front end loader leaking down

[mac rusty red 1010]

I know my Farmall 350 has a valve on the fast hitch that keeps it from going down unless it's running. my front end loader has two-way cylinders on it. It will go down while sitting not running. my question is. Does the front have the same kind of valves as the rear that should keep it from bleeding down? Or are the front cylinders leaking internally
the bucket tilt seems to work ok. Thanks

 

[Bob M]

Either the lift control valve or the lift cylinders are leaking internally.

There is no engine off blocking valve like on the fast hitch.

 

[caterpillar guy]

You need to plumb a valve in the lift line and shut off when you park it with loader up. If it sags while off with the vavle off the cylinder is leaking if it stays up the valve is leaking.

 

[pete 23]

The valves are identical. You could install a check valve block just like the hitch has if you wanted to. They can be a pain and are expensive but it will hold the load if cylinders are not leaking

To test cylinders, raise loader, disconnect the hose that IS NOT supporting the loader. Open the coupler tip and if oil come out, one or both cylinders are leaking. If no oil comes out and loader is going down, valve is leaking. All spool valves leaks some and worn ones leak more. No seal in valve will affect this as it is the fit of spool to block.

Do not disconnect both hoses BECAUSE even if one or both cylinders are leaking, you now will have blocked any place for oil to go. When the rod goes back into the cylinder it displaces oil so it would have to have a place to go and with both hoses blocked there is no place to go.

 

[300guy]

I had a similar problem with my 300. I finally found that the garter spring in the valve was broke and not centering the spool valve, allowing it to go down. Not saying this is the problem but just another possible cause. Do everything the other guys are saying and you will find the solution.