Loader Question

[Dude with a 300]

The other day while loading some scrap metal onto my trailer with my 1955 300, a chain got hooked on the hydraulic line on the bucket and pulled it loose. FYI, the oil can shoot a long way!!! The cool thing is the faded red on the tractor (the whole tractor) looks like new paint at the moment. My question while everything is temporarily down is; when the loader is under a load up high, I can't lower it slowly. The pump will squeal as I slowly ease the lever forward then the load drops quickly. When I let go of the control lever the load stops like it should. I think it should be able to go down slowly so I'm not sure if this is a problem in the valve or just the nature of my old Paulson loader.
 

[mkirsch]

The valves on a 300 can be selectable for single-acting, or double-acting.

The squeal is because you're trying to lower a single-acting loader with the valve in double-acting mode.

On one end of the valve body there should be a "knob" that you can get on with a crescent wrench and turn 90 degrees.

If it's a Farmall you'll need to remove the hood to get at them. On a Utility the valves are under the seat, IIRC.
 

[IaGary]

Is the loader set up with two way hydraulics or single?

Do you have the valve below the dash set in the right position for either two way or single?

Gary
 

[Dude with a 300]

It"s set for two way. Lots of down pressure, enough to lift the front. Without a load it functions perfectly.

Bruce
 

[IAtractorKid]

If its set up for two-way use and the loader drops when trying to lower it, you could have air trapped in the system. It will eventually work its way out or you can pressurize the system with a little compressed air and it will push the trapped air out.
 

[Janicholson]

You can put a one way restrictor in the down (return) line of each cylinder. These allow full fast up, but restrict down speed to either a set orifice size or an adjustable restriction.
This will allow a slow decent. Jim
 

[mkirsch]

Ok, that theory's been shot to pieces...

Next question: How much load are we talking about?

Since you're loading scrap metal, I suspect the amount of weight is somewhere along the lines of "WAY TOO MUCH."

One thing you can try is to keep adding weight to the bucket a little at a time and see where the limit is. The more weight you put in the bucket, the quicker it's going to drop.
 

[Dude with a 300]

Even though my 7000 pound rated trailer had 7960 pounds on it, the loader was only lifting an engine, probably 600 pounds. I've been too busy with work and kids so tonight I'm going to go out and replace the broken part. As long as the hydraulic system is basically dry, I'm pulling the filter and cleaning that also. Hopefully after refilling, it will work better.

Bruce