Another hydraulic problem!

[liam_kearney]

The control lever on our 1964 new performance major is stuck in the raised position. This means that as soon as we start the major the hydraulic arms go up fully. We cannot get the control lever to go down at all, it seems to be stuck. We have oiled it, loosened the nuts and bolts around it but no luck. We have also cleaned or replaced filters and changed the back end oil. Is this something to do with the internal working of the hydraulic system? The tractor was not in use for a few years but it was well housed.

[Dandy Dave]

It sounds like the internal valve that the lever controls is seized. Is there water in your rearend oil? Loosen the bottom plug and see if water flows out before oil after the tractor has sat for a while. Dandy Dave!

[Brian]

The lever shaft has rusted into the bushing. You will have to take the lift off, remove the ram cylinder and strip out all the linkage, quadrant and control lever. Then the shaft and bush can be driven out and heat applied to try and free it off.

Take care because if you damage the shaft or any other parts, they cannot be readily obtained.