2615 hst with fel ml106 that leaks down

Mapp · Oct 29, 2005

I have noticed that my fel will leak down about 5 inches every 24 hours. I know that you are not suppose to leave the fel up but I did the other night and forgot about it. When I came back to the tractor the lift was down. Therefore, I started measuring the droppage. That is how I came up with the 5 inches. It is a brand new fel that has never had a load placed on it. Is this normal?

YanmarFever · Oct 29, 2005

Check to see if there is any fluid leaking on the floor. If there is, use a wrench & tighten all the loader fittings.
takes 5 minutes.
Ernies Imports

George2615 · Oct 29, 2005

I had the same problem with my 2615 & ml106. Also had reduced lifting capacity. I had no external leaks visible. The loader owners manual says it is an internal leak in the control valve. I took mine back to the dealer while under warranty (1yr for loader) and they replaced the control valve with a heavier duty one. If you're past warr. I don't know how much $ the valve is.

JerryG · Oct 29, 2005

A loader can drop pretty fast and still be concerted normal. Deere on-line has a page that shows acceptable leak down. The rate of 5" per 24 hours would be concerned normal and they would not fix it.

DavesTractor · Oct 29, 2005

That's about 1/4" per hour. Not a problem. 5" an hour would indicate something worth looking at on a brand new tractor. Always put your bucket and implement down, why make the tractor hydraulic system "work" 24 hours a day?

George2615 · Oct 29, 2005

I forgot to mention that mine was dropping 1 1/2" per hour even when empty. At first I thought it was the load of topsoil I was hand shoveling out of the bucket. Seemed like every time I turned around for another shovel full the bucket was lower. After I finished for the day is when I decided to check its drop when empty.

Mapp · Oct 29, 2005

Thanks to everyone for the input. I will definitely leave it down in the future. FEL is still under warranty so I called the dealer this morning and they are going to get back with me on whether I need to bring it in or not. My father-in-law said basically the same thing about the control valve having an internal leak since an external leak was not noticeable. Also, now that you mention it I did not get an owner's manual for the front end loader.

George2615 · Nov 4, 2005

Mapp, See MEDBUG's post (2819HST). I replied to him and attached copies of the two loader book pages troubleshooting section that pertained to your similar problem.
George