Loader Leak Down

[W5FL]

Seems to be a big difference between manufacturers on what is considered normal for Loader leak down time. First - all loaders leak down because as Mark said "all seals are not perfect in the cylinders or hydraulic control valves." That being said, most of the leak down seems to be more a function of the hydraulic control valves, but that may differ on other tractor models.

If you have ever seen this, please list the loader model (and tractor) and how you perceive the leak down that is normal or abnormal.

Massey Ferguson 245 with Great Bend Loader would leak down while mowing and had to tough the loader control about every hour or so to keep the bucket from getting too low. I considered this normal but wished it was better.

Kubota M6800 with LA1002 loader. Never notice any leak down when using the tractor for several hours. If I leave the bucket up and come back in a day or two, it will be noticably lower and may be on the ground. This seems normal to me and causes no operational problems.

How does your loader do in this respect?

 

[Bird]

Wen, I don't remember the exact measurements, but my 1995 B7100 with B1630C loader (not a quick attach, and never removed from the tractor) would leak down a couple of inches about every 10 to 15 minutes, so it seemed like I was almost constantly touching the lever while mowing, tilling, etc. "Rebuilding" the cylinders helped very little, so they simply replaced all 4 cylinders under warranty and solved the problem. Both my dealer and the factory service rep first were convinced it would be the loader valve, but they checked and it wasn't. So far, I've not had that problem with the B2710 and LA401 loader.

Bird

 

[MChalkley]

I think your experience with the rate of loader leakdown pretty much describes mine with the L4310HST/LA681 tractor/loader combination.

I remember one day not long ago when I was helping my wife mulch her flower beds, I kept hearing this creaking sound. For a while, I heard it but it didn't register. Then, finally, I realized it was coming from the tractor. I walked over, figuring I needed to push the joystick into float position, but it already was. So I wiggled the valve from side to side, and the bucket settled half an inch or so - no more creaking. Funny thing was that I hadn't started the tractor for a couple days, so it had to be settling all that time.

Mark

 

[TomG]

I haven't noticed any lead down (Allied 195 loader). It was weeks between snow storms last winter, and the loader stayed where I left it. I don't recall it coming downing last summer either. Of course, that was before I realized the safety thing about leaving implements off the ground. I sit everything on the ground now when I stop for the day.

 

[PaulB]

Last night I put my tractor away with the loader all the way up, and the 3 point all the way up. This morning the 3 point has not moved, but the loader is at half mast. Will be on the ground by the time I get home from work. B1700/factory loader.