Bush Hog Loader Problem

[chetorba]

What would cause my front end loader to work upon initial start up but stop working after about one minute of use?

I recently change the hydraulic fluid and filter and that did not correct the problem.

[Wayne County Hose]

Check your pump pressure.

[jinman]

Is your problem on the Iseki or the Kubota?

If the problem is on an older tractor, it might be that the supply side to the pump is restricted/clogged. It could also be sucking air and cavitating. Is the pump making noise or sound like it may be cavitating? If you shut the tractor off for 10 or 15 minutes, do the hydraulics again work for awhile or does it require an overnight cool off?

From your post it sounds like you only changed the fluid and filter after the problem showed up. If that is the case, then I assume you used the right filter and made sure all connections are tight. If this problem showed up after doing the filter and fluid change, then that tends to point toward something not working right because of the maintenance.

I'm just brainstorming ideas here and asking a lot of questions, hoping to give you some ideas.

[chetorba]

The problem is with the Kubota. Yes, after the tractor is turned off and cools down, the loader will work again. The problem occurred prior to the change. The fluid had water (coffee color) and I thought the problem was caused by thick fluid from the cold. But it continues even in the warm weather.

I did not notice any noise from the pump.

Thanks for all ideas.

[jinman]

Thanks for clarifying the tractor and the situation. It's a bit strange for the problem to show up as the tractor warms up. Since you did not mention it, I assume the 3PH works normally. If that is the case, then the problem is probably not pump pressure.

I think Kubotas have a hydraulic diverter valve for when a loader is added. You might check that valve to make sure it is set properly. The other thing is to disconnect and reseat all the quick connects going to the loader. Quick connects are notorious for causing flow problems if they are not seated properly or seals malfunction.

I don't know enough specifics of your tractor to make many more suggestions, but I think you have done all the right things so far. If you 3PH works, then the problem has to be associated with connections, diverter valve, or joystick valve. There just isn't much else that could cause the problem.

One last thing. Since your loader is a Bush Hog, it might not attach the same as the OEM setup. It could use a power-beyond tap instead of the tractor's diverter valve as I previously mentioned. Again, this is just random speculation and brainstorming. You really need a plumbing diagram to help troubleshoot a problem like this.

[chetorba]

I broke down and brought the tractor to the dealer. The problem was the filter and screen where clog. There must have been alot of junk in the tank because I changed the fluid and filter when the problem started. Glad I used cheaper TSC fluid. They cleaned out the system and re-filled it with fluid. It working great now.