Kubota BX2200 loader will not go up or down

[DKing1941]

My loader will not go up or down. The bucket will still turn down or up but the loader itself just stopped going up or down while I was using it. The control arm will still flip the bucket u

p or down when I move the control arm right or left, but won't move at all when I push forward or downward. The control arm itself will not move up or down.

 

[Eagle1]

Check the linkage from the Joystick to the actual valve under the top cover, 3 bolts to get it off.

 

[DKing1941]

Did that and do not see anything loose or missing. If I push the lever forward it will move about a 1/16" is all and nothing happens with the loader. If I pull back on the lever, it doesn't move at all. It's like it's locked in place. Right and left lever movements remain okay. The bucket moves up and down normally.

 

[Eagle1]

If you disconnect the linkage at circled area you will be able to find out if it is the joystick or inside the valve

 

[Rustyiron]

Check the hydraulic "quick connects" if you have them on your loader. Chances are one is not fully connected.

 

[dusty3030]

Check the hydraulic "quick connects" if you have them on your loader. Chances are one is not fully connected.

This is your most likely problem given symptoms. Do this first.

Also, does it have a joystick lock? If so make sure that isn't engaged or partially engaged. Usually a small lever near the joystick.

 

[KWentling]

This is your most likely problem given symptoms. Do this first.

Also, does it have a joystick lock? If so make sure that isn't engaged or partially engaged. Usually a small lever near the joystick.

That would have been my suggestion too but it seems the spool isn't moving and I don't believe there is any lock. My BX22 does not have one. OP needs to do as Eagle1 suggested and determine if the lever/linkage is stuck or if the spool is stuck.

 

[Eagle1]

Looking closer at the picture looks like the loader valve may be stuck in the FLOAT position, all the way forward. I've heard of the detente mechanism failing. All that stuff is under that long cap on the bottom of the valve normally some bearing balls and spring that will try violently to escape when disassembled.
Loader - FEL stuck in Float position

 

[daman1]

Switch ur hoses from bucket to boom, does it work?

 

[KWentling]

Looking closer at the picture looks like the loader valve may be stuck in the FLOAT position, all the way forward. I've heard of the detente mechanism failing. All that stuff is under that long cap on the bottom of the valve normally some bearing balls and spring that will try violently to escape when disassembled.
Loader - FEL stuck in Float position

Good observation. There should be clean spool showing if it was in neutral. Pulling back on the lever would pull it out of the float position provided it's not being blocked mechanically. Note to the OP that float position is detented so it will take some force to pull it out of that position.

Edited to add that the third picture clearly shows the lever clear forward in float position and that there is a sort of lock but that it is not in the locked position. I never use that thing and had forgotten it existed. (the lock, use the float regularly)

 

[DKing1941]

If you disconnect the linkage at circled area you will be able to find out if it is the joystick or inside the valveView attachment 758774

I did this and still cannot get the rod in the manifold to pull out. With the cover out of the way I was, however, able to move the rod inward and back about 1/4". I tried this with the engine running and it had no effect on the loader movement. I also rotated the the rod around and it turned freely. I have a sinking feeling that I have internal manifold issues.

Check the hydraulic "quick connects" if you have them on your loader. Chances are one is not fully connected.

I checked the 3 disconnects that I found and all seem to be secure.

 

[DKing1941]

Check the hydraulic "quick connects" if you have them on your loader. Chances are one is not fully connected.

Found 3 quick disconnects and all seem to be secure.

 

[azbinder]

Yes, it appears to be locked in the float position. One way to try to unlock it is to sharply hit the lever in the raise direction. This should "pop" it out of float. If not, you will need to remove the spool and disassemble the detent assembly, being careful not to lose the balls. Clean it up and reassemble.

 

[Eagle1]

Found 3 quick disconnects and all seem to be secure.

Well on the BX the disconnect are before the valve so it really can't cause your problem. It would be all or nothing.

Now on machines where the disconnects are after the loader valve it could be an issue.

Time to play with the detent balls.

 

[azbinder]

Item "A" and "020-A" are pretty much the detent portion. There 4 small balls and 1 larger ball at the end of the small spring. these all go in the inside of a sleeve. Items from "140-A" to the left are the detent itself.

 

[DKing1941]

Yes, it appears to be locked in the float position. One way to try to unlock it is to sharply hit the lever in the raise direction. This should "pop" it out of float. If not, you will need to remove the spool and disassemble the detent assembly, being careful not to lose the balls. Clean it up and reassemble.

I spent a few years as a quality control engineer and one of the places I covered was a hydraulics equipment manufacturer. As such I have always hated to beat on anything having to do with hydraulics controls, especially manifolds. But, I thought, what the heck. There's nothing external to this unit that I can do to fix it. So, I took your advice and gave it lone sharp, but not to hard, blow with a brass headed hammer. It worked!! I found that I can still get it stuck if I go too far with the control arm, but ,after I reinstalled the cover, it can't go that far and the loader works fine so far.

Thanks to everyone who made suggestions about my problem. I now know a heck of a lot more about this tractor than I did before it got stuck.

 

[Eagle1]

That's how we all learn. After 20+ years there is not much I would not disassemble on my BX

 

[BravoXray]

You might want to remove the detent assembly and take a look at it. When I bought my BX2230, also with an LA211, the detent wouldn't work. Took it apart and it was full of rust and water. I replaced it and all was good.

 

[bgr]

Lots of very good suggestions here and a final fix. Good results for the forum!

My comment on control valves in general, based on fixing quite a few similar problems, is that valves in good condition have very dry spools with little oil on their exterior sections. Fine rust will build up on the spool in positions which are not used often, like the float. When the spool IS moved to that position, the rusted area may jam in the the valve body. The rust will be so fine it is hard to see. To fix, disconnect the linkage and find a way to tap the spool back out.(Or in either direction out of center, if it is stuck centered from lack of use of the circuit) Polish the area with crocus cloth(very, very fine abrasive), carefully wipe the grit off, and lube the spool shaft with a drop of oil. Cycle it until it operates smoothly. To free the spool, always disconnect control linkage, don't hammer on the lever as it is easy to bend lever and linkage which are not designed for strong forces.

To prevent this happening, make a habit to cycle the control valve through all functions when you get on the tractor each time before you start up. If you find stiff movement, put a few drops of light oil on the spools and cycle the valve till it frees up. I live near the ocean and always put WD 40 on control valve spools and grease any exposed hydraulic rods before a machine is parked for more than 20 days.

 

[JWR]

You may want to check a few simple things before all this humongous suggested complexity. If the loader frame will not move up and down you may or may not be getting hyd pressure to the cylinders. There may be blockage or ? One of the best suggestions was swap the hoses (even if you had to make a couple of short extensions or buy them at TSC) and see if now the frame moves but the bucket won't. Anyway try that sort of thing before tearing into complex things like the innards of a loader valve.