intermittent "limp bucket" on bx2200

[johann]

Anyone know how to fix intermittent "limp bucket" on bx2200?

I have been having issues with the bucket on my fel loosing all holding power when back blading. ( I am not digging in at a backwards angle) I set blade to desired angle set it on loose dirt pile start to pull back and bucket acts like it has no hydraulics on it and just follows the contour of dirt pile as if only on a hinge. I go back reset in same position and it works fine ! the frequency of this happening is increasing . all other functions of the fel work perfectly and there are no visable leaks in fel piston or at the ( diverter?) bucket control arm. any one know what might be happening?

 

[JWR]

It sounds like what you are experiencing is float. The bucket goes into "float" after you pass the detent on the loader valve control and then just rides by force of gravity alone. You want that feature to exist but you also want to be able to positively select/control WHEN it is in that mode. I have this problem (unwanted float) constantly on my larger MF farm tractor. No idea how to prevent or adjust that happening. It is possible that the loader valve may have adjustments for that but I am not knowledgeable on it. Maybe others will chime in and tell you.

The real mystery to me is why that "float" feature keeps changing in threshold. Beats me. I have not had the problem as much with my BX2200 as with the larger MF2660. Of course a good dealer could probably shed light/give advice.

 

[johann]

no it is not float, the float works perfectly when i use it, when this problem happens, the lift arms stay exactly where I put them only the bucket flops around

 

[JWR]

OK. The loader valve passages to the bucket then may have issues or crud int he lines somehow OR the bucket cylinder may have a problem. Best diagnosis I know of there is to have a shop (or someone with hose adapters and gages) look at the line pressures and narrow down the problem. My first guess is seals in the bucket cylinders but that is pure guess. Should not cost a lot to diagnose it with gages and at least then know what you are facing.
Good luck with it. Keep us posted.

Note: I think a bad seal in EITHER bucket cylinder can cause the issue because the two cylinders are T-connected.

 

[diesel85]

The LA211 has a single large cylinder for the bucket.

I'm going to say the cylinder needs to be repacked.

 

[johann]

is the cylinder something that needs to be repacked by a shop with specialized tools? or is it something I might be able to do my self? I do the majority of the mechanical repairs on my own vehicles etc..., I'm pretty familiar with wrenchin'.

 

[diesel85]

There are lots of videos out on Youtube. I suggest sitting down and watching a few of them.

When you do go about it, for one, make absolutely sure your hydraulic system is not pressurized! You don't want fluid injection which might result in gangrene! You can do this by moving the control lever around to all positions a few times to relieve pressure. Never ever check for leaks using your hands! Use a piece of thick card board.

With that out of the way, you'll first want to make sure your cylinder and most importantly the ram is not bent. Look at it carefully. When you take it out of the cylinder, lay it on a true (flat) surface. If there are any signs of warpage or bending, you might as well stop right here, and replace the whole cylinder as one assembly. Same goes if the ram is scored. If it's scored, you might as well replace the whole cylinder as well.

The only caveat is the serial numbers on this loader... unfortunately there are 6 different serial number variations that the rebuild kits are NOT INTERCHANGEABLE! Hopefully you have a record or can see the serial number on the loader. If not the only way to get this sucker repacked (without buying 6 rebuild kits) is to take it to a Kubota shop.

If the cylinder is fine and you got the rebuild kit, then you and proceed to replace the insides. Without boring you writing it up, I think videos are the best resource.

For example here is one:

how to repack your hydraulic cylinder - YouTube

 

[aczlan]

You can do this by moving the control lever around to all positions a few times to relieve pressure.

Note that this must be done with the engine off...
I dont think that this issue is being caused by a bad cylinder, or it would do it every time.
You can check if it is the cylinder or not by letting it sit with a loaded bucket with the bucket in the air for a day (so that the bucket has room to tilt down).
If it tilts down, do the same thing, but disconnect the lines for the bucket that goes from the tractor to the loader.
If it only happens when the bucket lines are connected to the tractor, its the valve, not the cylinders.

Aaron Z

 

[JWR]

The LA211 has a single large cylinder for the bucket.

I'm going to say the cylinder needs to be repacked.

Yes, I forgot the loader only has one cylinder on this machine. Anyway, most likely the seals are shot in the cylinder. Because it is so easy to get off the tractor I would take the cylinder to a shop and have the seals replaced.

 

[KWentling]

As a 16 year owner of a BX22, what he is experiencing is the same as I have for 16 years. The first couple of years out there were several threads on "floppy bucket".
The only cure is to fully dump the bucket and hold the lever until the pressure relief sounds and then your good for awhile. It sucks, but as far as I know, there was no fix.
Having been around farm loaders for 50 years, this is the only loader I have experienced this on.

I wouldn't expect rebuilding the cylinder to help, but can't hurt.