MT125 bucket droop...

Gnome · Nov 21, 2019

Howdy... New guy here. Just bought a new LS MT125 from a local dealer a few weeks ago and have been putting it through it's paces. I have noticed the bucket will bleed off and droop constantly, machine running or not, loaded or not. No hydraulic fluid showing anywhere, cylinders are as they should be and the problem is only with the bucket, not with loader arms. Picture shows bucket fully dropped when lifted off ground.

Seems it takes bucket about two minutes to drop all the way when empty, a bit faster loaded. Trying to shovel a bucket load of bark dust into garden beds before the bucket dumps it's load could be fun. Tractor has had this affliction since day one it was delivered. I have been hoping it would get better, but dealer finally said they will pick it up and fix it.

I would have thought that that they would send a tech to me and check it out first before hauling it away. The salesman surmised it would just be an adjustment with the lever on the valve returning to a neutral position. Nothing in the manual regarding adjustments to the joystick.

Anyone else run into this problem with the MT125? I would like to add that I really like this little SCUT and the dealer has been very good on the sales side of things.

Thanks
Don S.

Avenger · Nov 21, 2019

First, WELCOME! Tons of info on this site.

Second, it could be out of adjustment. Here is something to try. When the tractor at idle, and it's doing its dumping thing, hold slight pressure left on the stick without hearing the hydraulics. If you hear the hydraulics, you've gone too far. See if the bucket still dumps on its own. If that makes sense. If it does, then it is probably not an adjustment issue.

If it still dumps, then you are looking at a blown seal in the hydraulic rams or faulty control valve. Both of these should be under warranty. I wouldnt go tearing things apart before speaking with your dealer about warranty issues first.

Hope this helps, and please let us know what comes of it.

EDIT: Oh! I just saw that they would come pick it up. That is probably best. They will probably take a look at it at your place before loading it, but they may not have all the necessary tools or equipment like they do at their shop to fix it. Ask them about the fees associated with picking it up and delivering it before they take it.

Gnome · Nov 21, 2019

Thank you Avenger... I did as you suggested, but was unable to ascertain any problem due to stick position. I'm willing to bet the main valve body needs to be cleaned out. Probably residual from machining. I've seen it before. Just takes a fleck of aluminum to mess with a seal. Stay tuned... dealer will fix.

LS Tractor Owner · Nov 21, 2019

When I had my 125, I never experienced any bucket droop. Well, only when it was turned off with the bucket up off the ground. Then it would leak down over a couple of hours. Definitely not when it was running. Let us know what the dealer finds....

Gnome · Dec 11, 2019

Last week my local LS dealer returned my MT125 . They replaced one of the two hydraulic rams for the bucket. The ram they replaced was found to have torn seals and scarring to the ram rod, probably from poor cleaning process before assembly. Works as should now.
All work was done under warranty, and cost me nothing, including pick up and delivery of repaired tractor. LS even overnighted the replacement ram. Dealer was great and all is good.....