Loader Viagra for my FEL bucket

[Mud Dr.]

The bucket on my FEL keeps dropping. Its a 1970's model B7100 with a two lever control valve. Fluid level is fine and I have no problems with the loader arms. I probably need to re-build the rams, but just wondering if it might be in the control valve. Can the control valves be repaired?

Thanks in advance.

 

[gwdixon]

Control valves are very expensive. You might want to post in the "Hydraulics" forum on TBN to get informed answers. The guys there are good.

I had the FEL seals replaced in my L48 lift arm cylinders and it stopped the leak down. The curl cylinders were fine.

I'd recommend doing the cylinder seals first since they are relatively inexpensive and you can do your own. Or you can take them off and haul them to a hydraulic shop or tractor dealer to have them done.

Bad seals are far more common than bad control valves. It is about time to do the cylinders anyway and if the control valve is bad you'd do the cylinders as well just because the thing would be apart.

 

[Mud Dr.]

Thanks, that certainly seems like a logical process. Start with the easy and the cheap(er) steps first.
That sure is a nice collection of orange ponies for your paddock.

Mud Man Steve

 

[CHDinCT]

Does the bucket un-curl / drop too? If not, try reversing the bucket lift and curl circuit hoses then see if the issue continues or moves over to the curl function. If the issue moves over to the curl function, the leak is in the valve, but if the loader still drops (but the curl doesn't) the leakage is in the loader lift circuit.

 

[KubotainNH]

My b6100 drops after some time too, the curl drops quicker than the loader on mine. I've heard some folks say to prop it up, disconnect the hydraulics at the loader valve and seal the end then remove the prop (car jack). Probably have to do one at a time. If it drops then the one sealed is the issue. If no drop then it's the valve. Last I checked the parts for the Kubota loader valves are still available.

 

[wdchyd]

Last I checked the parts for the Kubota loader valves are still available.

If it's the valve creeping under load then the spools would be worn...if they are worn it would be from contamination (grit)...the spools are not replaceable part as they are precision ground chrome plated to fit the cast iron housings.....

The most common problem of cyl creep down is seal/packing wear which is easily repaired by repacking the cyls, but if the valve is creeping under load it may be a valve replacement and complete oil/filter change to remove contaminates that wore out the control valve.....big chore & $$$

Best to troubleshoot first as the cyl seals are a wear and tear item

 

[Mud Dr.]

Hey, thanks for all of the feedback. It's the bucket curl that I'm having problems with, the loader arms are OK. I will try swapping the control circuit hoses and see if the problem follows the circuit.

 

[wdchyd]

:thumbsup::thumbsup:..........

 

[Mud Dr.]

Does the bucket un-curl / drop too? If not, try reversing the bucket lift and curl circuit hoses then see if the issue continues or moves over to the curl function. If the issue moves over to the curl function, the leak is in the valve, but if the loader still drops (but the curl doesn't) the leakage is in the loader lift circuit.

Hey CHD, finally got a chance to swap the hoses on my loader. As I started to loosen one of the hoses, I noticed the connection was loose. Turns out that was my problem. Thanks for the help.

Steve

 

[wdchyd]

If it was just a loose connection then you'd be leaking alot of oil.....check the oil level in reservoir close

Usually you'd have notice big puddles of oil way before you'd notice creep-down if that was your only problem.....