LA402 loader bucket not level

[Fjord]

When I park my B7800 on a level floor the bucket sits about 7/8" higher on one side than the other. I've read about this problem on LA403's but not
402's so I'm thinking there's a simple answer.I checked that the floor is actually level and flat as well as the inflation of the tires.What I found is that one of the lift cylinders is extended about 3/16" farther than the other. If I put the bucket to the "float" position then the bucket sits flat on the floor and both cylinders are extended the same.I thought since it was new maybe there was some air in it but now I've put about 7 hours of loader work on and its still the same.I called the dealer and he said to try loosening and retightening the frame bolts.I'd seen in the instructions for the LA402 that you're supposed to put downpressure on the bucket before tightening all the bolts, but the dealer said they never do that and maybe they were on an uneven part of the floor when they assembled it. It's not so bad that it prevents me from doing work but I plan on having it a long time and would like to make it right if I can. I'd like to find out if anyone else has had experience with this problem before I start adjusting things (I'd certainly hate to make it worse).If it's a big job then I may have to re-approach the dealer but if not then I'd rather not spend my time and energy trying to force someone who doesn't care to do something they don't want to. Also, I saw in the LA402 instructions that there are some subframe pieces removed when the loader frame is put on. Should I try and get these pieces back in case I ever take the whole loader off? Don't know why I would but you never know.

 

[Barnboy]

This sounds familiar. I think you will find the problem lies in the uprights.When they stamp the mounting holes I dont think they hold a high degree of accuracy.This is what was wrong with my 403. Your case my be totally different but its a good place to check.

 

[art]

From time to time they do make mistakes in the frame holes although it would be rare for Kubota to do it. It's most common on after market loaders to find that issue. I'd check to see if by loosening the frame bolts and see if it could be adjusted to correct it. It is recommended to check all loader mounting bolts after using the loader the first time the same as the lug bolts and nuts on the wheels.

 

[Barnboy]

I will agree I would find it uncommon for Kubota quality but the loader is actually made in the USA for Kubota. It was not uncommon for the 403 Loader to have issues. Myself and others here are proof of that.

 

[3 finger]

I have to agree with Barnboy that the fel's are made here in the states (GA). I would try and loosen the mount and apply downpressure to your front end as this may resolve your problem. I installed the 402 on my last tractor (B2710) and the frame assm. was a one piece unit, meaning both right & left uprights are connected together with a crossover as a sub frame and fits over your tractor frame. As opposed to the 403 which has seperate uprights mounted on each side of the tractor frame.

To be honest I didn't put any pressure on the 402 front end when I installed the loader as the upright frame assm. was a tight fit to the tractor. I torqued the bolts per spec. and it worked fine. Guess I got lucky or they were building the fel's with better tolerance's back then.

 

[Fjord]

Hello
Thanks for all the replies. I just went out and checked the pin hole locations on the main frame. The distance up from the bottom of the frame seems to be the same on both sides. It appears that the main frame is about 1/4" higher off of the floor on one side than the other, but to be sure I will have to move the tractor on to the same area of the floor that I previously verified to be level and flat.While I was checking to see what size metric sockets I'll need to loosen all the bolts I noticed that two of the main frame bolts are missing (same one on each side).I don't think they were ever installed because the paint isn't scratched as you might expect from a bolt head and the tractor only has 10 hours on it. I don't think this has anything to do with my problem but I'm going to wait until I get some metric bolts to put in. I'm afraid if I put pressure on it and then tighten all the bolts when two are missing the holes might be misaligned just enough that I won't be able to get them started later. Thanks again for the help.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

WAIT I would put 40-50 hours on your tractor before you mess with this too much. Once you start using the machine the loader will break in and all your measurements will change. You very well could correct this now, just to have to do it later again.

 

[Fjord]

Hi again
I'm thinking I will take Messick's advice because:
i)Although the uneveness of the bucket is something I would like corrected it is not impairing my use of it now.
ii)The tractor is my new toy and I want to enjoy it now instead of getting frustrated about a small detail.
iii)maybe I got a dissapointing response from my dealer because he was having a bad day & maybe I will be able to rely on him. If this turns out to be the case then I can take the tractor to him for the 50 hr service and he can look at it.
iv)If it does turn out to be a more serious defect I'm still well within the warranty period.
Thanks again for your help