Loader 2003 Kioti CK20HST FEL slow to operate, reduced lifting capacity.

[K5lwq]

My thought is a stuck pressure relief on your loader valve.

 

[Truck9]

Has anybody ever dealt with this issue? and if so, can you describe the repair? (pictures would be great!). Any knowledge on this subject would be very welcome. Thanks, Bryan

 

[jabelding]

That's an interesting one I would say that it is probably a problem with your priority flow valve. the 20 only has a single pump so the hyd fluid has to support both the steering and the loader. from the video it sounds like your loader relief valve is working correctly and it loads the engine well when the flow is blocked by your remote. When you block the main flow with the remote valve it raises the pressure in the entire circuit so the steering works. The flow priority valve is suppose to divert flow to the steering when ever you move the steering wheel but looks like it is not switching so you don't have any hyd power to move the steering cylinders.
This forum has a hyd diagram https://www.mytractorforum.com/56-kioti/638633-stladrill-ck20s-shimmed-hydraulic-relief-valve.html

 

[K5lwq]

Jabelding might be on to something. I think I can hear fluid bypass when everything is in neutral.

Does it work better when the fluid is cold and get worse after things heat up? Do you notice a new sound in your system that was not notable before?

 

[Kioti Paul]

If the flow priority valve was not working properly it seems to me that could keep the steering, or the FEL from working properly, but not both?? According to the hyd diagram, there is no path from the priority valve straight back to the reservoir (all the hyd flow has to go to the steering or the FEL). It seems to me (& I am just guessing) it is more likely that the joystick valve is bypassing flow straight back to the reservoir. Moving the rear remote lever blocks enough flow to allow enough pressure to build to operate the steering, but not the FEL (properly)??

That's just a guess, I am learning a good deal from this thread...good luck!

 

[MichiganIron]

Might be a good idea to back up a little and do some testing. We would recommend testing the output pressures at one of the steering cylinder lines, one of the Front Loader lines, and at the rear remotes. The output pressures at any of the three should relief at about 2300psi. The priority valve is pilot operated to assure priority flow is to the steering system. If the priority pilot in the priority valve block isn't responding properly, it could cause flow problems through the joystick valve. It would be good to know what the system is doing by pressure testing all 3 locations.

Hope this helps

 

[Truck9]

It quit raining enough that I was able to change my fluids & filters today. I ran the tractor up and down my street to warm up the fluids. Pulled all the drain plugs and the fluid looked good (probably only 80+ hours on it). The drain-plug magnet looked great and the filters were unremarkable. Topped it off this time with Shell Rotella HD transmission/hydraulic fluid. At this point, nothing has changed: The FEL is still slow to operate and low on power. However, I did find out that if I activate the FEL, my steering comes back? (must be done at the same time for this to work)..don't know what that means and I guessing it was able to do this when the issue started, I just didn't try this operation before. I'm looking at taking the relief valve out and try to determine if it's stuck partially open (Anybody done this?.. looks like it unscrews from the relief valve assembly in one piece). If that doesn't work I'll take the advice and make a test gauge and hose fittings and test the pressures in the locations that Michiganiron suggested. Any other suggestions are very welcome. I am mechanical, but not a mechanic by trade. I'd like to fix this myself and not load it up and travel a long way to a dealer where it will most likely cost $$$$. I have the factory manual in PDF. Does anybody know how to attach pictures in my replies????? Thanks in advance!

 

[K5lwq]

Click on the picture icon on the left end of the menu bar. Choose from computer and locate the picture you want. Then click on upload picture. That will place a thumbnail photo in your reply. It helps to reduce the size before uploading. If you click the on the AA button on the right of the menu bar, it will show the picture before you post. You can then click on the picture to get options for how you want it displayed.

Do post pictures of the relief when you get it out. Good luck.

 

[Truck9]

Click on the picture icon on the left end of the menu bar. Choose from computer and locate the picture you want. Then click on upload picture. That will place a thumbnail photo in your reply. It helps to reduce the size before uploading. If you click the on the AA button on the right of the menu bar, it will show the picture before you post. You can then click on the picture to get options for how you want it displayed.

Do post pictures of the relief when you get it out. Good luck.

What menu bar??...I'm using the "Quick Reply" and see no menu bar, let alone a picture icon???...apparently I'm computer illiterate.

 

[Truck9]

Now I see the light!...had to go into my settings and change a few things.