Loader running slow after grapple work

8NAcres · May 2, 2015

I finally got around to installing my new grapple and rear remote hydraulic lines today. I had a fairly large tree that died and fell on the fence line so I thought that would be a good test of the new grapple. The tree was heavy - but I would say it was well within my lifting capacity. I was angled slightly down in a drainage ditch by the road and lifted the tree and tried to back out. I forgot the transmission was in a higher gear so it stalled on me. I put it in low gear and when I restarted there was a horrible squeal like when a loose car belt is slipping on acceleration from a stop. It lasted about 5 seconds then went away. Everything worked fine but I noticed when I got to the burn pile the lift was operating much slower. I figured it was because of the heavy tree, but even much lighter loads after that was slow as well.

It is a DK45 with a K451 loader.

Any thoughts?

TJP89 · May 4, 2015

Check the quick connects on the loader. Cycle the loader fully a couple of times. Disconnect the grapple lines and try the loader again. I assume you have the gear version?

8NAcres · May 4, 2015

To be honest with you - I am not sure what version I have (very new to the tractor). I have done quite a bit of online searching on this issue since I originally posted, and it seems this issue is pretty common on about ALL tractor makes and models - and the solutions are all a varied as the brands. Seems a common theme though is the hydraulic oil getting hot. I will try your suggestions and see if it works.

EDIT: It is a gear type. From the brochure:

Pump - Gear(Tandem)
Pump capacity(Max. flow rate) gpm(ℓ/min) - 1st : 9.88 (37.4) 2nd : 4.33 (16.4)

Walkin Horse · May 4, 2015

Did you add more fluid after you installed the grapple and lines. You may be low on fluid.

8NAcres · May 4, 2015

I did not add more fluid. My research showed I should not need to but that is a good thing to check. The hydraulics were working fine the first couple of hours I used the grapple after hooking the new lines up - it only started going slow after trying to pick up the large tree and the squealing. I was angled down into a drainage ditch while trying to get to it so I wonder if I got air in the lines or something(?)

Walkin Horse · May 4, 2015

You got air in the system as soon as you plugged those 2 dry lines and the cylinder in. When I put mine on and ran it for a little while it was 2 gallons low. That also included a few leaks I had when I started it up. My hydraulics did the same, ran slow and weak but not squealing.

TJP89 · May 6, 2015

8NAcres said:
To be honest with you - I am not sure what version I have (very new to the tractor). I have done quite a bit of online searching on this issue since I originally posted, and it seems this issue is pretty common on about ALL tractor makes and models - and the solutions are all a varied as the brands. Seems a common theme though is the hydraulic oil getting hot. I will try your suggestions and see if it works.

EDIT: It is a gear type. From the brochure:

Pump - Gear(Tandem)
Pump capacity(Max. flow rate) gpm(ℓ/min) - 1st : 9.88 (37.4) 2nd : 4.33 (16.4)

I didn't mean the hydraulic system, I know that's gear. I meant the transmission of the tractor, is it HST or shuttle shift. If HST, as it's a common tank, I was thinking you could have messed something up when you stalled the tractor. It looks like Walkin Horse has the answer though.

8NAcres · May 7, 2015

It is a shuttle gear transmission.

J_J · May 7, 2015

Test your pump for volume and see if it is pumping the 9.8 GPM.

Remove a cyl retract hose and place in a 5 gal bucket and see if the pump is doing it 's job.

You should pump about 1 gal in 10 sec.

Install a hyd pressure gauge in a tee in the IN port of the FEL valve and see if the relief valve is at specs.

GPM's determine speed of operation, and pressure determines force.

George2615 · May 7, 2015

Low fluid is the first thing to check.
The way I read your post is that you are running your grapple using the rear remotes. If so, and the rear remote lever is left on and not centered it may cause the loader to operate slowly. I run my hyd. thumb for my forks off the rear remotes. If I don't center the remote back to the center detent position after grabbing something pressure is always being applied to the thumb and makes my loader operate slowly.