Front End Loader Question

[mitchdb]

I had a leak in my hydraulic system a few months ago (fitting came loose).

Now, my front end loader is really jerkie when I lift it. Sometimes it doesn't even want to move. The hydraulic oil is inside the operating range, do I need to bleed the system somehow? I bought the recommended oil from the JD Dealership. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Mitch

 

[WhiteRock]

Seems you could have air in the system. Have you cycled the loader to its full extents a few times? Maybe at full speed?

 

[mitchdb]

I have, I did everything that I could find in the owner's manual. It doesn't even get any better after it's warmed up from an hour of mowing. I was hoping there was a trick to it, without having to get it serviced.

Do you know right off the top of your head when the service incriments are? I've got 98 hours on it, I had the 50 hour service done but haven't looked to see when the next one is. If it's close, I might just get it serviced and looked at, at the same time.

Thanks!

 

[WhiteRock]

First to let you know, I haven't encountered this myself. There are probably others here on TBN with more experience on this.

I went through your manual and did not see anything on this. Did you find something in the manual that addresses this?

Does one side work better than the other?

It sounds like air to me. The air needs to be purged. I don't think bleeding the system at the fittings is necessary and can be very dangerous. I recommend getting the exact procedure before attempting anything like this.

The air will move to the highest point. The objective is to get the air to move to through the control valve and back to the tank. With the loader in one direction, the cylinder will have all the fluid exhausted on one end and filled on the other. When switched to the other direction, the other side fills and the full side empties. In each direction where the cylinder is exhausted of fluid, the air will be pushed to the hose, but if the valve is lower than the hose, I am not sure how to move it back to the valve.

Does the lift hold? Will it lift the front of the tractor? Will it hold?

 

[timb]

It does sound like air - I got a little bubble in the system when I removed and re-installed the loader once - and had a minor case of the stutters for a bit lifting the boom. But many cycle repetitions of the boom and curl later it did eventually work itself around and out and is smooth as silk again.

I've got the the tech manual on CD - I'll try to look in there tonight and see if they describe a specific process to facilitate the purge.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I had similar issues, was just sure that I had air, and nothing helped. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

It turned out that I had the returns crossed! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Somehow the colored covers had gotten switched...

 

[mitchdb]

Yes, the front end loader will hold itself up at the very top of the lift, if it can make it up there. Some times it won't even lift itself off the ground, I just drag it around. I'm not sure if it will actually lift the tractor anymore.

I saw somewhere in the owner's manual or the front end loader manual that said to raise and lower the loader and if should get better when the fluid warms up. It was kinda cool but not cold, probably 55-60 outside.

I will definitely raise and lower it a lot more.

Thanks!

 

[mitchdb]

Thanks, I'd really appreciate all the info that I can get. Where did you get the tech manual on CD?

I've never taken my loader off or even disconnected the hoses. I knew I'd be asking for trouble if I did that, it's just my luck!

Thanks

 

[pat32rf]

You mention that you haven't removed your hoses....Take a good look at the quick couplings and make sure that a branch hasn't knocked one loose. I had to back all the way out of the bush one night because I couldn't lift my bucket and didn't have a light with me. The fittings felt like they were OK in the dark but the light of day proved otherwise. Pat

 

[JB4310]

Mitch,

I'm not that experianced with trouble shooting hydraulic system problems but I have found an interesting site that might help you or anyone else who might want to learn more.

When you get on the site,look down on the left side and click on { HYDRAULICS 101} there is info on terminology, theory and trouble shooting.

I'll try to link you to it here; web page

If that doesn't work it's; www.machinebuilders.net/

Good luck, John B.

 

[timb]

The CD manuals are available through Deere's 800 number.

Didn't spot anything really new in the manual - however I realized after I said I'd look that I only have the tech manual for the tractor, not the loader itself. However, here is the basic procedure for the tractor's hydraulic system - and other than the fuel solenoid bit (haven't quite figured the reason out for that yet) - it boils down to cycling the relevant system (under some load if possible) and checking the fluid level just like everyone already said.

Hydraulic System Bleed Procedure -- Reason: To remove air trapped in the hydraulic system which will prevent proper operation. (Special or Essential Tools: • BW13586 Ballast Box)

Procedure: NOTE: Fill the new hydraulic oil filter with new oil before installing.

1. Install a new hydraulic oil filter.
2. Fill the transaxle with specified JDM J20D (preferred) or J20C oil to the proper level on dipstick.
3. Disconnect plug (A) to fuel shutoff solenoid. M91946
4. Turn the key to START and hold for 10 seconds. Turn the key to OFF.
5. Reconnect wires to fuel shutoff solenoid.
6. Raise machine front end and support on suitable stands.
7. Start the engine and run at low idle.
8. Slowly turn the steering wheel left and right until wheels turn smoothly indicating that any trapped air has been bled back to the reservoir.
9. Operate rockshaft several times until it operates smoothly.
10.Stop the engine and check the hydraulic reservoir oil level. Fill as needed. Check all line connections for leaks; tighten if necessary.
11.Lower the machine to the ground.
12.(eHydro machines) Drive machine in forward and reverse several times until transmission operates smoothly.

 

[mitchdb]

Thanks to all of yall! I am printing this page and trying everything as soon as I can make it back out to my property!

My dealer told me to try changing out the transmission oil filter too.

Thanks a bunch!