JD430fel question

[Kevin_in_Mi]

Here's the delima. The bucket on my 430 loader falls off at the rate of 8" in an hour. This was measured at the cylinder, meaning that anything in the bucket is completely dumped onto the ground. The dealer said this is within JD specs for that particular loader. here's the question. How do you guys that build these cool
personnel lifts keep them from dumping you out onto the ground without climbing down the ladder every 15min, starting the tractor, leveling the lift etc. I'm sure you guys get my drift. These lifts look real handy and I'm sure I'll be needing one for one of those projects that I haven't thought of yet. Any suggestions would greatly appreciated.

[MJB]

I don't know what JDs specs are for the leakdown rate on the loader, but I know that mine does not leak down anywhere near as fast as yours. Last week I was using my FEL as a portable, variable height sawhorse to support a beam for a deck I was building. With a couple hundred pounds of beam hanging from it the loader leaked down maybe a half an inch in an hour.

[beenthere]

My 430 loader doesn't leak down at all, as near as I can tell.
As far as the lift goes, seems to me there should be a chain or cable attached to keep the bucket from dumping you out, and to keep the lift arms from dropping (block of some sort between or along the cylinder) down.

I have been wondering what the plans are to have a lift on the FEL, with respect to getting into it after it is lifted, or having someone run the tractor while being in the lift. Doesn't sound practical to me, but I have been interested in hearing how it really does work. I don't want to cast any doubt too early in the game.

As a boy of 13, I picked apples from a 'lift' on a FEL of an old "A" JD. My uncle ran the lift, and the platform consisted of a big dirt/snow blade tilted flat (horizontal to the ground). Now stayin on that thing while someone was manuevering from place to place around an apple tree, and from tree to tree required all your fingers and toes wrapped around something. But it seemed aat the time better than going up and down a ladder. But I wouldn't do it that way ever again.

[TimSullivan]

My 430 loader does not leak down either or at least not after it was fixed under warrantee. My bucket would drop slowly at first but then I had to constantly curl it back up. My dealer replaced the cylinders and all is well. I left it for three weeks over the winter and the loader arms and the bucket were where I left them. I usually drop the bucket to the floor but for some reason did not do it before we left.

I have a hard time believing that your bucket meets specs in this condition. Is it still under the one year warrantee? Your cylinders need immediate help.

[Kodiak]

Do you know if there has been any service bulletins published by John Deere regarding the warranty work done on your cylinders?

[Kevin_in_Mi]

The same thing happened to mine within 3 months of initial purchase. Dealer found 1 curl cyl bad but replaced both. Mine too would hold indeffinately until I started using the loader heavily since this past spring. Now the same thing is happening, and it started getting worse to the point where it is now. Got a call into a couple of dealers in my area and I'm getting conflicting numbers. We'll see what happens.

[TimSullivan]

I don't know if there are any bulletins out but I did get a call the a month ago from the dealer asking if my FEL was OK. It since has gone off warrantee now but if the problem reoccurs I am not going to be happy.

I would be interested to know if others have or are having this problem. I will check with the service manager on Monday and see what he has to say.

[TimSullivan]

Let us know what you find out. I use my FEL all the time and if I can look forward to replacing cylinders I need to talk to the dealer and John Deere before there is a problem again.

[Kevin_in_Mi]

All of My projects are done solo as I'm very new to the area and don,t know anyone who could give me a hand. So I have to devise ways to do these things bymyself. My plan was to run the lift up where I need it, with all my tools etc. then simply climb up a ladder that is easily placed where it needs to be. I don't trust my better half to run the loader or tractor. It's just not her forte', but she makes a mean sandwitch.

[Kevin_in_Mi]

Tim
I called a couple of dealers in my area in regards to the leakdown problem I've been having. I've since learned that the dealers are rebuildind these cylinders instead of John Deere replacing them as in my case. I also learned that JD has issued a DTAC solution no. 53760 addressing the leakdown problems occuring on th 430 loader. This changes the leakdown on the lift and curl cyls to a nominal 4.08" drop within 1 hour. this to me still seems like a lot but it's a lot better than having mine droping 8"+ in the same time frame. Sounds like my dealer wants to pick my tractor up this week and run some tests. Not looking forward to this cauce I have lots to do still, but getting it fixed is best.