Any damage when you try to lift too much?

[daTeacha]

You can get away with that trick, but what you feel is the bolt stretching beyone it's designed elastic limit. You've weakened it and it may not hold when further tension is put on it. The things are designed to stretch a miniscule amount to maximize friction between threads, but overstretching will do more harm than good. If it's anywhere near critical, use a torque wrench.

 

[N80]

Sometimes I can smell hydraulic fluid after the relief valve gives. Is this normal? I would think not, but everything is still working properly. Fluid levels are normal, etc.

 

[Paddy]

Lifting too much can also damage front ends. say you are at max load and you either drop the bucket to quick and stop sudenly or bounce your way down the trail.

Static loads vs. dynamic loads

 

[AndyMA]

Sometimes I can smell hydraulic fluid after the relief valve gives. Is this normal? I would think not, but everything is still working properly. Fluid levels are normal, etc.

Sure, you're at max pressure & probably pretty warm fluic temp. and a little fluid always coats the cylinder rod etc.

Now it is time to stop worrying about this and go play.

Andy