I am trying to use the angle cylinder on the quick hitch and found the spool in the hydraulic valve is stuck. Will using a punch and hammer to tap on the spool to try to free it cause any internal damage to the hydraulic valve? Could there be pressure in the valve keeping the spool from sliding? I have tried it both with hoses attached and unattached and have been unable to move the spool? Can this be fixed or will the entire valve need to be replaced?
Stuck hydraulic valve on 425
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It's a common problem when the tractor is only used for mowing. Are you sure you don't have it hooked up wrong? Typically, the angle moves fine (because it's controlled with the same lever that lifts the deck) and the lift cylinder spool is stuck (from lack of use). Tap on it like you mentioned; once it starts to move a little bit, you should be able to forcibly wiggle it back and forth with the lever and it should get better with more cycles.
It could be hooked up wrong. The lift was on the top side and the angle was on the bottom side. I figured it made more sense that way, the same lever that lifts and lowers the deck also lifts and lowers the front attachment. Do both levers have a float position?
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The bottom lever is the only one with a float position; up/down on the front hitch should be hooked to that circuit.
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I had to soak mine down with penetrating oil let it sit a few hours and used a block of wood and a hammer with some light tappeing on the rod that goes directly in the back of the spool as soon as it moved just a bit then started wiggleing the lever it came right out of it ..this was advice i got right here on this forum and it worked awesome for me
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It is likely that the springs and balls that provide the float position are rusted. They are located under a cap on the outside of the valve. Easy fix, just remove the covers that hold the springs (careful, be sure to catch the spring and ball), remove the cap then clean everything up, lube and reinstall.
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