Balky dump function Kubota LA-1353S

[enfield]

M8540 MFWD open station with LA-1353S loader and 3rd function valve. Over the 6 years I've had this tractor, the loader's dump function has gradually become harder and harder to engage. As a result, last week when I was stacking brush from a fence job the knob on the end of the joystick broke. With 3rd function valve, you have the actuating buttons right there in the knob - which means it's hollow.

Loader raises and curls just fine; only the dump is affected. I have never removed it from the tractor, although it is equipped for quick release. There's enough force in the system to pick up a back wheel if you lift on uneven ground or try to lift a very heavy object, and the curl function will push the whole tractor backwards if you happen to get stuck.

In a related issue, the tech folks at Messick's have yet to discover how the actuating buttons can be removed from the broken handle and installed into the new one. For now it's taped together and the 3rd valve still works OK, but operating requires a lot of care.

Free plug for Everything Attachments here. Their root grapple has done a splendid job for a few years now, and they were glad to customize to my spec. The tractor itself does great pulling a 15' batwing over our hills, but it ain't no Deere.

All suggestions on how to revive the dump function and replace the 3rd function control knob welocmed. tia,

enfield

 

[oldnslo]

Does this model have cables between the joystick and directional valve? If yes I would check the cable to see if it binding.

Another possible problem area is the spring assembly cover (can) on the end of the directional valve spool. Over time these can get corroded or filled with crud making the spool difficult to move.

No idea on how the joystick comes apart

 

[RNeumann]

Yep I’d second oldnslo. Sounds like a cable issue.....if it has one!

 

[enfield]

Thanks. I'll check both possibilities. Given the number of control cables that have already failed on this machine, that would be the first place to look.

 

[enfield]

Finally had a chance to look into the controls on this. The joystick acts on two different spherical connectors, one for up/down and one for curl/dump. Each of these is in turn attached to a cable that actuates the actual control valve. With tractor running, up/down actuates OK, but curl/dump requires extra force to dump. The cables themselves seem to operating normally.
I suspect an adjustment issue at the valve, since with the tractor turned off the dump function works just fine with normal force exerted on the control lever. However, it appears that only up/down has a locknut to adjust effective cable length - at least from what I can see without removing all the guards. Suggestions welcome; I wouldn't be this far along without you guys!
On the other issue, the broken handle with 3rd-function controls inside, neither Messick's nor the nearest serious dealer has been able to come up with a process on how to move the 3rd-function control switches to a new handle. I've been able to jury rig the broken handle with gorilla tape so that everything works OK, just slower. Will keep the group informed on this one.
enfield