The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic system including a variable displacement hydraulic motor for lifting and lowering a load. The hydraulic motor has a high operating speed and a low operating speed. The system also includes an actuator for controlling whether the hydraulic motor is operating at the high or low speed, and a pressure sensor for sensing when a system pressure corresponding to the hydraulic motor exceeds a threshold pressure value. The system further includes a speed control system that controls the actuator such that the hydraulic motor is prevented from operating at the first operating speed when the system pressure exceeds the threshold pressure value.