Kubota LA402 Loader float problem

[sroys]

I have a Kubota LA402 loader that used to work fine, but now no matter how hard I jam the control lever forward, it just doesn't really make it into float mode. It seems like it almost makes it, since at the absolute full forward position I can get it to, the bucket very very VERY sloooowly lowers to the ground and won't lift the front end. I read that problems with the detent float could keep the loader from locking in float mode, but could it also prevent the loader from even making it properly into float mode? Any thoughts would be appreciated as to what I should look into.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[s219]

You need to take the valve apart and probably rebuild the detent mechanism. If you're lucky the parts just fell out and are still down in the can (which would be blocking the motion as you have noticed) but you may need to buy a repair kit or get the parts piecemeal. Usually it's a bunch of balls and springs that lock the valve spool into detent.

If you unscrew the can at the end of the valve spool, that should give you access to the detent mechanism.

 

[txdon]

Get the replacement detent kit from the dealer. I posted some pics when I replaced mine I'll see if I can find them.

 

[txdon]

Get the replacement detent kit from the dealer. I have a different Kubota loader so the parts number will be different.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...loader-float-detent-kit.html?highlight=detent

 

[sroys]

Thanks for the tips and the pictures. I was hoping it was just the detent and not something more serious. I'll take it apart maybe tomorrow to see what I can see. Even if I need to replace it all, the detent kit is $100, so that's not too bad.

Another question - if the balls that have gone rogue and aren't allowing it into float mode, can I remove the balls and have non-locking float mode until I get the repair kit, or is there something more to it and I should just wait and do it all?

Thanks again,
Steve

 

[txdon]

It seems like when I was putting the new detent in I had to loosen it a bit or it would not go into float. That maybe all you have to do. The reason I replaced my detent is because I had to hold it forward to make the bucket float.

 

[s219]

Thanks for the tips and the pictures. I was hoping it was just the detent and not something more serious. I'll take it apart maybe tomorrow to see what I can see. Even if I need to replace it all, the detent kit is $100, so that's not too bad.

Another question - if the balls that have gone rogue and aren't allowing it into float mode, can I remove the balls and have non-locking float mode until I get the repair kit, or is there something more to it and I should just wait and do it all?

Thanks again,
Steve

I think you can indeed do that. All the detent does is hold the spool in place. The actual floating happens deeper in the valve when certain grooves on the spool line up with certain holes in the valve body. As long as you can feel out that position and hold it there by hand, you'll have float.