eliminates the tractor's hyd system.

2) Have you tried switching the lift and curl circuits? If lift starts working and curl stops then it's probably in the QD's or control valve.

3) Does the loader frame twist or "twitch" when you try and raise? If it does you have blown or rolled a lift cylinder seal. Since hydraulics seek the path of least resistance you may get to "rack" or lift a little before it raises the pressure enough to blow by the damaged seal.

4) Try lifting something substantial with the 3 point. If the 3 point won't lift, then the problem is either in the main relief or worst case the pump.

Hope this helps find the problem.