BX22 FEL Leaking Down With Load While Running

ehenry · May 20, 2018

I've got a BX22 with 1200+ hours on it. Today while using the FEL I noticed that it was leaking down while it had a load on it with the engine RPMs up at operating speed. I had gotten off the tractor to move something and noticed it leaking down when getting back on.

I've looked all over the tractor...hoses, quick couplers, crawled under it and cannot find hydraulic oil leaking anywhere. I'm open to any suggestions ya'll may have........thanks.

diesel85 · May 20, 2018

Sounds like the loader cylinders need to be repacked.

I recommend taking them off, and bringing them to your local hydraulic shop and get them repacked.

Much cheaper than buying new ones.

While you are at it, you might as well do the bucket cylinder too.

SAFETY FIRST: Inspect pressurized hydraulic hoses with paper or cardboard -- NOT your hands!!! You don't want to lose parts of your hand due to gangrene from fluid injection.

If your hoses look shot, now is the time to replace them. The hydraulic shop can make you all the hoses too -- even the weird shaped ones.

ehenry · May 20, 2018

Both lift cylinders and bucket cylinder were rebuilt at Jackson Hydraulic last year. Seals and packing.

I should have mentioned the 3ph leaks down as well while running.

diesel85 · May 20, 2018

Do me a favor, next time you are using the tractor. Load up the 3pt and the loader, then lock the 3pt knob closed. See if you get leak down.

KWentling · May 20, 2018

All spool valves have leak by. Even new ones. The leak by gets worse as the spools and valve bodies wear. If you can't live with the amount of leak down you have, valve replacement is your only option. Before I did that, I would verify the valve as the cause by loading the bucket, putting a floor jack under the bucket to relieve the hydraulic of the load, and disconnect the hydraulic quick couples. Then let the jack down and see if the bucket drifts down or not. Seeing as you have no external leakage, I would expect it to hold the load. Use the jack to relieve the pressure so you can hook your hoses back up.