Loader boom cylinders uneven

[Ken P]

My thoughts on the issue is there’s two possible causes. First is the cross tube is bent/twisted as others have suggested. OP however doesn’t feel there’s been any misuse to cause this. Second possibility I think could cause the uneven extension of both cylinders is the right side piston seal is shot causing a unequal force of the two boom cylinders.

Thanks for the reply. If the piston seal went, would I see leakage of hydraulic fluid?

Ken

 

[Seven Gables]

Thanks for the reply. If the piston seal went, would I see leakage of hydraulic fluid?

Ken

not if it was the piston seal. However the more I think about it kinda doubt it’s the piston seal . As 4570 says both the boom cylinders would become weak . The cross tube should still keep the cylinders extended the same length

 

[Seven Gables]

Thanks for the reply. I did try to shove on the bracket of the cylinder that is further out, and could only manage to push it in perhaps a 1/2 inch, and after I release the pressure, it moves right back out.

Given how cold it is, I may not be able to properly mess around with this until spring. I will try to take some pix to post.

Appreciate all of the responses and time to post them.

Ken

Yeah pictures would be great , another possibility i think could cause the uneven cylinder extension is if when you last attached the loader frames back into the loader mounts the lower part of one side wasn’t fully seated back into the mount. This I believe would necessitate that cylinder being extended less than the other side that was correctly attached.

 

[Seven Gables]

I appreciate all the replies. This is not a quick attach type of loader; I am not certain what "mounting plates" refers to (my tractor terminology knowledge is poor, my apologies). What drew my attention first is that the part called, in the manual, the "loader side frames" were not aligned. One is tilted corresponding to the cylinder that is extended vs the other. (If I understand the term correctly, loader side frame is the part of the loader sticking toward the operator that you maneuver into the frame of the tractor itself, hope I'm using the right term)

I don't appreciate any other twist or bend in the tubes holding the sides of the tractor together, but I'll get out there with a straightedge on Saturday.

If I can remove the snowblower (weather depending), I'll try to remount the loader and see if I can get more information, and maybe try the procedure from that video.

I'll post back when I learn more.

Ken in North Granby CT

Your explanation here more or less supports one of the frames not being correctly seated into the mount that stays with the tractor. Next time you attach the loader make sure both frames are seated into the mounts correctly and this maybe was the issue

 

[big bubba]

In addition to what @TMGT states, it's possible to damage the crossover tube between the loader arms. Similar symptoms will result, and the damage is not always obvious.

very likely the case that the connecting torsion tube connecting the arms has been twisted resulting from unequal pressure on one side due to an unlocked lever.

i went through this a few times. i now bungee both levers. i have a method of correcting the uneven sides, will let someone else explain. if it has been torqued out of place, it will be more prone to happen again if you're not careful.
but it can be corrected without replacement or cut then re welded.
you'll need a perfectly level surface to make corrections

 

[big bubba]

OP: suggest you provide pic of the uneven arm heights viewed from front. place the arms at ground level, remove front bucket or other to look at arms alone