Lack of performance of my 16 LA FEL

duramax1 · Sep 18, 2004

I just received my TC45DA with a 16 LA FEL. The dealer installed a L-160 skidsteer bucket with a tooth bar on the unit due to correct bucket wasn't in in time. My question or concern it that the tractor seems very capable but I am very disappoint in the FEL. Tried moving some wet dirt today from a bank and with only a very small load in the bucket I tried to tilt the bucket back and the bucket wouldn't tilt back, then tried to lift the bucket with the same outcome. Finally I had to start backing out and only then could I tilt the bucket back. Without a load everything operates fine. I have checked the fluid levels and they were fine also. Know of course this is my first FEL. Can anyone make any suggestions as what the problem my be?

markie61 · Sep 18, 2004

I was told that skidsteer buckets are deeper than a tractor's bucket and, therefore, the load is further out in front thus reducing load capacity.

Further, did you have the RPM's up? I always do loader work at greater than 1500-2000 rpm to keep the hydraulic flow up there.

Also, you can dig in and lift more if it is already loose rather than packed soil. When it is packed, you are moving against the hardness, plus maybe a root or rock, in addition to the weight of a load.

Just some ideas...

Mark

PineRidge · Sep 18, 2004

As you push into a pile try tilting the bucket back at the same time that you raise it. It seems to work better breaking out of a pile. I have quick attach on my 72 inch bucket so it sits out a bit further than a standard bucket yet I can still fill it with wet dirt and lift it using the above technique. Keep your RPM up when lifting heavy loads to take full advantage of hydraulic flow and make sure you are counterbalanced.

duramax1 · Sep 19, 2004

The bucket is long and deep, I had the rpm's up on the machine. I will try the tilt and lift at the same time in the morning. I read on some post that the relief valve may be set improper. In the manual it states that are factory preset. Is there anyway to check at what pressure the valve is set at? Right now I'm wondering if the skidsteer bucket might be part of the reason putting the load way out front of the loader? I also presume that bucket weighs more than the 72" HD bucket.

JerryG · Sep 19, 2004

A standard skid steer bucket would reduce your ability quite a bit. Just look at the difference in the numbers that most companies give for lift at the center of the regular bucket and the lip of the same.

jinman · Sep 19, 2004

As I remember, skidsteer buckets are at least 6" deeper than the NH bucket. The quick-attach probably adds another 3" to 4", so now you are an additional 10" out from the front lip of the standard bucket. I believe that's your problem. I can fill, curl, and lift my HD bucket even when it is heaping full of moist dirt/sand. You can have your dealer test your pressures, but I think when you get the proper bucket attached, this problem will disappear. I believe our 16LA loader arms on our tractors are much longer than a skidsteer also. On a skidsteer the bucket tucks right in front of the front wheels, but on our tractors it's about 3-1/2' out. Have_blue has mentioned that he doesn't like this geometry compared to the Woods loaders. He probably has a good point. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

have_blue · Sep 19, 2004

I have become pretty used to my loader and bucket, and still find it to be on the light duty side. I can try to dig deeply into a loose pile of damp fluffy dirt, and can not always curl it easily or lift it straight up. I must back off a little and get a level bucket full. My dealer checked the Hyd. pressure, and said it was near the high side. I would imagine a longer and heavier bucket and a tooth bar being a little worse even.

I was upset with the wimpiness of the 16LA at first, but I'm pragmatic about it now. I've learned to go for speed rather than waste time trying to get a greedy big scoop every time. After a lot of practice, I think I can actually out perform my TC29 and Woods 1009 loader.

I do wish my bucket would dump faster and had a positive stop to bang against instead of the hydraulic cylinder rod and linkage stopping it. That's GOT ot be hard on the rods and bushings over time.

duramax1 · Sep 21, 2004

I have spoken to my Dealer on my loader problems and they gave me a couple of things to check out this weekend when I'm back to the mountians. First he said to check the quick connects on the loader to insure that they are hooked up properly, stated they could look ok and operate under no load ok but if not totally connected proper this could cause my situation. If that was not the problem check the valve setting under the right side bottom of the tractor to see that it was set at the 10 a clock position. Thanks for everyones input.

markie61 · Sep 21, 2004

Good luck and let us know.....!
Mark

Propertymaint · Sep 21, 2004

I agree with the above, have someone check the relief pressure setting, but you may be maxing out the capacity of your loader with the bucket set up you have. These are great tractors (mine is the TC-40D) but what you have to remember is that they are tractors and not a commercial pay loader. Sometimes a little finesse with the bucket, as mentioned above will get a full bucket everytime. Again don't get me wrong a $30,000 tractor should perform but it is never going to be like a $65,000 4 ton rubber tire backhoe. Sometimes I try to operate mine as such and am quickly remined. Just my opinion. I think when you get the correct bucket on that machine you should notice a big difference.
Keep us posted.
Peter