DK 35 front loader problem

ortiesdad · Jul 10, 2005

I had posted this a few months back but since I have basically only been using my tractor for mowing, I kinda let it go for awhile. I have a Kioti 1450 front loader on my DK 35. The front loader worked fine for only about the first 20 hours and then began to act up. I can use all the hydraulics but when I go to lower it, it stops and begins to 'squeal' having the same sound as when I have too much on to lift. If I play with it a bit, just ever-so-slightly take it up and then gently bring it down, in most cases I can get it back to the ground. I called my Dealer, Doug Riley from Riley Equipment Sales in Ohio, and he made a call to the factory. They couldn't come up with anything except for maybe it had a back 'coupler'. I replaced the coupler, it worked for about 2-3 minutes and then the same thing happened. So that's the way it's been for the last few months. Well, my grass is burned out and now it's time to start retrieving some firewood and so I'm ready to use the front loader. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated...

Dave in PA

Bob_Skurka · Jul 10, 2005

I've got different tractors, but have had strange problems with hydraulics, in most cases I've been able to trace it back to a quick connect that was not connected or a fitting I knocked loose & damaged. Just in case you have not, unhook and inspect each quick connect coupler and make sure they are clean, clear of internal obstructions, and then make sure they are seated correctly when you reconnect them. As you are having problems with lowering, it would likely only be related to the quick connects and hoses that go to the two cylinders that raise and lower, but its worth the effort to check/clean all of them. Hydraulics are usually pretty simple, if there is flow, the cylinder moves, if there is not, then it doesn't. Your cylinders are not lowering, and you are getting a squeal that indicates maximum load, it just sounds like you are not getting flow. The question is why. Might be internal in the hydraulic system, might be something major, but it sounds much more like something that is related to the particular lines, connections or main lift cylinders. There are a couple really good hydraulic guys on TBN, hopefully they will see your post, if you don't get any responses from them in few days, you may want to repost a similar question in the general forums. A lot of folks don't read some of the brand specific forums. Honestly I can't imagine this is a big problem, and I'd guess it is covered by warrenty when you find the problem.

TractorLegend · Jul 10, 2005

Maybe you could post this in the general "repair" forum after a while to get a broader response??

KiotiJohn · Jul 10, 2005

Sounds as though you have something blocking the return line. If there are any metal hydro lines on you loader, check to determine if any are bent and causing a restriction of flow back to the reservoir.
Be very careful when checking all of this as high pressure hydro lines can be dangerous.
From your description, it sure sounds like a restriction.
Bob makes a good point of disconnecting all the lines and reconnecting (one at a time so you don't mix them) after making sure they're clean and not restricted.
It's also possible that the problem is right at the joystick. Possibly it is not effectively pushing the lever all the way and keeping the loader from powering down.
Are you able to put it in float (push the joystick all the way forward, the loader should drop)? You should feel a detent between the normal powering down function and the float when you push forward, and the stick should lock into the float position when all the way forward.
If you can't get it in float, I would suggest checking the mechanism in the joystick under the boot to make sure those rods are not damaged and that the round cap on each is in its proper place.
The loader as a one year warranty, so I would have the dealer, or a dealer look to repair it.
John