385 3 point only lifts a few inches

[cam.man67]

Ive been noticing this problem coming for about 9 months now but dont regularly use the tractor (Dad does), so havent taken the time to look at it. Now I need to.

Anyways, symptoms:

Started out that the the 3 point wouldnt start to lift (loaded or unloaded) until about halfway up the lever. Its progressively gotten worse so that now the 3 point only lifts in the last 2 of travel on the lever.

This comes in conjunction with the other symptom, poor lift. Again, it started to not lift fully about 9 months ago, and now will only pick up the arms maybe 6 inches.

Thoughts? Opinions? Tractor is a 85 IH 385 with about 4200 hours on it. Hydraulic fluid and filter is replaced regularly so I know fluid is clean and not aerated.
 

[tractorsam]

For the 6” they will lift is the lift strong or weak? Also
is there a loader or any remote outlets on the
tractor? If so, any problems with them?
 

[cam.man67]

Yes, its a strong lift for those 6 inches. It has one set of remotes which work fine.
 

[JimB2]

Hi Cam, you have the opposite of the normal problem, usually the 3PT will not go down.
First is your draft control lever all the way forward.
I suspect there is a problem with the 3PT lever linkage since you say PS, PB, PTO and Remotes work properly, there is an inspection cover that can be removed under the seat.
Your 385 is like a 454 but with the smaller D-155 engine, see link below for manuals for 454, the service manual has a complete section on testing and trouble shooting hydraulic system.
These manuals are for the Euro version tractors so there are slight differences especially with the electrics and there have been some improvements from 54/74/84 to 85 series.

See also these links:
https://www.redpowermagazine.com/forums/topic/130628-ih-454-3-point-lift/

https://www.redpowermagazine.com/forums/topic/118149-ih-454-lift-arms-won%E2%80%99t-come-down/

JimB
Manual 454