430 Loader Problem

[ayacht]

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or help on this. I have done all the normal stuff like check the connections and fluid levels and they seem to be fine. My loader with no load in the bucket will drop a little after being lifted.
With a very heavy load after lifting it the loader will drop. The lift capacity just doesn't seem to be there. I was trying to lift about 1200 lbs. with clamp on pallet forks and it wouldn't budge the load. I was able to do about 800 lbs. but that is when it started losing hieght and dropping. Maybe this is all normal. Doesn't seem it to me. I thought it should lock in place once up and the lift capacity of the loader was around 1900 lbs. I know it shouldn't happen when the loader has no load in it. Does this sound like a hydralic cylinder problem or something else.

I have a feeling it is going to have to goto the dealer to be fixed. Any help would be great.

 

[TomG]

Before going to the dealer, I'd change the hydraulic oil and filter if it's close to a scheduled change. A partially clogged filter can produce what you're describing, however the oil usually would be abnormally hot as well, and 3ph hydraulics would be affected. It would be a good idea to see if the 3ph functions normally. If the 3ph functions normally, then the most likely problem is the loader hydraulics themselves.

I guess you know the loader is capable of lifting 1200#. However, you might listen to hear if the relief valve is opening when the loader stalls. A relief valve can become weak, which can limit the oil pressure and produce weak hydraulics. I haven't done it, but repairing a relief valve doesn't seem too difficult, although it probably requires a pressure gauge.

The bleed down and progressive loss of power seems more like a suction line blockage than a relief valve problem, but you might check if the oil if frothy after hydraulic power is reduced.

 

[JD990]

Hi,
My 430 loader does the same thing. If I lift it up a couple of feet off the ground, the next day it would be down on the ground. I checked with my dealer and he suggested it was a control valve problem or a blown seal on one or more of the cylinders. He said, the loader should stay where is is put without bleed-down without more that an inch of bleed down due to fluid compression. He suggested I switch the hydraulic pair ( one pair - lift arms, one pair bucket) lines on the SCV to determine if the problem is in the SCV or the cylinder(s). I did this and found the lift arms still leaked down as usual. So, i'll report back and I expect he'll order new lift arm cylinders for me. In any event, he says the loader should not leak down and I'll hold him to that!

Robert

 

[dsulli]

I had a similiar problem with my new 4300. At 16 hours, the loader would not hold the front end of the tractor up in the air when I was using the backhoe. It also would not hold a loaded bucket up in the air very long. The dealer replaced a valve, under warrantee, and all is now fine. Your loader should not be lowering itself...

 

[shanek]

I have a 4600 and the service manager said that loader hydraulics will drop up to 8" per hour before they will do repairs, so it is common. My J.D. backhoe does the same thing.