FEL control adjustment question (for dealers perhaps)

linuxman51 · Dec 23, 2015

I've noticed over the past couple of work days that the loader control seems to be getting sticky on my max26 (~25 hours or so), I know it's supposed to 'hang' if you go all the way over on dump or up on the drop, but it's taken to requiring more effort than it did 24 hours ago. It was a similar behavior from the controls that pushed me over the top on my max28, and I'd rather not chance a repeat of THAT experience (tractor gone for two weeks, then stolen from the dealer. I don't think the odds are high, but still...). The fix at that time was some sort of adjustment, but they didn't elaborate, and given the circumstances I didn't pursue it. Got a great relationship (I think at least) with my dealer, I just... don't really wanna drop the tractor off up there unless it's fo sho busted.

so.. what/where might one adjust this behavior? Last time I popped the cover off the controls, I don't seem to recall anything being obvious, but I didn't really dig into the system either (I was expecting to find something stuck in the linkage)

Jabonee · Dec 23, 2015

What control in sticky? Lift or Tilt or both? No adjustment that I'm aware of. If your lift function is the one in question you may want to check the detent. I've seem them get water in there and rust up the spring and balls.

Browneyesvictim · Dec 23, 2015

I have also experienced the same "sticky" controls you describe. This has happened on all of the controls on both the loader and backhoe. It This will happen after it sits for a few days or longer. It seems it takes some use to free it up again, and perhaps once the hydraulic fluid is warmed up and it goes away. I also cycle the controls to the full extents to purge any air. It always goes away, but always comes back. At this point my observations are leading me to suspect a thermal expansion and tolerance issue in the spool. Let it warm up the hydraulics. Cycle it a bit and I'll bet you will find it goes away also.

linuxman51 · Dec 23, 2015

it's after it's warmed up (well and probably while it's cold, but I don't normally jump on, crank it up, and immediately pour the coal to it), at least when I really notice it, whilst working with the bucket. It gets stuck the most going to the left with the joystick, even when I'm not trying to let it freewheel (-whatever the technical name for that is), and to a slightly lesser extent going up. This is above and beyond the normal behavior where you can push the stick up or over and it'll hang out there without any interaction.

the backhoe seems to be running a little slower as well, but that could be a figment of my imagination. doesn't seem to lack any power, so it's movements are probably just wishful thinking on my part (I only mention it if there's somehow some kind of correlation)