3-Pt. Problem: Control Spring

It happened suddenly. The lift would not raise. (I had a scoop on it at the time.) When I engage the lift, the lift arms don't even start to strain at the load. But, when I took the scoop off, the lift arms raised, and I could stand on them and they held my considerable weight.

The problem is apparently caused by a situation with the draft control mechanism, as I can pull on the hydraulic lift rocker (where the top link attaches) and the lift arms will drop, and the control spring suddenly gets lots of endplay. I've never been inside of one of these beasts, but it looks from the diagrams like maybe the internal spring on the control plunger might be stuck or broken. I know there are lots of guys out there who've had vast experience with Ferguson 3-pt lifts, so have any of you run into this before? Is there another possible cause? HELP! I need this tractor to work so I can get my orchard ready to plant.

Thanks,
Ben

The only question that remains is why it decided to take a holiday. I'm sure that the yoke didn't slip out of position, because it was secure.

B.

Also, I should mention that I only finally really understood the system once I had it all apart. If you are taking off the lift cover, only remove the bolts around the perimeter. The other four are holding the cylinder in place.
Jim W

• Hydraulic operation

I only wonder why the lift suddenly went dead. My only explanation is that the external control spring might have been rusted in place, and when it came loose, the end play was evident, and a weight on the top link would then cause the internal draft control rod to move to the rear, opening the relief valve.

Anyway, I'll try it this weekend.

Thanks!