The Classic Machinery Network

William

It does point to valve block problem,can you get hold of a test guage to check the pressures ? also it may be that you have worn seals in the rams.
What I would do is,start from the beginning,oil condition level,filters.etc
Does your hydraulic pump squeel ? Try to get hold of a valve block as there must be a few breaker machines around.
Good luck
Martyn

The oil level, condition and filter is all fine. Im beginning to think the valve block is where I should start. In my other diggers between "raise" and "level raise" there is like a resistance a barrier that you have to pull the lever through to get to the level raise position. In this digger the lever just goes straight through "raise" and into "level raise."

If you suspect the valve block, could you not swap the connections with the bucket crowd/tip side of block and see if there's any difference?

Norman, i'll do that before I do anything. I hope it isnt the valve block. It looks a real bitch to take out.

I swapped the hoses around on the valve block and its made no difference. With the bucket raised it still drops a bit. Time to whip out the rams! The bottom pins look like real bitches.

Can you leave the cylinders in place and just remove the caps and rods ?
Martyn

I would agree with Martyn on that. You have not got to lift the full weight if you leave the cylinder in place.