Loader Weak after Fluid Change

[ronbo3]

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]

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

 

[Craig Clayton]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

What fluid did you use?

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

 

[dodge man]

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]

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.

 

[nspec]

On some of the tractors, you turn the steering wheel back and forth all the way a few times to bleed any air.

 

[ritschner]

Which transmission do you have, and did you drain all of the old fluid (four drain plugs)? The amount of fluid called for is between 6.2 and 7.3 gallons depending on the transmission. The window on mine is fairly easy to read if the fluid is at the right level. Also is there the possibility that you may have removed the relief valve right by the hydraulic filter to drain some fluid and did not get it reinstalled all the way?

 

[gerard]

I have an L2500 which I think is pretty similar to yours. The gauge window should be on the left side of the transmission just below the shifter. It IS a little hard to see the level if you overfill it but at full it should be halfway up. If overfilled, raise the loader to max height as well as the 3 pt. That will all take fluid and lower the level but a little too much fluid shouldn't affect the strength of the loader. Air in the system WOULD have an effect, especially trying to lift the front wheels because the down range may be less than what you lose by having air in the system. Cycle it up and down several times and you should get the air out. Other possiblity is way too little fluid but if thats the case you won't be able to get to full height. Bottom line is you should be able to lift the front end by moving the loader to the max down position.

 

[ronbo3]

I drained 2 gallons, and ta-DAAA!! The fluid gauge was right where it is supposed to be! Although the owner's manual (and the DEALER) said 7 gallons, it only took 5. Thanks for all the suggestions, TBN!! Now if I can find a way to get my money back for those 2 extra gallons..................