Dirt Moving FEL Lacking Power

[BGBill]

I don't know if its just me or what, but the FEL seems to be weak in its operations. I am moving a pile of dirt (topsoil) that has been there for 10 years. Once I push into the pile I can't lift or curl the bucket. I have to back out a little to get the bucket to respond. I am not pushing into the pile very far either. I can scoop and lift a full bucket of loose soil after fluffing the dirt.
Maybe I am expecting to much. I realize this is a small machine, but its also a small bucket. I have operated a Case 480 backhoe with FEL many hours.
Seems that if you can push the front tires off the ground it ought to lift better than it does.

BX25 Like New

BGBill

 

[Localmotion]

Hi Bill - just a thought but have you checked the hydraulic oil level? I'm not sure if you've had the FEL a while or only just fitted - if it's the latter you will probably need some extra oilin your tank...

 

[LD1]

Digging into a pile of pack dirt is asking a lot. It has a lot to do with technique.

Are you starting at the bottom of the pile??

If so, you are in a sense trying to lift WAY more than what is in thhe bucket if it is a hard packed pile.

There are a couple of different techniques that may help.

1st, you can start higher on the pile. And maybe even curl the bucket down, and press down into the pile why backing out. This will help break stuff loose.

2nd, you could try attacking the side of the pile.

and 3rd thing you could try, instead of going into the pile with the bucket flat/level, try goind in slightly curled up already. And then as a combination of driving into the pile while curling AND lifting. Kinda skimming the outer parts of the pile.

It takes practice. I believe all of these techniques are covered in the kubota FEL operators manual with pics to boot.

And if you are still in doubt or just want peice of mind, spend $20 on a tee and a hydraulic guage and put on the loader circuit to see what your operating PSI is. Make sure it isnt under spec.:thumbsup:

 

[CHDinCT]

I have a new BX25 as of last January. Had a BX1860 prior to that and I find the FEL on the BX25 feels a little weaker than the BX1860. I finally pressure tested it and it measured out at about 1,750 psi. Maximum pressure per spec should be 1,778. Not a lot of difference but I'd like it to be at spec or a little over if possible. I plan on mentioning it to the service dept next time I'm at the dealer to see what they say. I'd add a shim to the relief valve myself if they'll give it to me, or just go over to parts and pic a few up. So, maybe yours is set a little low too. If it's under warranty, see if they'll pressure test it for you and if it's low, they should shim the relief to bring it up to spec.

 

[thavil]

BXpanded sells a pressure test kit with shims if you are interested Hydraulic Pressure Testers. Instructions are included on what size shim to use for how much additional pressure you need.

 

[BGBill]

The tractor I have has 32 hrs on it. I have checked the fluid level and it is OK. When using the FEL controls there is a growling from the rear of the tractor. The growl occurs when the system is stalled. The one hose at the back that I believe is the power beyond is the one that's vibrating when the thing growls. The backhoe is hooked up. I can go to full throttle and it makes no difference, still weak. Usually run @ 2600rpm.
A pressure test may be in order. Where is the relief valve located ? Can you do a pressure test with a set up that has the QD's and hook up to the hose at the rear ?
What is warranty period ?

BGBill

 

[ssmith general]

Start at the top of the pile, push in level and curl up as you go. If the top is too high, push in and pull some back to you.

Assuming you're machine is operating correctly.

My L4400 has plenty of ***, but once you bury that loader in a big pile of dirt you have to work it out.

 

[radioman]

you will get noises from the rear as the fluid runs thru the power beyond hoses. The BX hydraulics settings appears to be shipped on the weak side when its shipped. I'd get a pressure kit and get it tested and add shims as needed. I shimmed mine just a hair more and its a whole new machine.

 

[CHDinCT]

The growl at the rear could be the pressure relief valve opening but most describe it as a higher pitched whine than the normal whine.

I would pressure test it using one of the FEL quick connects and not at the backhoe power beyond connection unless you get a test kit with a T-type connection. Most are set up such that when you test the pressure, you're dead heading the pump. If you put the pressure gauge into the BH power beyond, you will dead head the pump as soon as you turn on the tractor. By using one of the FEL QC's, you can start the tractor and only when you move the FEL control to push fluid to the QC that the pressure gauge is connected to will you dead head the pump. Hold it just long enough to see the gauge stop and the relief valve open, then let off the FEL control.

 

[CHDinCT]

Oh, warranty on the BX25 is two years "bumper to bumper" IIRC.