Lift arm control problem

[Joe Maniscalco]

Any ideas as to why my 54 Ford 650 won't hold the position I set it at when I'm using a bush hog? It seems that I have to move the lift lever quite a way before any movement happens in the first place. I just changed the hydraulic fluid (water in it) but that didn't help. Thanks in advance!

 

[Scoyt]

Sounds like you may be getting some air in the system from somewhere. The reservoir is full correct?

 

[Joe Maniscalco]

Sorry about the delay Scoyt, yes the res. is full (I just changed the fluid since it had water in it). Do you think I need to overhaul the pump? I should mention that I bought the tractor used and I believe it's never had a major done to it.

 

[NWMO 901 SOS]

(quoted from post at 21:17:39 07/16/09) Any ideas as to why my 54 Ford 650 won't hold the position I set it at when I'm using a bush hog? It seems that I have to move the lift lever quite a way before any movement happens in the first place. I just changed the hydraulic fluid (water in it) but that didn't help. Thanks in advance!

Joe,

I am surprised nobody else has answered. I passed it over yesterday because others here know much better than I what your problem may be. If you will do a search for "cam follower pin" you should get quite a little info. Mine is similar to yours in that all response is in the last couple of inches of the quadrant and it doesn't stay exactly where I put it. That said, I believe from this board most would say it is likely a cam follwer pin problem.

How does your pump lift. If it picks the brush cutter up well then your pump is likely in adequate shape. You may also find you have some fluid passing you lift cylinder. Best of luck.

Chris

 

[Dean]

Joe:

NWMO is right on, Joe. It's time to remove the lift cover and replace the cam follower pin.

While you have the cover off, replace the lift piston O-ring and back-up washer and readjust the draft and position control adjustments as per the instructions in the I&T FO-20 manual.

It's also an ideal time to clean the sump and replace the oil while the cover is off.

Dean

 

[awhtx]

Do you have the Draft/Position Control Lever in the Draft position?

 

[Joe Maniscalco]

To answer your questions, yes the draft lever is in the draft position. It is rather stiff to move from one to the other but it can be changed. I have the Ford Shop manual to work with and I would assume that the cam follower pin is the same as the position control? Bear with me guys, I'm a beginner! Thanks for your input

 

[awhtx]

That could be your problem as that is the way the 3PH is supposed to work in Draft. The only thing Draft is used for is Plowing. For all other 3PH implements the small lever should be in the Position position (the small lever should be horizontal).

 

[Joe Maniscalco]

Thanks for the info. I'll give it a try tomorrow.