Kubota B20 front loader doesn't lift! Why?

[KubotaJC]

My Kubota B20 front loader doesn't lift or move in any other way! It was working fine, I lowered the bucket and turned off the tractor. When I turned it back on the bucket wouldn't move and the arms wouldn't lift, Whats wrong. The power steering seems like it might have went out too but I am not sure since the bucket is draging on the ground it makes driving and steering hard anyways. Please let me know if you can help me fix or trouble shoot this problem. Jim.

 

[easygo]

On my tractor if I leave the 3PH lever in the up or down position it inhibits the use of the loader. It has something to do with the Hydraulics that is beyond my knowlwdge. Check if you bumped the lever and put it in neutral position.

 

[MarkV]

Does the B20 have a hydraulic diverter valve to switch from 3pt to backhoe like the B21? The diverter should not affect the FEL but if it is half engaged it might.

MarkV

 

[Dead Horse]

I too found that I could move the upper stop past a point where if the lever was placed there, the hydraulics would not work. The upper stop on my 3710 is a moveable bit of metal with a thumb screw. It has to be in place at the top most limit of the lever, at a minimum. lower is fine, removing it is a problem.

 

[KubotaJC]

UPDATE! I checked the fluid and its ok. There is no switch between the rear 3-pt and the front loader. I tried to put the 3-pt in a neutral position but nothing different happened. The direction value I thought might be the problem since I could easily accidently move it with my foot while getting on the tractor; so I turned it counterclockwise and clockwise with no success. I did notice it seems to go pass where it should when turned clockwise. I jiggled the joystick every which direction to get some movement but nothing. I can see a very slight movement (almost unnoticeable) when moving the joystick. It also makes some noise when pushed left or right but no movement. HELP, what should I do or look for now?

 

[Egon]

Have you checked out the mechanical linkage parts of the joystick?

 

[Dead Horse]

Long shot, but reseat your FEL quick connect hoses.

Neighbor put his FEL back on and did not seat one of the hoses correctly. loader would not function properly because of pressure build up. Reseated and viola!

The problem was when he removed the fel he did not relieve the pressure in all the hoses (row the joy stick around with the engine off) and when he went to reattach the hoses, he couldn't press them together hard enough to make the connection.

Had to tap on the nipple with a drift punch to relieve the pressure in the offending line.

 

[MarkV]

Long shot, but reseat your FEL quick connect hoses.

Neighbor put his FEL back on and did not seat one of the hoses correctly. loader would not function properly because of pressure build up. Reseated and viola!

The problem was when he removed the fel he did not relieve the pressure in all the hoses (row the joy stick around with the engine off) and when he went to reattach the hoses, he couldn't press them together hard enough to make the connection.

Had to tap on the nipple with a drift punch to relieve the pressure in the offending line.

That is good advice but the B20 does not have a removable loader so no quick connects.

You may want to ask your question in the hydraulic section of the forum. It is sounding like you are not getting any flow to the FEL. If the 3pt hitch is still working your pump isn't gone anyway, that is good news.

MarkV

 

[KubotaJC]

Some one told me that the 3-pt uses its own separate hydraulic pump and the pump for the FEL is different, is that true?

 

[MarkV]

Some one told me that the 3-pt uses its own separate hydraulic pump and the pump for the FEL is different, is that true?

It isn't true on my B21 or L39. The pump is split with part of it being dedicated to the power steering and part for the FEL and 3pt. hitch. Best I know the FEL, 3pt and backhoe use the same pump. That is why there is the diverter valve to switch between 3pt and backhoe.

MarkV

 

[KubotaJC]

Well I hope this is true and my pump is ok. I think the problem I am having is affecting both my powersteering and FEL.

 

[unclemott]

Hi,
Right next to the brake pedals on the transmission side is a small valve that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the loader. Occasionally my foot and probably yours too hits it when getting off the machine. It looks like a 3/4" bolt with a little roll pin sticking out. Mine also has a little red dot of paint on the end of the pin. It should easily turn with your fingers.

 

[KubotaJC]

Ya, I saw that knob and I turned it both ways to try and see if that was the problem but I had no luck with that.

 

[captin_insano]

If the pump didnt die theres the chance the fluid might just need to warm up a little. Are you running the SUDT fluid? If so i doubt thats the case. In my old loader I run regular cheap ol heavy fluid and when its real cold the machine has to run about a minute before the hydraulics will work.

Could also be a problem in the valve itself. If the fluid is bypassing in the valve and one of the 2 systems (steering/loader) works like a power beyond circuit; that would explain why neithers working.

 

[captin_insano]

same could go for the steering valve too. Again, if either functions as a power beyond circuit and the fluid is bypassing the steering valve theres the chance the loader wouldnt work. I dont know if these work as a power beyond or not though. I'd try to find that info and it may make it easier to figure out.

 

[robs660]

You are correct - There are 2 pumps. One for the FEL and one for the BH/3PH. Check fluid levels, filters. If all else fails remove one hose end with the tractor powered off. Move the controller. If fluid comes out then you may have a pump issue. If nothing happens you may have a clog.