Loader Loader over load question

tpulley · Mar 6, 2012

I have noticed a few times that when I am trying to un root a tree or picking up something with it, the FEL just stops. For example, my brother was gave me some metal fence posts that were in the ground about 2 ft. I hooked a chain to them one at a time to pull them from the ground so I could reuse them. With a couple of them the fel just seemed to stop. I would have thought the back end of the tractor would have come up as it does sometimes. I had an 850# or so I think flail mower on the back. I lowered the fel and brought it back up a few times and kinda snatched it free then it came right out.

I had the rpms around 2000. Hyd fluid is about 1/2 way on the stick.

Any ideas.

k0ua · Mar 6, 2012

Well you did not give us much information to work with.

Lets start with what kind of tractor and loader do you have. We could find the lift capacity if we had that information.. The next thing I would want to know is how much are you trying to pick up. There is a relief valve that will open if you exceed the lift capacity of the loader. What was this metal post? are we talking about a little T line post just stuck in the ground. or a large piece of metal Pipe set in concrete?.. It sounds like you have a good weight on the back, but we don't know the size of the tractor. The only way to find out if the pressure is within specs is to get a pressure gauge and put it on one of the work ports of the control valve and measure it. Can you scoop a full bucket of gravel? or dirt? if so the loader is probably OK. and you just tried to lift something over the capacity of the loader and the relief valve opened to keep from destroying the pump. Normal operation.

James K0UA

VictorW · Mar 6, 2012

I see that you have a DK45 which should make your fel lift @ 25-2600lbs. You would need to subtract the bucket weight to get a close lift amount. I've done the same as you with my CK30hst, lift @ 11-1200lbs, 300lb back blade on, unloaded tires, and the fel relief valve will open before the back end lifts. I can lift a heaped bucket load of gravel, sand, or dirt and make the back end light even with the blade on but never had the tires lift off the ground. I'm sure another member with a DK45 or 40 will be able to give you a comparison. About the only thing I can think of is to check the hyd pressure for your fel cylinders and see when the relief valve kicks in. I believe it should be 27-2800lbs.

tpulley · Mar 7, 2012

Sorry for the lack of information. I have a dk45se. I am able to load bucket loads of wet mulch, dirt and other "stuff". So I would agree maybe the T posts that gave me a fit were too much for it. I have the standard bucket on there now.

What does it look/feel like when the relief valve kicks in? Can you hear it or does the FEL just stop?

I experienced the same issue when using my Wildcat grapple. I think it was Island tractor dude who first introduced me to the idea of the 48 inch grapple. This is about all the tractor can handle it seems to me. I was trying to lift up out of the ground a 5-6 inch tree stuck in the ground (can't remember what kind now) and the fel did the same thing. Just stopped moving.

Thus far it has only been on trying circumstances when it has done this. I could be wrong but I really don't think something is wrong and it is something I am seeing as one of its characteristics.

k0ua · Mar 7, 2012

You may not notice any sound, some make a little pop, but mostly it just stops. If you can load a full bucket of wet dirt, you are probably OK, but the only way to know what the relief is set for is to measure it with a gauge. Surplus center has them and you will need the matching Hydraulic coupler to put on your FEL Valve work port. Maybe 30 bucks total outlay, but you would know if you are in doubt..

James K0UA

1wheeler1 · Mar 7, 2012

I've had some of those t-posts pounded in hardpan that I couldn't get out with my loader or 3-point without hitting relief. If you can chain them to your bucket so you can curl instead of lift with the bucket on the ground that can provide a lot of leverage. I ended up using a dozer to pull some of them up.

IslandTractor · Mar 7, 2012

Sounds like a simple relief valve activation to me. If you don't set off that valve occasionally you are not working very hard.

When trying to dig out a small stump or tree, if the relief valve kicks in then reposition the tractor and attack from another angle. Loosen the stump or tree by alternately pushing on the trunk at chest height and the digging under the roots that are exposed to curl. Push and pull. You'll hit the loader relief on the curl/lift and the transmission relief when you push. When you do just move 90 degrees and continue. The loader curl is more powerful than lift so jamb the grapple under to the hilt and curl. Wiggle it loose and soon enough you can either lift or push it out of the ground.

tpulley · Mar 7, 2012

Indeed I did move around and was finally able to make it let go. I would have never guessed the T posts could be hitting over 2000Lbs of force to pull out. Most slid right out of the ground.

Its good to know the curling has more power, I will use that more.

This grapple thing is soooooo much fun. I am just looking around for stuff to tear up. I do need to build a guard for it though. Got two hoses disconnected on me once.

IslandTractor · Mar 7, 2012

tpulley said:
Its good to know the curling has more power, I will use that more.
.

Remember too that you have the most power nearest the pivot pins. Even though there is little movement of the grapple when pivoting near the back, it has tremendous power there. Use it to loosen things by even a few inches and then back off and use the tips of the grapple tines to lift the loosened object further. Also, no harm in using the powertrain at the same time. Push with the tractor in low range to help insert the grapple under the stump as far as you can then curl to grasp it and back out a bit. Repeat a few times then move 90 degrees and continue.