FEL Problem

jtfx6552 · Feb 11, 2006

My FEL (400X) on a 4120 has developed some strange symptoms.

Bucket does not power down. It floats down even when the lever is in the power down postition. As soon as the bucket makes contact with the ground, it stops, it won't lift the front of the tractor, or put any pressure in excess of the bucket weight on the ground.

Also the loader also only goes halfway up, then it stops. It sounds like the pump is going over relief. The stop is abrupt, like something is jammed or binding. I can't see anything that looks wrong.

Anyone ever experince symtoms like these?

Dealer can't look at it until next week, and there is and 8-12" snowfall on the way tonight.

For the most part, I don't power down much when removing snow anyway, usually float is enough pressure, but if we get some icing, I may miss the extra downward pressure.

I'm wondering if one of the pistons in the lift cylinder somehow disconneced itself from the rod, that would explain the no power down, but not neccessarily the stop on the way up.

Thoughts appreciated.

JT

Cliff_Johns · Feb 11, 2006

Personally, I would try putting it into float and out a few times. Sounds like it may be stuck in float. Second I would take the quick conneccts apart, check to see that the balls are still lose and put them back together. Then I'd take a close look at the control and make sure that the parts are all moving well and that they aren't sticking.

That's the easy stuff to try and one of these things may solve it.

Cliff

beenthere · Feb 11, 2006

If you haven't already, disconnect all the hoses and reconnect them. May have a 'faulty' connection (looks ok but isn't). Also, double check that the hoses are connected correctly, i.e. to the right connectors. I think the problem will then be solved. Hopefully so.

JerryG · Feb 11, 2006

Like Beenthere said. They may look like they are fine, when they are actually disconnected. That sounds like what your problem is.

JasonMac · Feb 12, 2006

It sounds to me like you either have a bad connection with your couplers. Or you may have a faulty coupler. Sometimes this happens when a coupler ball gets stuck. Check it out. It sounds like a very simple fix. Also check your regeneration lock on your loader lever.

I'm sure it is one of these three simple problems.

BloomingtonMike · Feb 12, 2006

I would verify the hydraulic fluid level is correct as well.

jtfx6552 · Feb 12, 2006

Thanks for the suggestions!

i checked out the quick disconnects and one was clearly not seated properly.

After reconnection all is well.

What i believe was happening, was the rod end of the lift cylinders was disconnected. it must have happened when the loader was about halfway up. From then on, the FEL would float down from that position and cavitate the rod end of the cylinder. Then when going up, the FEL would rise to the spot where the qd disconnected. At that point, the oil that has been trapped in the rod end would become solid and stop the upward motion.