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154 3pt lifting capability

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 8:18 pm
by Smiley
While moving small pallets of wood I found my 154 3 pt will only lift a couple hundred pounds and it starts squealing, which I assume is the bypass valve opening. It seems as though it should be capable of a lot more than that. I can't see any way to adjust the pressure and am wondering if it may be a broken or weak spring?? Any experience or comments on this problem will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Smiley

Re: 154 3pt lifting capability

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 3:22 pm
by BigBill
Isn't there an adjustable relief valve on the control valve? You may take a peek in the manual there maybe a bypass valve with a relief valve or a pressure control valve i'm not sure. How is your hydraulic oil level? With the 3pt hitch there is a selector valve too. If the selector valve needs new o rings it can also blow off pressure too. I have one that leaks down.

Re: 154 3pt lifting capability

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 6:45 pm
by Smiley
There is no obvious way to adjust anything on the control valve. That's why I figured it might have a weak spring behind one of the fittings. As I'm new to Cubs (had an A and 350 Utility) I wasn't familiar with the selector valve and will check it out.
Thanks,
Smiley

Re: 154 3pt lifting capability

Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 10:56 am
by Landreo
The early 154 had a lift lever that locked into a slot on the side of the tractor for the float position, the valve associated with that lever is not adjustable. The later 154 and 185 had a valve with a built in detent for float and that type of valve was adjustable. You may just want to check the pressure when the relief valve opens.

Re: 154 3pt lifting capability

Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 10:56 am
by b52c130
Smiley,
To answer your question about the lifting capacity of the 3 point hitch, the 184 Operators manual (154 should be rated the same) states that the lifting capacity is 525 pounds at 24" behind the hitch point. See attached specification page;

I believe that the system relief valve is located within the the control lever valve and is factory preset and thus is non-adjustable.

I would make sure that the hydraulic oil is clean and hy-train compatible and that the filter is clean. The best way is just to drain the system, replace the hydraulic filter and refill to the plug level that is located on the rear of the differential cover plate with new Hy-train compatible oil. (NAPA carries compatible hydraulic oil). You may have to cycle both cylinders through 5 or 10 times to get all the air out.

Hope that this helps you, NJDale

Re: 154 3pt lifting capability

Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 10:56 am
by Landreo
Edit:
posted twice!