Loader FEL won't dump

metalcaster · Nov 27, 2016

After about 2 hours of operation this afternoon the bucket control on my 1538 HST stopped working. The first indication was when I tried to dump the bucket it actually curled back. After a few tries it operated normally for a few more cycles until it stopped all together. There is nothing in the service manual with troubleshooting for this issue. Looks as though I'll have to drag it back to the dealer this week.

Gary Fowler · Nov 27, 2016

Check the QD connections for the hydraulics operating the dump cycle. I suspect that one or both have came loose. Disconnect and then reconnect them. If that doesn't correct the issue, then it could be a mechanical connection on the FEL joystick. I have seen the nuts come off the swivel connections in the joystick itself.

LD1 · Nov 27, 2016

Ditto reseating the couplers

JerryK · Nov 27, 2016

If it is a cable operated valve, check to see if the nuts are tight where the cables go into the valve assembly underneath. If the nuts are loose, the cables can slowly work their way out of adjustment. 'Usually', the operating lever has a lock device on it to lock the control handle into its neutral home position. First you lock the operator handle. Then the two cables that go from there to the valve assembly underneath are adjusted and secured in this neutral position with the lock nuts. If it is not the couplers, then check the cable nuts. The procedure should be in your owners manual if you need to recenter the cables.

metalcaster · Nov 28, 2016

Gary Fowler said:
Check the QD connections for the hydraulics operating the dump cycle. I suspect that one or both have came loose. Disconnect and then reconnect them. If that doesn't correct the issue, then it could be a mechanical connection on the FEL joystick. I have seen the nuts come off the swivel connections in the joystick itself.

It was the QD. Thanks guys for the response.

LD1 · Nov 28, 2016

Probably 99% of similar issues on here...always end up being the couplers.

Neversosure · Nov 29, 2016

I did that the other week on the max 26 backhoe, I hit the QD with my foot and lost power. I scratched my head and started thinking the worst, then I looked around and found the problem. I started lmao due to the fact that I thought the worst!