460 loader control valve options

Try changing the packing in the cylinders first.  I have a 460 loader on a 6070 that leaked down with or without a load, and new packing solved that issue.   There were two versions of the 460 loader, one for a 160 and the other for the 6060 - 6080.   

Some hydraulic valves have a "load check" valve built into them. This is supposed to eliminate drop first and then lift situation.  Some of these load checks are only on one side of the spool, meaning if your lever operates backwards to lift, the load check isn't working on the load side, but the lowering side. Again, not all hydraulic valves are equipped with load checks. Your results may vary.

Makes sense. This appears to be an OEM spool valve. The check valves would certainly be built-in right? Not having the ability to feather would be really annoying.

You should match what is there are you will affect the functions of you loader. Reducing cylinder bore reduces lifting capacity. Reducing OAL and/or stroke reduces lifting height. Reducing the rod diameter can lead to bending rods.

Why not rebuild the cylinders the loader?

Edited by farmtechguy - 30 Dec 2025 at 8:48pm

That’s the best type to have, separate pump instead of off the rear remotes. The hydraulics on One-Sixty’s(letter tractors)can be problematic at times. The later model 160’s(number tractors) were improved but also have their issues. Mine occasionally will not lift the lift arms if it sets for some time, like over the winter unless I’m using it occasionally. Bleeding the rear remotes as I cycle the remotes clears up the issue as it appears to have air in the system. Just some info for you in case you’re new to the 160 model. Make sure you keep the hydraulic filter clean and with good quality 821 hydraulic oil. Neat tractor, unfortunately they are difficult to get parts for. The cleanable hydraulic filter is NLA.

Power steering is a separate pump between the frame members up near the front of the engine. Is this an early One-Sixty or a 160 number tractor? The 160 is the later model. It could be low on fluid, dirty filter, or loose drive belt. Pain in the butt to adjust the belt.

There is no serial breakdown of these import tractors, so depending on how close of a run it is to the 160 I can’t tell you for positive where the other screen filters are. Transmission filter could be under the steering wheel or to the right of the seat. That’s the one that is NLA. They were built in France, hence the reason for difficulty finding parts. The power steering/hydraulic tank should be in front of the radiator on the right side. Replaceable filter in there, 821 power fluid, keep it in between the lines and do not over fill.

Edited by AC720Man - 17 hours 27 minutes ago at 5:59pm

First thing I do when I purchase a tractor is drain and replace all fluids and filters. Mix match of fluids is not a good thing! A leak can be a nuisance but not likely your reason for stiff steering. A loader adds weight, make sure proper air pressure is in the front tires. Does it steer hard as the tractor is moving? If abused(overload the loader or bounce it thru the field) they will break the tractor at the loader front brackets or at the bell housing. Normal use and it will be fine. A service manual is extremely helpful and a good investment especially if you plan to keep it for a long period of time. The steering should be easy, change of all fluids as I said above would be needed before proceeding to diagnose it properly

Edited by AC720Man - 16 hours 58 minutes ago at 6:28pm

By the way, welcome to the forum and the Allis Chalmers family. There is a huge amount of knowledge on this forum whom are glad to answer questions. Although Allis Chalmers went out of business 40 years ago, AGCO and many suppliers still manufacture parts for AC tractors and equipment. Allis Chalmers has a huge following, they were well built machines. Although the ONE-Sixty was built in France, AC had a lot of input in the design. The hood and fenders were from the AC 170 tractor. Most manufactures imported lower horsepower tractors to try to compete for that 40 hp market. Cant beat the Perkins diesel for cold weather starting, torque, and fuel sipping. Although it has some quirks, it’s a good tractor that does a lot of things well.