3-Point Hitch LK2554 versus 4x4 round bale

mibusse · Jan 19, 2012

I have a 2001 LK2554, 500+hrs with a LK128 loader that I bought from a friend who used it to upkeep his driveway. The tractor runs great, but the 3 point will not lift a 4x4 bale (it makes a chattering noise) and so does the FEL when I try to uncurl the bucket. The lifting capacity for the back is rated at the ends for 2100lbs and I've talked to Kioti mechs who stated that there is no reason for the 3point to have trouble with the bale. It sounds to me like a weak relief spring, but I think the FEL uses the same pump. Fluids are all good and the 3point has no problem with a 500lbs box blade.
Anybody?

The FEL picks the bale without any problems

somguyss · Jan 19, 2012

If i remeber correctly in order to have a loader on those models you have to redirect the fluid from the hydraulic valve to the loader and when you want to use the 3 point hitch you must divert the fluid to the 3 point hitch and away from the loader. Does this tractor have a hydraulic block that the loader hydraulic lines are tapped into it would be mounted on the side of the tractor on the right hand side close the the floor board on the transmission, if it doue see if there is a thumb screw with a tit on it and if so try turninig it till you get 3 point. You may need to contact a dealer that is familiar with these older tractors. Where are you located?

Hoosier Hay Man · Jan 19, 2012

When did you last change fluid and filter? Water in your hydraulic oil or a plugged filter can cause your hydraulic system to chatter. My neighbors Yanmar was doing that last fall when I brought it in for a service and it had water in the oil.
It had formed a milky sludge and I had to flush the system out. It works fine now.

mibusse · Jan 20, 2012

The FEL has its own block right where the joystick is mounted to, I believe the pressure relief valve is located there. The actual pump that you are describing has a directional valve which I can turn and that takes pressure away from the FEL. I thought for sure that would place more pressure to the back, but had no luck. All fluids and filters were changed in July of 2011. I'm taking the 2554 to my neighbor's house this weekend- he is more tractor savy and has a pressure gauge to test the relief valve.

kid6725 · Feb 15, 2012

We're you able to figure out the problem? I have the same tractor and same issue it won't pick up a round bale.

mibusse · Feb 29, 2012

Nope, I added a shim into the relief valve to stiffen up the spring and that didn't work either. Tractor picks the bale up enough to drag it across the ground, thats about it. Something is not right, my FEL pics em up like nothing