Relieving Hydraulic Pressure Question !

KiotiKevin · Jan 30, 2005

When I turn my tractor off, I leave my loader and my rear implement raised. After it shuts down, then I lower both of them to the ground (I am assuming) to relieve the pressure off of the lines and pump ??
Question - if I lower my loader and or implement to the ground before I shut the engine off creating pressure in particular to the loader, could it cause undue pressure/stress to the lines or pump or will the pressure gradually release on its own.
Reason for asking is , my brother-in-law pulled my tractor out of the garage and I asked him not to lower the loader or snow blower to the ground untill he shut the engine off - he said not to be so silly, that wont hurt anything and he should know because he drove a fork lift for 20 years.
If he is right, that's ok but if he is wrong could you please explain exactly why in mechanical terms so I can tell him.
Thanks

Kevin

Soundguy · Jan 30, 2005

Virtually all cut and scut 3pt lifts are power up, and gravity down.. as in .. no down pressure. Lower them to the ground any time you like.. no effect on the pump.. etc.

Most modern loader will have down pressure, and lots of peopl use the bucket curl to even raise the front end to sset jack stands under the tractor to change tires. No problem to the pump.

Remember.. the weakest link in your hyd system SHOULD be the relief valve... not the pump or the lines. If you were overtaxing the loader by lifting the front.. the relief would pop.

Relax.. you aren't hurting the tractor by dropping your implements while it is turned on..

Soundguy

KiotiKevin · Jan 30, 2005

Thanks Chris,
My main concern is after it is shut off with leaving the pressure on the loader while it is sitting until the next time I use it.
Kevin

KiotiJohn · Jan 30, 2005

( Thanks Chris,
My main concern is after it is shut off with leaving the pressure on the loader while it is sitting until the next time I use it.
Kevin )
if I remember correctly, the loader manual states that you should not move the loader without the engine running. I have no idea why they state that, as they don't explain their rationale.
One thing though, it's always best to lower all implements to the ground when you're not using the tractor. This is for safety reasons. One never knows when a hydraulic line may burst and the raised implement could cause someone harm if they're near enough to it when it happens to fall.
You do no harm at all lowering the unit to the ground and then shutting off as Chris has said. John

Soundguy · Jan 30, 2005

Simple static weight pressure setting on the spools and pump is nothing compaired to the dynamic pressures it sees in operation. Don't be concerned if it leaks down either.. many spools are metal on metal. For safety.. you should drop all hyds anyway.

KJ; I think they say not to operate the laoder with engine off in case you pin someone or something.. then have no way to pic the laoder back up.. etc.

Soundguy

Glenn9643 · Jan 30, 2005

If you're only concerned about the pressure remaining in the lines after the engine is off, you can lower before or after killing the engine. Then with no power move your joystick to open/close valves for various FEL functions. This will relieve pressure in the lines.

Bird · Jan 30, 2005

( My main concern is after it is shut off with leaving the pressure on the loader while it is sitting )

Just my personal habits, but I always lowered 3-point implements all the way before killing the engine. I'd also lower the FEL to the floor or ground, then kill the engine, and lastly, move the joystick in all directions to relieve any hydraulic pressure, not because of any concern about damaging the tractor, but just to be sure everything would be in exactly the same place I left them; i.e., no settling or movement of anything while parked.

thcri · Jan 30, 2005

I always move my joystick around to relieve the prssure. I always do this after the motor is shut down. This is for the FEL. As far as the 3 point I will lower it also if there is an attachment on it. Otherwise I never worry about it.

murph

CajunRider · Jan 30, 2005

( ..not to operate the laoder with engine off in case you pin someone or something.. then have no way to pic the laoder back up.. etc.

Soundguy )
This one I will remember as part of safe operating practice.
Thanks