Loader Weak after Fluid Change

ronbo3 · Feb 13, 2011

I recently did the 200hr hydraulic fluid change on my L2800, and the FEL now seems a little weaker. I am wondering if I don't have the correct fluid level. The gauge that shows fluid level is incredibly hard to see, and I can't tell if there is too much or not enough fluid in the system. What would the symptoms be for too much/not enough hydraulic fluid?

mjw357 · Feb 13, 2011

Might have some air in the system, run it up and down a few times.

Craig Clayton · Feb 13, 2011

Did you change the filter if yes is it on correct?
Did you remove the same amount of oil that you added?
In a clean pan you could drain away some oil to see if you are over filled.
In a clean pan drain it all out, measure , check spec, refill.

Craig Clayton

wade simpson · Feb 13, 2011

I agree with mjw357, probably air got into the system somehow.

I think if there was not enough oil the loader just wouldn't work once the oil level in the tank dropped below the intake. That could be the source of the air into the system.
I don't know what would happen with too much oil, flow out of the tank when you retracted the cylinders?? overheat??

funwithahoe · Feb 13, 2011

Do you have anything objective you could check it against?? Perceptions are a poor judge of facts. If you have something that it used to safely lift but was near it's max that would be way better than subjectively judging that it is weaker.

Good luck!!

ronbo3 · Feb 13, 2011

OK, yes and yes--I have drained fluid out to see if it was over-filled, and I could not see any difference on the gauge. Kubota manual (and my dealer!) says 7 gallons, and I think I measured carefully, but now I don't know. The loader used to be able to lift the front of the tractor by pushing down on the ground, but can't lift it now. I will try working the FEL all the way up and down a few times and see if it is just a little air in the system.
TBN is a great resource! Thanks for the ideas, guys!!

kuboman · Feb 13, 2011

ronbo3 said:
OK, yes and yes--I have drained fluid out to see if it was over-filled, and I could not see any difference on the gauge. Kubota manual (and my dealer!) says 7 gallons, and I think I measured carefully, but now I don't know. The loader used to be able to lift the front of the tractor by pushing down on the ground, but can't lift it now. I will try working the FEL all the way up and down a few times and see if it is just a little air in the system.
TBN is a great resource! Thanks for the ideas, guys!!

Unless you have the wrong filter you likely have air in the system. It is somewhat unusual to get air in the system unless it was run with the oil very low.

MessickFarmEqu · Feb 14, 2011

What fluid did you use?

If its from WallyWorld... I'd start there.

dodge man · Feb 14, 2011

Did you take the FEL off to do this? If so make sure the connections are on good. Its often a problem, they seem like they are on O.K., but aren't.

abeal · Feb 14, 2011

ronbo3 said:
OK, yes and yes--I have drained fluid out to see if it was over-filled, and I could not see any difference on the gauge. Kubota manual (and my dealer!) says 7 gallons, and I think I measured carefully, but now I don't know. The loader used to be able to lift the front of the tractor by pushing down on the ground, but can't lift it now. I will try working the FEL all the way up and down a few times and see if it is just a little air in the system.
TBN is a great resource! Thanks for the ideas, guys!!

Mine says 4 but it only took 3 when I changed it. I agree that those dipsticks are hard to read.