350b ripper attachment

[bjg4216]

Just bought a 350b with a JD36 ripper. Ripper raises strong but will not lower other than through its own weight? Other than the obvious, checking hydraulic fluid level, can someone tell me where to start in fixing the problem?

[CELSESSER]

Big4216 welcome to the board.

I don't know the ins and outs of the inside of hydraulic valves but the first thing that came to my simple mind was does that valve have a float position? If you don't push it all the way forward does it have any down force? If not I would suspect the valve or could a line blockage cause it???

Chuck

[CatD8RII]

I dont think the 350s auxillary valves have a float (at least the one on my 350C doesnt have a float). The first place to start if youve checked the obvious stuff (oil level and linkage) is to put a pressure gauge on (be easiest to install out at the cylinders) Since you have no downpressure put the gauge on the head end of the cylinder first. Then see what you have. The control valve has its own releif valve for the 3rd function (set at 2500PSI). See what pressure you get in both directions, you may have a bad relief valve or a cylinder packing.