kubota l4200 bucket

[Luath]

Hi guys,

Started up the tractor today and I was unable to tilt the bucket. Raise and lower was fine but when I tried to tilt the lever had no side to side movement, forward and back felt normal.

Advice please.

Luath

 

[kennyd]

Unhook the four QD's, clean and then reseat them. This solves 90% of the "my loader won't xxx" problems.

 

[Luath]

Ok unhooked all four QD's, cleaned with paper towels and reseated them. No leaks or other signs of problems. Still no tilt on the bucket but all the other hydraulic functions seem fine (used the rear mounted snow blower without incident) and the up /down for bucket fine. Still no side to side movement on the bucket control.

 

[rbargeron]

Temp below freezing? The valve may have some water in it that freezes in the bottom, blocking movement - if you let the tractor idle a while the fluid circulates through open-center system, warming it up and thaws it out enough to move. Some people drill a small hole in the center of the bottom cap so it drains.

 

[KennyV]

In sure that rbargeron has described your problem exactly ... I see your in Canada and it is December... Ice in the control valve is very common... There are quite a few older posts on what to 'try' doing for a fix, all work or at least help the situation. If you find that this is indeed your problem be sure to post back, And if you come up with any new or novel ideas as how to 'cure' this do post them. KennyV

 

[Luath]

Where exactly is the control valve located? Would it be ok to apply gentle heat to it?

 

[rbargeron]

The valve is inside the box the lever goes down into. It sticks out below the box - applying some heat is ok - just don't overdo it.

 

[CharlieKtractor]

hair drier would be best

 

[KennyV]

Is your L4200 a cab tractor or open station?

 

[Luath]

Hair drier worked a treat! Open topped machine, any ideas as to how to prevent recurrence of issue?

Another point, is it ok to leave the block heater on for long periods during frigid weather? (I'm from UK where minus double digit temperatures are virtually unheard of)

Many thanks for the insights and advice.

Luath.