520H Hydraulics Valve Noise

[S416-8 378]

Probably not in the right forum but can find one for hydraulics. The system on my 520 seems to lift fine, I am not seeing any leaks anywhere, changes the old and it was dirty but no sign of water or anything but compared to the videos I have been finding mine seems to be creating mode valve noise when using. Trying to see if there is a bleeder valve someplace to check for air but could it be just the valve?

 

Thanks

 

[kpinnc 13,673]

Best guess here- If the valve squeals, it's not opening fully.

 

Without knowing which model 520 you have, it's difficult to say what you need to adjust. But it sounds like something isn't allowing full motion on your control lever. 

 

Normally just repeated use will remove any air in the system. Unless you drained the lines, that shouldn't be the caise of any noise.

[S416-8 378]

Ok I’ll see about the model number. Thanks for the help 

[Cee245 823]

@S416-8

the lift cylinder on these are pretty noisy when working properly. 

 

It may be fine, is this your first Eaton 1100 Hydro?

[S416-8 378]

yes it is so may be good then thanks

[Horse Newbie 7,195]

My 1994 520H is noisy too… the spool valve and the lift cylinder has been rebuilt with only 13 hours on them.

You are probably hearing normal noise.

 

You can go to my YouTube channel, Tim’s DIY Club, and look for my video “ Testing the Rebuilt Hydraulic Cylinder on the Wheel Horse”

Edited June 15, 2022 by Horse Newbie

[S416-8 378]

GM and great it was you’re channel that I’ve been watching on this. Great stuff and what convinced me it was just normal stuff. 

[Kstarnes 1]

Hello...New to the area..Just picked a 93 520H...The lift works but also screeches up and down..Doesnt move but 2"

[lynnmor 7,554]

1 hour ago, Kstarnes said:

Hello...New to the area..Just picked a 93 520H...The lift works but also screeches up and down..Doesn't move but 2"

 

What moves 2"?  Look at the lift cylinder under your left foot, does it move full travel?

 

Screeches are often caused by abuse and neglect with moving joints never being oiled and tractor stored in the weather.

[Kstarnes 1]

Sorry. Only moves about 2” up. The left pedal has a lot of play. Noticed the bolt under the left side with the spring has a lot of play. Don’t think it’s the right bolt. 

[kpinnc 13,673]

1 hour ago, Kstarnes said:

Sorry. Only moves about 2” up. The left pedal has a lot of play. Noticed the bolt under the left side with the spring has a lot of play. Don’t think it’s the right bolt. 

 

The left pedal on the 520-H should force the direction control lever to center (neutral) and apply the brake at the end of the pedals travel. The bolt and spring attached to the brake band should have a bit of play unless the pedal is depressed. 

 

Since my original post above in 2022, I've had a 500 series hydro make some pretty loud screeches when the lift is actuated up or down. Mine got better after some use, but it still squeaks. 

Edited April 13 by kpinnc

[Kstarnes 1]

Thank you. My left foot pedal has a lot play until is almost bottoms out to brake. Looking forward to working on this thing. Would like to replace some parts decals,breather lid and small stuff. 

[Kstarnes 1]

Are you from NC?

[oliver2-44 10,342]

If you don’t have one, You can find a Manuel for your 520 in the “Manuel’s Section. Look up centering control valve and brake adjustment. 

[kpinnc 13,673]

48 minutes ago, Kstarnes said:

Are you from NC?

 

Yes. About 25 miles northeast of Charlotte. 

[Kstarnes 1]

Funny. I’m from Hickory

[lynnmor 7,554]

14 hours ago, Kstarnes said:

Sorry. Only moves about 2” up. The left pedal has a lot of play. Noticed the bolt under the left side with the spring has a lot of play. Don’t think it’s the right bolt. 

Still trying to find out if the hydraulic cylinder is traveling its full distance.

 

The cylinder goes front to rear, perhaps you are talking about the mower deck moving up and down?  If so, download the mower manual and do all of the adjustments.

 

There is a fair amount of slop in the brake pedal, adjust it so that it just begins to hold the brake drum when it is in the second click of the parking brake.  Yes, it doesn't look right with all of that slop, but it works.

[Kstarnes 1]

Yes. The deck is what is moving...Not sure where to find the deck manual

Thanks for your help

[WHX?? 50,643]

12 hours ago, Kstarnes said:

Not sure where to find the deck manual

Post your model number we will help you find it. 

[lynnmor 7,554]

12 hours ago, Kstarnes said:

Yes. The deck is what is moving...Not sure where to find the deck manual

Thanks for your help

You can find a manual in our manuals section, or just go to Toro and find it there.  If your model number sticker is missing, describe your deck.

 

Haven't you found the lift cylinder yet?

[Kstarnes 1]

Sorry, no I hadn’t had much time to look at it anymore. I’m a full-time home. Hospice nurse been busy real busy. I will try to look for it later on in the week. Thank y’all.

[wallfish 17,464]

On 4/15/2025 at 8:20 PM, Kstarnes said:

I’m a full-time home. Hospice nurse

Thank you for helping those that need it! Twice the hospice nurses were so incredibly helpful to my parents and our family.