John Deere 5303 3 point hydraulics acting up.

[Dan Dargeloh]

I have a 2008 JD 5303, equipped with a Westendorf loader and power beyond. When I move the 3pt lever all the way to the rear (with the draft control lever in the off position), the 3pt comes up and stops as it should, but the hydraulics are still pumping against the relief valve, most of the time. Once in awhile it will release and quit trying to raise the way it should, but if it doesn't, just a gentle tap or nudge on the lever will cause the pressure to drop off as it should. After about 30 or so seconds the pressure will start to build again until it is again activating the pressure relief valve. It also will do this when operating at less that maximum height, with something heavy like a shredder or my 110 gallon sprayer on the rear. It's not as noticeable then as the pressure will drop off as it should, but then slowly build up to where it is actuating the relief valve. This is causing the oil to heat up, loading the engine, and causing strain on the pump and me. Any adjustments I can find on the outside have to do with the draft control and do not have any effect on this. The local Deere dealer has been of little help as they deal mainly in the big stuff around here. Any ideas or suggestion? Thank you!

 

[beenthere]

You should adjust the linkage that connects with the rockshaft arms that links to the control valve so the control doesn't keep trying to lift them further. At least that is what it sounds like from reading what you have described.
Expect it would be a simple adjustment

 

[Dan Dargeloh]

You should adjust the linkage that connects with the rockshaft arms that links to the control valve so the control doesn't keep trying to lift them further. At least that is what it sounds like from reading what you have described.
Expect it would be a simple adjustment

Have already done that. It must be an internal adjustment. service manager finally ran me off the section from the service manual dealing with the rockshaft. Hopefully i'll find the answer in that. Thanks anyhow!

 

[Tx Jim]

1 agree with beenthere if 3 pt control valve goes to neutral before 3 pt is fully raised then adjusting feedback rod should solve 3 pt control valve not going into neutral IE pressure valve in RS valve isn't closing when 3 pt is at upper limit

 

[Dan Dargeloh]

1 agree with beenthere if 3 pt control valve goes to neutral before 3 pt is fully raised then adjusting feedback rod should solve 3 pt control valve not going into neutral IE pressure valve in RS valve isn't closing when 3 pt is at upper limit

I got some info and printed information from the service manager and bought a service manual down load on the internet for $24 which is a bargain. That download has very good pictures and instructions. Between the two I'm going to reset everything and give it a try. But that isn't going to happen till this weekend when it cools down. It's about like Hades outside and this ole fatboy is staying in where it's cool! Thanks for the input!

 

[jd110]

If external adjustments don't solve your problem, you may need to replace the rockshaft control valve. Have seen a couple that valves stick in the bore and cause oil to heat up even when adjusted properly. Also occasionally cause rockshaft to get stuck in fully raised position.

 

[Dan Dargeloh]

If external adjustments don't solve your problem, you may need to replace the rockshaft control valve. Have seen a couple that valves stick in the bore and cause oil to heat up even when adjusted properly. Also occasionally cause rockshaft to get stuck in fully raised position.

Ding Ding Ding, I believe we have a winner here! Sorry about taking so long to reply back, but I've been busy. The outside control adjustments made no difference, although the draft control linkage was way off. It was obvious it had been that way from the factory due to the paint on the threads of the control rod. I took the tractor to the local Deere dealer who said they wouldn't spent over 1 1/2 hours on it to diagnose the problem so as not to create a big bill. They reported back that the outside controls made no difference and said it has to be the control valve spool sticking in the bore. That is a non serviceable part and the new one is $166 which isn't all that bad. They have what I consider their absolutely best man working on it. He is a personal friend and I have the utmost confidence in his judgement and mechanical abilities. Hopefully it will be fixed, as I really don't want to spend the money it would cost to trade on a Kubota. That 5303 might be a crude tractor, but it works fine for what I use it for and you don't need a computer center to work on it. I'll report back on the final results. THANK YOU FOR YOUR IMPUT!

 

[Dan Dargeloh]

It turned out to be the control valve. The mechanic told me he never check the lever adjustments and wouldn't until new valve was in. He said that when it does it only with the rockshaft raised and no other time, it's adjustments. When it does it in any lifted position like mine was doing, it's the control valve. He was right. I wish I'd of talked to him at the start instead of the service manager. That kid is definitely very sharp! I guess that must be why he is a mechanic and the other guy is the service manager! Anyhow the thing works perfectly now, and sounds totally differently. The oil doesn't heat up right away like it did before and you can audibly hear when the pressure releases. I did tip the mechanic generously and told him to take his sweety out for steaks and drinks!

 

[deere5105]

It turned out to be the control valve. The mechanic told me he never check the lever adjustments and wouldn't until new valve was in. He said that when it does it only with the rockshaft raised and no other time, it's adjustments. When it does it in any lifted position like mine was doing, it's the control valve. He was right. I wish I'd of talked to him at the start instead of the service manager. That kid is definitely very sharp! I guess that must be why he is a mechanic and the other guy is the service manager! Anyhow the thing works perfectly now, and sounds totally differently. The oil doesn't heat up right away like it did before and you can audibly hear when the pressure releases. I did tip the mechanic generously and told him to take his sweety out for steaks and drinks!

My 5303 does the same thing. Can’t think of a time since I have owned it that it didn’t. Sounds like you let the dealership diagnose and replace the part. Curious what the cost was for this repair.

Like you said, the 5303 isn’t the most high tech machine but it does what I need and can be worked on by most mechanics without the need for computers.

 

[Dan Dargeloh]

The part itself is approximately $165 or so. I allowed them for up to 2 hours to diagnose the problem, because if it was going to cost a fortune, I was going to trade it for a M7060 Kubota. They told me that with the time they had in it, the part and the labor to put it in, the bill would run about $1200. That is a heck of a lot less than what it would have cost me to go to the Kubota. You may be able to replace the part yourself. I know it calls for removal of the right fender and at least the loosening of the fuel tank. I would have tried it myself, but I'm getting old and worthless and don't bend too well anymore.The person that repaired it at the dealership is as sharp as they come, so I let him do it. The oil will still get warm after a hour or two of hard shredding, but not nearly as warm as before. Before it didn't take very long and it was hot. I should know the total bill in a few days as the service manager promised to get it totaled up so I can pay them.