John Deere Tractor Hydraulics Troubleshooting Guide

The John Deere brand is known for manufacturing sturdy tractors that deliver dependable performance. With the different tractor models under the brand, customers have a wide range of options, a factor that allows them to choose the best heavy-duty farm equipment for their needs. However, even with sturdy construction and proper maintenance, these tractors are bound to develop issues with their hydraulic systems. The moving parts of the hydraulics will wear out over time and will need to be maintained and repaired to ensure optimal performance. When the equipment malfunctions, you will need to troubleshoot to minimize downtime and interruption of activities. Get answers to your questions by checking out rexroth valves.

How Do I Troubleshoot My John Deere?

Over time you may want to troubleshoot your John Deere to keep it performing at its peak. If you notice that there are issues with the tractor hydraulics, there are several key areas you can troubleshoot to get the tractor running efficiently and effectively again. In case the system pump is noisy, check the oil level and refill as required. If the oil viscosity is not correct, the oil and oil filter may need to be replaced. As you check the oil, make sure that the reservoir air vent cap is plugged.

During your troubleshooting process, it’s crucial to inspect the hydraulic hoses and connections, especially the high-pressure hydraulic hoses that are fundamental to your tractor’s hydraulic system. These high-pressure hoses are designed to handle the intense demands of the tractor’s operations, and any wear, tear, or leaks in them can significantly impact performance. Ensure that these hoses are not cracked, damaged, or leaking. High-pressure hoses are essential for maintaining the proper flow and pressure of hydraulic fluid, which is critical for the tractor’s functionality.

Additionally, using other high-quality hydraulic components, such as fittings, and valves, is vital. Quality components, particularly those designed to withstand high pressures, are less prone to failure, ensure better longevity, and help maintain the tractor’s peak performance. Regular inspection and maintenance of these high-pressure components can prevent more significant issues down the line and ensure your tractor operates efficiently and effectively.

Low system-pump oil flow may be as a result of air leaks in the pump inlet line and fittings. If this is the problem, you should replace the parts as and when necessary. Check the relief valve to see whether it is partially left open and close it in case it is open. To troubleshoot John Deere tractor hydraulics, check if the boom arms are binding at the pivots, making sure that the arms rise and lower correctly. Remember to lubricate the linkage if you establish that this is necessary. Other steps you should take include checking if the cylinder shafts are bent, ensuring both the boom and bucket are not overloaded, and to inspect the inlet to find out if there is oil flow from the pump.

In case the bucket does not tilt or tilts either forwards or backward too slowly, take time to check the axillary hydraulic handle. If the handle is locked in a “detent” position, you should place it in “neutral.” If you notice that the hydraulic oil overheats, you should open the “preselector” to allow you to check whether oil passage to the engine is closed.

Common Problems

John Deere Hydraulics

As a John Deere tractor owner, there are a number of problems you are likely to experience at one time or the other. Here are some of the common problems and possible causes.

Machine Problems

One of the problems you can experience with the machine is slow and sluggish operation due to low hydraulic oil temperature or a hydraulic system that is operating near or at relief pressure. Others include poor hydraulic performance, excessive machine vibration, the machine does not move when the engine is running, three-point hitch fails to lift, three-point hitch lifts slowly, three-point hitch does not drop or drops slowly, and three-point hitch drops too fast. You may also notice low hydrostatic charge pressure, a noisy system pump, low system pump oil flow, no system pressure, and a machine that creeps forward or reverses. It is important to understand the factors that could lead to the machine problems mentioned above. While some of these issues may be a result of minor problems that you can address on your own, others will require that you see a John Deere Dealer.

Loader Problems

When it comes to the loader, the boom arms may not rise or rise slowly. This issue could be partly because of boom and bucket overload, low oil flow from the pump, auxiliary circuit on-over relief, control linkage binding, cylinder shafts are bent or the pump is damaged. Another problem is a bucket that will not tilt, tilts back slowly or tilts forward slowly. Possible reasons for this problem include an overloaded bucket, leaking cylinder seals, valve spool binding, bent cylinder shafts, and a damaged pump.

Backhoe Problems

Backhoe issues also make it to the list of common problems. If the backhoe boom does not rise or rises slowly, there is a chance that the boom and bucket are overloaded, the cylinder shaft is bent, there is low relief valve pressure, or the pump is damaged. When the backhoe dipper stick does not rise or rises slowly, check if the dipperstick and bucket are overloaded, oil flows from the pump, if the cylinder shaft is bent or if the pump is damaged. Another common problem that tractor owners may experience is a backhoe that will not tilt, tilts forward slowly, or tilts backward slowly.

Hydraulic Issues

To effectively address tractor hydraulic issues, it is important to be aware of the common problems you can face. Here are two common hydraulic issues:

The Tractor is Unable to Maintain Hydraulic Motor Speed

Signs of this problem include the inability of the tractor to maintain the pressure of flow when steering or operating hydraulic functions. These include applying brakes or operating Selective Control Valve.

To solve this issue, you should connect the hydraulic motor to a 300 Series SCV with a compensator valve to control pressure variation. You should also consider adjusting oil flow through the Selective Control Valve either at or below the maximum oil capacity of the motor. Adjusting the oil flow will help to keep the hydraulic oil from overheating.

Hydraulic Valve Stops Raising or Lowering the Implement

In addition to this issue, you may also notice that the Selective Control Valve has stopped flowing oil in either direction, with the hydraulic pump going to high pressure.

The symptoms of the hydraulic issue will be an SCV that intermittently fails to flow oil in the required direction. Resolving the problem will involve checking whether the male hydraulic tip has failed or the female coupler is damaged. Male tip failures may be as a result of the internal poppet or ball stop being damaged or moving out of position. For the female coupler, internal seal failure may cause the male hose tip not to open, causing female coupler failures. In case you cannot fix the problem on your own, you should see a John Deere dealer for SCV coupler repair.

Contact Professionals You Can Rely On

There is a lot that goes into ensuring that your tractor performs optimally. To keep your tractor hydraulics in perfect shape and working properly, you should work with a reliable hydraulic repair company. Sapphire Hydraulics, experts in agriculture equipment repair, offers a wide range of hydraulic services, with extensive experience in building, repairing, and engineering hydraulic equipment and machines. Contact us today to learn more about our services.