Is your loader really tough to get out of float?

[cowpen]

Been having a lot of fun cleaning up the property and learning the ins-and-outs of the RK37 over the last 2 weeks. One thing that has me concerned though is the float function on the loader. The joystick goes into the float detent easy enough, but I really have to reef on it to get it back out. I'm 6'3" 230# and I feel like I'm gonna break something!

The only other issue I've had is with the hydro fluid level. It was spot on when I picked it up and for several days of loader and tough backhoe work, but on like the 3rd day I checked the sight glass and can't see the level at all. I can't tell if it's low or high. Nothing's leaking anywhere. I've added about a quart of fluid with no change. Not sure if I should keep adding, or drain some to find the level again. Any tips?

 

[Rebeldad1]

Next time when its cold start.... loader all the way up.... bucket full dump.... backhoe in travel mode...
fluid level should be about the half way mark.

 

[/pine]

Pull the cap off the bottom of the boom spool...the float detent mechanism is likely gunked or rusted up...clean and grease...

 

[cowpen]

Thank you Rebeldad1! I just stowed the backhoe, raised the loader and dumped the bucket. Finally saw the level again that way. So I guess I shouldn't have added that quart or so. Should I drain it back out, or OK to leave it as is?

/pine - do you know if it's possible to lube the mechanism without sliding the detent sleeve back releasing the spring and ball bearings?

Thanks again for the pointers.

 

[/pine]

Just puling the cap off the bottom of the spool won't disturb anything...I would use a spray lube etc. (and maybe something like an old tooth brush) if you're worried about the parts getting displaced...

It is possible the balls are rusted and may need replacing before too long...they symptom (hard to get out of float) is the first sign the parts are worn etc...

 

[darmstrong2319]

I had a 2615 Mahindra years ago and the joystick would set stuck in detent so I took the cap off and if I remember correctly I had to watch out for them popping out. I cleaned things up really good and I had to do every so often I got tired of it so I took the cap off and drilled a small hole on the bottom side about the size of the straw that comes on the small cans of wd 40 and every so often give it a squirt and never had any more problems. I guess it was condensation or leaking around the boot cause it was mounted on loader bracket. Good luck