Tractor Repair: John Deere 4500 tractor hydraulics, tractor hydraulics, point hitch

Question
QUESTION: The hydraulics on my tractor do not work.  The front loader and the 3-point hitch do not respond to the controls.  There is a rubber manifold that connects the pump to the tube leading to the fluid reservoir located at the rear of the tractor.  This manifold collapses when the tractor is started and prohibits the passage of fluid.  I have changed the hydraulic fluid and filter.  I have also replaced the rubber manifold as it seemed to be too flexible.  I still have the problem.  I bought this tractor new and believe that it is a 2000 model year.  It has about 240 hours on it.  There has always been a "dead area" in the loader action.  Do you have any ideas?

ANSWER: Sorry for the delayed response Internet was down. You need to check the screen that is under the cover of the suction line to the pump. You are going to have to drain the oil then pull it out. You probably have brake material or metal clogging the screen. Take it off and check it out let me know.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You were right about the screen.  It was clogged with very fine lint which I guess is the brake material.

Now the 3 point hitch goes down really slowly.  It goes back up fine but it takes several minutes for it to return all the way down.  Any ideas on this?

Answer
Let's see if I can get a better rating this time. Just a joke!!  Sitting on the seat right between your legs is a black knob that controls the rate of drop of the hitch. Unscrew the knob and see if the hitch goes down faster. If that does not work the we are going to have to go into the valve.