Tractor Basics - Why Do My Tractor Hydraulics Leak Down

[@joshedmond714]

I have an issue I'm looking for advice on. I have 2023 Kioti NX4510 with dual rear remotes. I immediately installed a Summit Hydraulics toplink. After using the land plane on my driveway I noticed the top link isn't holding position. It's sagging an inch in around 20 minutes. I assumed the check valve in the top link was bad. Summit sent me a brand new one, same issue. I unhook the cylinder from the remotes and it holds position. Now, I'm assuming the remote is allowing fluid to flow out when I'm not touching the remote lever. It's bad enough that I basically can't use the top link unless I set position and unplug it. Any suggestions on what could be causing it? Can a check valve be added to my system somewhere to prevent this? I'm hoping my dealer will work with me on this.

[@JaredsShop]

So it will stay put with the hoses unplugged? Do you have any leaks from the ports on the tractor when the hoses are unplugged?

[@joshedmond714]

No leaks at anytime that I've noticed. It does keep position when both hoses are unplugged. But, I was recently told this tells me nothing. I was told, I need to unplug the hoses and hook them together. If the toplink hoses are connected together and then I put a load on it, like my 8' disc, and it holds position the, toplink is good. If it drops, the toplink check valve isn't working. Once I figure this out, I'll know what to do next. I ordered a $15 female coupler to put on one of my hoses to test this out.

[@michaelkinney9255]

Nicely done video Jared. My loader and 3 point on my 4760 are tight but my factory 3rd function starts bleeding almost immediately. Grapple won’t hold a log. Dealer has disassembled and cleaned spools but no better. Do you think my valve is defective or tolerances to loose. Should I just live with it?

[@JaredsShop]

That seems a bit excessive to me. I have to occasionally hit my third function to make sure my grapple holds onto something but it’s not immediate. There’s chances it may have clearances that are too large. I know there are specs for leakage on rear remotes but I’m not sure what the spec is for the third function.

[@DieselRamcharger]

the entire valve block is defective and out of tolerance. replace the entire unit. thats what warranty is for.

[@Dirtyd-dd7xy]

Mine did too. Seems like it’s a common issue with grand Ls remotes. Dealer said they replaced 2 of them under warranty but said they aren’t designed to hold a load continuously as they don’t seal 100%. Think it was just a dealer excuse as they ought to on a 40k tractor, but it is todays world.

[@JaredsShop]

The pic shows my tilt cylinder sagging but the theory applies to all hydraulic valves that don’t use seals. Your loader will sag, your 3pt will sag, etc.

[@Jennifer-007]

It’s Kubota remotes period, same problem with M62 ones, see my comment above.

[@JaredsShop]

Happens with all spool valves without seals. It just seems a little worse with Kubota because their hydraulic fluid is so thin.

[@Jennifer-007]

@@JaredsShop and we’re a bit less happy when it happens considering how much we pay for this equipment, I’m looking to add rear remotes to my M62 so will have to keep looking I guess, thanks for the great videos. I guess valve bodies are like boobies, it’s not a matter of if they’ll sag, but when. 🤣

[@Jennifer-007]

@@JaredsShop Yes true but the real question is why the hell are they using valves without seals? We pay top dollar for this equipment.

[@chrisstack9769]

Great video Jared!

[@chrisstack9769]

Great video Jared.

[@js4455dl]

My kit was installed by dealer so it's a kubota valves and it leaks down while brush hogging there still try to figure it out one is float and one is detention, should we put another kind on it thx

[@JaredsShop]

I don’t like the cylinders without pilot operating valves. I’ve already replaced my top link and will be replacing the side link shortly.

[@DieselRamcharger]

i wouldnt listen to jared the dude is fucking clueless propagandist. hydraulic valves SHOULD NOT LEAK DOWN. The idea that the implements on these tiny tractors are "too heavy" is fucking absurd.

[@Jennifer-007]

See my comment above about redneckgeek sourcing aftermarket valve bodies.

[@randyneubauer4176]

Really a good informative video. I added Top-N-Tilt hydraulics to my Kubota MX5800 (NOT Kubota valve or cylinders). I also added electric 3rd function valve for grapple etc. All seems to hold well EXCEPT for the tilt cylinder. It gradually drifts down so after about an hour of usage I readjust the tilt. I was told that is normal because of weight of brush hog or box blade. Your video finally explains WHY that could be considered NORMAL. Thanks for clarifying why this drift is to be expected and not an irritant.

[@JaredsShop]

Thanks for the feedback! I’m glad you found it helpful. The tilt is always the hardest to maintain. If that valve has a bit more internal clearance than the one the top cylinder is currently plugged into then you could swap connections and see if it is any better. I have replaced my top cylinder with one that has dual pilot operated check valves. I believe I’m going to do the same with the tilt cylinder. Either that or install some type of a locking valve that I can close when I’m using implements I don’t want to adjust.

[@randyneubauer4176]

@@JaredsShop Thanks for the suggestions, Jared. The "issue" primarily comes into play when brush hogging. Since I live in northeast Ohio I'll not be brush hogging for a while. I'll try swapping the connections and see if that helps. If it is still a pain, then I'll likely look into replacing the tilt cylinder with a DPOCV. Where did you get your DPOCV Top Cylinder? Are you pleased with the quality? Thanks, Randy

[@JaredsShop]

@@randyneubauer4176 I have an AMA top cylinder that I purchased from surplus center. Yes, I’m happy with the quality.

[@DieselRamcharger]

its not normal. this guy doesnt know shit.