Bucket partially dumps when raising the loader...

[Pdiguy]

Hoping to hear an easy fix before loading up for the dealer. The bucket has lost strength "scooping" up a heavy load. The bucket will half dump when raising the loader with a full bucket. Bucket is plenty strong dumping. All seals are clean and dry. My knowledge on this is very limited but an guessing the control valve may be bad? Any help would be really appreciated.

 

[oldnslo]

Could also be the piston seals on the curl cylinders. If your tractor has quick disconnects in the hoses for curl lower the bucket to the ground. Unplug both hoses going to the curl cylinders. Now raise the loader and see if the bucket dumps. If yes the piston seals are leaking on one or both curl cylinders.

Note: this only works if the bucket dumps by extending the curl / dump cylinders

 

[Pdiguy]

Thanks kindly for the reply. Put a good jag of gravel in the bucket, disconnected the 2 lines, raised the loader. Bucket didn't dump at all. I brought the loader back down, re connected the lines and the bucket half dumped when I raised it. Is it safe to say the lever/spool assembly is bad?

 

[Leejohn]

You might check in the loader valve the load check, also check the can on the end of that spool.

 

[oldnslo]

Pdi
Is the loader valve direct operated via joy stick or cable operated via remote joy stick? If cable operated they have been known to bind up and not allow the spool to spring center properly. If you can see the end of the spool where the linkage connects observe both spools to see if they appear to have similar travel and protrude a similar amount in spring center position.

Like lee john also look at other end of spools to see if the centering spring assembly has worked loose, is full of crud etc.

Nothing internal on the valve to rebuild to stop this drift. The load check that leejohn refers to will prevent dumping while trying to curl.

 

[Smokeydog]

Not sure what model tractor you have. Some have “spill” guard feature that levels or rotates the bucket level when raising. This prevent spilling back toward operator. Depending on model as they use different mechanisms to perform this feature. Bent actuator bars or mid-adjustment may cause your issues. Consult your owners manual.

My M59 even has a setting to keep pallet forks level moving up and down.

 

[redman135]

If you have a cable operated joystick they can build up dirt inside the cable at the joystick end. This can cause things to not centre properly. Penetrating oil will fix it if that is your problem. Pulling back the rubber cover and holding it back and appling the penetrating oil is a 3 hand job.
Hopefully an easy fix like that is all you need.

 

[Pdiguy]

You might check in the loader valve the load check, also check the can on the end of that spool.

Thanks for the reply. This might be a bit over my head. It's looking like a trip to the dealer is going to have to happen..

 

[Pdiguy]

So here's what I'm working with. This dumping issue is something new so I don't think it's safety related. Maybe taking this unit to a local hydraulics shop will get me some answers. Or maybe it's just time for a replacement. The linkage on the levers are awful ovaled and sloppy anyways. Guess I'll see what the hydro shop says.

 

[rScotty]

I'd be surprised if the advice from the dealer's shop can match the expertise from the members here who have commented.
You now know for sure that the cylinders are good. So be wary if that it is suggested otherwise.
I don't know that particuar control valve or even the tractor. So can't help. I'd be surprised if it had regeneration or load leveling. It might not even have load checks. The less expensive control valves do leak internally and have none of those features.

Brand new control valves are available all over the internet. They are a universal part. The group here can help you specify a replacement. Prices run several hundred dollars and up...depending on quality. Dealers often charge much more for their identical control valves.
rScotty

 

[Leejohn]

I would not waste my time trying to get that valve fixed. It doesn't have load checks and it is two lever. Get a joy stick valve, you well like it a lot better if you match the valve GPM with the tractor.

 

[Mike1955]

I would not waste my time trying to get that valve fixed. It doesn't have load checks and it is two lever. Get a joy stick valve, you well like it a lot better if you match the valve GPM with the tractor.

I believe I would see if something was in it. But he should feel that. Most dealers are Steelers so to avoid them guessing is the cheaper alternative. And don’t think they don’t assume and guess as well

 

[oldnslo]

So here's what I'm working with. This dumping issue is something new so I don't think it's safety related. Maybe taking this unit to a local hydraulics shop will get me some answers. Or maybe it's just time for a replacement. The linkage on the levers are awful ovaled and sloppy anyways. Guess I'll see what the hydro shop says.

Are those galvanized pipe elbows in that picture of the valve. If yes get rid of the galvanized fittings since it will flake off and contaminate your system. Other problem is they probably are not rated for your system operating pressure.

Since new problem could be spool not centering and a good hydraulic shop should be able to fix that or at least test it for a minimal fee.

 

[Pdiguy]

Well, this is what I ended up with. It definitely fixed the problem. I was considering to have the old valve assembly inspected/ repaired but time was the biggest issue. I have a project waiting so this replacement was the best option. The 2 lever was cheaper than the joystick and what I'm already used to so I stuck with that type. All in I was 380.00cad. That's about 200.00 for you boys!!!
Thanks again for the advice and testing tips. It's very much appreciated.

 

[oldnslo]

Glad you found a solution and got things working again.