Loader Cannot articulate bucket while in Float Mode

[Shift4200]

Did you move the 3PH handle down? Or was it still at the top?

I was able to articulate the bucket both up and down while in float mode. I was also able to do this with the 3ph up, down or half-way without any issue at all.

Loader arms still raise about 8 in if the loader is in float, and I raise the 3ph.

I had intended on testing all the tricks you guys sent my way, but the bucket worked right away.

-J

 

[J_J]

The lift arms will raise because the 3pt causes back pressure, into the loader lift arm cyl.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Well, another chapter to my story.... this time the plot gets a twist.

Went out to clear snow last night, and low and behold... the bucket has decided it wants to work the way it's supposed to. Last time i tried it was Sunday afternoon and it wasn't working properly. Last night, not a single hesitation. Thankful for that as having to stop and engage/disengage float to articulate the bucket was a real time drain.

So thinking maybe some gunk in the hyrdos, or maybe a sticky valve? Still going to follow up with the dealer, but if it keeps working i might push it until I'm ready for scheduled maintenance.

I'll post more as this continues, but for now it's looking like we're entering halftime.

-J

Ice obstruction interfering with the pickup. You just had a warm day didnt you?

 

[Shift4200]

Ice obstruction interfering with the pickup. You just had a warm day didnt you?

I had thought of this as well. Unfortunately the loader was having the same issue ON the warm day.... and the day that it worked it was 12deg out. Yesterday, mid 20s and the problem started AFTER the tractor was warm.

So, cleared about 8-9in of heavy snow last night. About half way thru the job the problem starts again. Intermittent but it's there. By the end of the 2nd clearing I was back to not being able to curl the bucket while in float. When i finished i gave her a good once over during cool down. Found a little bit of hydro oil collecting down near the valve block. Thought maybe a loose fitting... but there was nothing obvious. There are a few fittings that I didn't have wrench for. Most of my metric wrench experience has been on dirtbikes and quads.... none of those seemed to go over 12mm. Going to try to get out today and snag some bigger crescent wrenches to rule out loose fitting.

Heard back from the dealer again. I've now been put in contact with the service manager John. Great crew down at Dubay Tractor. We've had several exchanges of things for me to look for... right now we're waiting on me double checking for loose fittings. I should have that info for them tomorrow. Mahindra USA replied and suggested several adjustments to the hydro valve. Guess this is something that they plan to do in on site. I'll be sure to report back when/if it happens.

But for now, I'll be headed to a hardware store on lunch to buy some big boy wrenches.... LOL

-J

 

[Shift4200]

Update....

Dealer reached out to Mahindra and they suggested an adjustment to the valve. Dealers service manager pulled a max25 in from their stock to see what they were talking about and found no adjustment. So he's back at Mahindra on that topic.

Next dealer is ordering a part for a small leak that i seem to have in the hydro system. Not sure exactly what part, but he said it was an easy fix. Washer or something.

Yesterday toward the end of clearing the snow on the drive the loader seemed to have gotten worse as time went on. First, no scoop function in float... .but by now i'm almost used to that. Then, after a while i was unable to do any 2 functions at the same time without a brief pause between them. For example.... to lift and dump. Pull up to bank.... stop.... lift arms.... pause.... dump bucket.... pause.... curl bucket... pause.... lower arms. Rinse and repeat.... This made what normally takes 1.5h take over 2.5h. At times even a pause wouldn't give the results I'm used to.

To add to the loader being a f'ker.... toward the very end, the stick would (no pun intended) "stick" in whatever position i put it in. For example.... i would bump the lever up to lift the arms a few inches, turn around to check my rear blade, turn back around and arms are nearly at max height with the lever still stuck in the raise position.

I checked for leaks and pulled the boot on the joystick to see if it might be an icing issue. It was cold and wet, so i didn't want to raise a flag if it was something so simple. But everything looked good. A little moisture under the boot, but no icing or anything that looked to be causing restriction.

I've forwarded this info to the dealer and am waiting on a reply. I'll be sure to keep this updated as we go along.

Happy Valentines day all....

-J

 

[J_J]

If your loader cyl are moving with no lever movement, then i would suggest the centering springs need replacing.

You might disassemble the valve and remove the spools and inspect all parts of the valve.

 

[Shift4200]

If your loader cyl are moving with no lever movement, then i would suggest the centering springs need replacing.

You might disassemble the valve and remove the spools and inspect all parts of the valve.

Seeing as it's a brand new tractor and still under warranty, i'm hoping the dealer will take this task on vs me doing it. However, you might be on to something here and i will surely mention it during my next call with the dealer.

thanks!

-J

 

[Shift4200]

A new twist.... goes along with what i was originally thinking was the problem.

Clearing Snow yesterday... right at the last bucket to toss on the pile. I felt some tension on the loader handle. Next thing i know, i feel a pop... and the handle goes limp. The Linkage to the bucket valve snapped. The bolt side of the link appears to have snapped off inside where it attaches. When it broke off it tore half of the threads out along with it.

Dubay had already started the process of replacing the whole hydro valve under warranty, i guess they need approval from Mahindra USA before they can do the repair. I spoke with the dealer this morning and he's going to expedite the process, and pick up my Max on Thursday. Figure it's a good time to have my first service done (about 10h early or so) since it's already going to be in the shop.

With any luck this broken linkage is going to be the solution to all of this guessing. I can only hope that we will get a break from the snow until i get her back..... yea, i say that as I'm watching the white stuff fall as i type.

-J

 

[Shift4200]

Max is at the dealer, picked up last Thursday. They've completed my 50h service and are waiting on ordered parts to complete the warranty repair for the hydro's. Mahindra USA has approved the replacement of the complete loader valve unit, along with the linkage/handle. So, basically everything between your hand and the lines are going to be new.

As of now, if parts arrive when expected I should have it back by mid day Saturday. More then...

-J

 

[Shift4200]

The conclusion.

The dealer changed out the whole FEL hydro valve under warranty. Got the Max home on Saturday, and had some stick time moving wood to test her out. Smooth like buttah... in fact significantly smoother than when I first got it. Bucket now both dumps and curls while the loader is floating!

Tractor was in for a total of a week, this included my 50h service.

-J