FEL bucket not level (Horizontally)

[Starrynights]

I've had this CK2620 for only 15 hours, I noticed yesterday that the bucket is not level, its higher ~ 1" on one side. I'm not doing any super severe work with it, don't recall any operation that would have pushed it this way... nonetheless, this is what it is now.
Could the arm hydraulics be operating out of sync (can this be adjusted)?
Could the arms be twisted (is this fixable)?
Other causes?
Note:
- bucket/arms go straight/level when pushed into a full dump
- bucket rests level on ground when setting up to scoop or when tractor is off
- the cylinders appear to be fine (extend/retract the same amount on both sides).

And alternately... should I even care? Its not interfering with any operations... I can still fill and dump as I need to.

 

[D&D]

Have you actually checked the level of the tractor vs the top (or bottom) edge of the bucket?
2 quick things come to mind;
tire pressure uneven
loader arms not sitting in saddles properly

 

[RjCorazza]

Another thing to look at is the loader arm crossover tube. If it's twisted even slightly, the bucket will not be level. It's not always easy to see, so get a straight edge on it.

 

[Starrynights]

Have you actually checked the level of the tractor vs the top (or bottom) edge of the bucket?
2 quick things come to mind;
tire pressure uneven
loader arms not sitting in saddles properly

I have not taken a level to it yet. I notice visually the out of level when I raise the bucket, vs the brush guard.

Tire pressure is OK (front and back are all at correct/same levels).


One difficulty is that I have no level ground or concrete pad to park on, as a reference point. I will inspect the loader arms closer, and check level of the bucket in reference to them (engaged and not.

 

[Coyote_CS2220]

Relying on level ground to reference things as straight and/or level is problematic.

On uneven ground select wood blocks under the tires (mostly rear ones) will get you close as the front axle will tilt, but you still need a solid level reference for the tractor body (rear axle) and then any loader attachment.

Doing more than my share of renos & alterations I have come to expect all 'assumed reference' points to be out of square and not level.

Get yourself a laser level (and camera tripod) and it will become your reference point for many projects.

 

[jmc]

A lot of threads on this topic. Most likely cause is improper assembly. Try light down pressure on a flat surface and then loosening the mounting bolts to see if it settles.

 

[repete]

Did you buy this tractor new or used?

I suggest starting off with the basics on a CONFIRMED level concrete floor. I suggest using a laser similar to Coyotes to confirm floor is in fact level before parking the tractor in position.
Measure from ground to rear axle center line.
Measure at rear of tractor from ground to fixed point on tractor above axle mount.
Next go to tractor frame at both front corners (not bucket).
Next rear point loader above where it attaches to tractor.
Next to front mount of loader on tractor.
Finally at loader front edge just off the floor.

Open for suggestions from others to nail down the cause.

 

[Billrog]

Maybe the brush guard is wonco.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Maybe the brush guard is wonco.

I am 99% sure mine is, if just a hair.

 

[drunderw]

I have the same problem with my NS6010 that I just got Thursday evening and noticed before using it just testing loader movement. I’m also trying to figure out what’s going on since I didn’t expect that on a new tractor. If I find something out I’ll reply here.

 

[Starrynights]

Did you buy this tractor new or used?

I suggest starting off with the basics on a CONFIRMED level concrete floor. I suggest using a laser similar to Coyotes to confirm floor is in fact level before parking the tractor in position.
Measure from ground to rear axle center line.
Measure at rear of tractor from ground to fixed point on tractor above axle mount.
Next go to tractor frame at both front corners (not bucket).
Next rear point loader above where it attaches to tractor.
Next to front mount of loader on tractor.
Finally at loader front edge just off the floor.

Open for suggestions from others to nail down the cause.

It's new. Unfortunately I don't have any concrete to park it on. I think i will contact the dealer.... it doesn't seem like something that I can adjust or fix on my own (especially since I'm working on gravel or dirt parking).

 

[Starrynights]

I am 99% sure mine is, if just a hair.

Interesting.. I took a look at the brush guard yesterday.. it's definately level with the frame, but looks a bit off vs the hood (looking from the front to back, independent of the bucket)

 

[dodge man]

I’m not sure if it was this forum or another where someone chased a bucket that wasn’t quite level. The dealer tried a few things to fix it and I’m not sure it ever did get fixed. I would figure out a way to check it before getting a dealer involved.

 

[jmc]

Checking bucket tilt on non-level, but
non-bumpy ground:

Put a level across the bucket- note the slope

Mark the rear wheels' contact patch locations

Move the tractor, put identical bricks/or other spacers on both contact patches, span them with your level, and note the slope.

 

[Amvcane]

Zombieda,
I have a bent right loader arm on my ck35.
If you raise the loader arms to full extension does one arm reach the end of travel before the other?

 

[drunderw]

I drive mine to a local gas station near me and parked on their concrete pad.

For me, I noticed a difference in measurement from the bottom of the loader mount to the frame with the side that was higher having more space between the bottom of the mount and the ground. I made sure both rear tires had the same PSI.

If you can I’d check those on yours but I’m also still at a loss with mine.

 

[IndyIan]

I drive mine to a local gas station near me and parked on their concrete pad.

For me, I noticed a difference in measurement from the bottom of the loader mount to the frame with the side that was higher having more space between the bottom of the mount and the ground. I made sure both rear tires had the same PSI.

If you can I’d check those on yours but I’m also still at a loss with mine.

Sounds like your loader mount isn't installed level? I imagine there must be a bit of adjustment available. Maybe loosen the high side mount bolts and see if that side slips down a fraction, levelling the loader?

 

[D&D]

Relying on level ground to reference things as straight and/or level is problematic.

On uneven ground select wood blocks under the tires (mostly rear ones) will get you close as the front axle will tilt, but you still need a solid level reference for the tractor body (rear axle) and then any loader attachment.

I have not taken a level to it yet. I notice visually the out of level when I raise the bucket, vs the brush guard.

Tire pressure is OK (front and back are all at correct/same levels).


One difficulty is that I have no level ground or concrete pad to park on, as a reference point. I will inspect the loader arms closer, and check level of the bucket in reference to them (engaged and not.

Before I got too carried away with.... put a level (2 foot, 4 foot doesnt much matter here) across operators platform and note bubble position, lay level across brush guard (same bubble?), then loader towers, then place on loader bucket and note bubble position. Should take all of five minutes to see what (if anything) is wonky.

 

[Starrynights]

Before I got too carried away with.... put a level (2 foot, 4 foot doesnt much matter here) across operators platform and note bubble position, lay level across brush guard (same bubble?), then loader towers, then place on loader bucket and note bubble position. Should take all of five minutes to see what (if anything) is wonky.

I put a 4' level on it.. noting the bubble positions. With the bucket lowered (on ground).. they are very close. When the bucket is raised, it goes out of level noticeably at the top pivot point nearest to operators platform. This is where it pivots on the frame bracket. One side moves higher, the bubble level is noticeably changed, and would explain the difference I am seeing.The bolts appear to be snug, I torqued them a while back with no movement noted... but maybe my torque wrench isn't up to snuff.
I'm going to try to observe any movement visually on that frame bracket when the bucket is raised.

 

[Bentrim]

Two hydraulic cylinders when they are the same size and plumbed together with a tee exert the same force when the load is applied evenly. Even if loaded uneven the cross bar of the loader frame should keep them even.
It is time to find a flat hard surface and pull out hr measureing tape.
1. Is each rear axle the same height from the ground?
2. Is each loader mount the same from the ground?
3. Are both pivot pins where the loader boom meets the mount thye same distance from the ground?
4. Are the bucket mounting pins equal distance from the ground?
If these measurements are equal the the problem is in the bucket itself.
Mst manufacturers to day turn out decent products But there used to be some terrible quality control making "straight" loaders.