Hydraulic leak?

[Ace Ford]

Well howdy. My Branson 2810 has a BL10 FEL. Has always worked well. I now have a rapidly dropping (leaking down) tilt on the FEL but cannot find any evidence of any external leaks. None from cylinders and none from any of the hydraulic lines. So, any suggestions on finding the leak? The hydraulic lines are certainly old enough to leak, but not obvious signs.

Thanks folks.

 

[oldnslo]

I would suspect leaking seals on the tilt cylinder pistons. A quick simple test is to lower the bucket to the ground. Unplug both quick disconnects for the tilt cylinders. Then raise the loader and let it sit for a period of time. If it tilts or dumps one or both of the tilt cylinders has a leaking piston seal. You will need to lower the loader to the ground to reconnect the lines.

 

[Zork]

Yes, cylinder seals can be the issue. I was thinking the load check in the main valve body. If the cylinders do not drop during the isolation test mentioned, I would bank on the integral load check [Edit: which is generally cheaper to replace your main spool].

 

[oldnslo]

Zork
The load check on most valves would not see load induced pressure unless pressure is leaking past the spool. The load check is there to prevent the loader from dropping before raising when trying to feather the control.

If had load holding checks on the work port then yes they would be suspects.

 

[Zork]

Bucket requires a load check as well otherwise the bucket would uncurl as you try to curl operate the lever. Most loader spools incorporate an internal check on those two circuits. [Edit: Disregard, I think that's what you said.]

 

[Zork]

I incorporated an external [load hold] check valve for my grapple.

 

[Zork]

[Edit: Yes, you are correct. I confused the two.]

"Anti-drop load checks on each spool."

Hydraulic Directional Control Valve for Tractor Loader w/ Joystick, 2 Spool (Single Float Spool Optional), 11 GPM

This Monoblock Hydraulic Directional Control Valve uses a Joystick, 2 Spools and has a capacity of 11 GPM. These valves are used to start and stop fluid flow into hydraulic cylinders or hydraulic motors.

summit-hydraulics.com