New LS MT342 loader issues

PCABE5 · Nov 12, 2020

It's 1/4" from the quick connect to the cylinder. So couplers, hardlines, and hoses.

xrjohndeere · Nov 12, 2020

I stopped by the dealer today. He had another tractor like mine on the lot. He showed me how to turn up the pressure. I think he has seen this before. As for the floppy bucket he said the only way to stop that is to put a restrictor in the loader line that dumps the bucket. Basically with a load the bucket dumps faster than the fluid can flow. I had floppy buckets on my other tractors so this is not a big issue to me. I turned up the pressure. I will see how much of a difference it makes tomorrow. Would changing the hydraulic lines to 3/8 make much difference? Would it increase speed? Would it reduce lift capacity?

PCABE5 · Nov 13, 2020

You didn't say, but I hope you used a pressure gauge when you adjusted the pressure. Doesn't take much to make a big change. Should be at 2500 PSI.

Changing over to a 3/8" system can get pricey in a hurry. I'd hate to see what the hardlines cost. Also changing over will help with speed only. It won't change capacity as cylinders and pressures would be the same.

PCABE5 · Nov 13, 2020

xrjohndeere said:
I was barley able to lift a 2000 lb pallet off my trailer with my forks. It would not lift it and would barely roll back enough to get it off the trailer. .

I was kinda thinking about this today.

The loader has a spec of 2680 lbs at the pivot pins. Sort of a useless number cause nothing is looking lifted from there. So this is what I'm guessing here.

2680 (Minus bucket or pallet fork weight)

Let's say that brings it down to 2400. Now move the load forward of the pivot pins 500mm and now you're down to say 2250.

Now if your pallet forks weigh more than the bucket the weight goes down. Also if the weight of the pallet is farther ahead of the pivot pins than 500mm your weight capacity goes down again..

Just a guess, but I'd say it will probably lift somewhere between 1600-1800lbs to full height in the setup you were using.

xrjohndeere · Nov 13, 2020

Turned it up like he showed me. Really did not change a lot. I am going get a pressure gauge and check. I may just be expecting too much. As for the lift with the forks I agree. They should rate this tractors with a specific size bucket full of weight. Would be easier to get a feel for true lift capacity. Another question I have is why does the Hydro pedal not return to its neutral position. You have to let off and push the other pedal in to get it back to neutral. This is open station so it is not a servo pedal. I have to say after using the tractor for about 22 hours I am not impressed with LS hydro tranny.

Bearsixty7 · Nov 13, 2020

xrjohndeere said:
...Another question I have is why does the Hydro pedal not return to its neutral position. You have to let off and push the other pedal in to get it back to neutral.

That is not right. Either the shaft they are mounted to needs grease if there's a zerk or otherwise some oil. Another possibility is a spring as come off.

PCABE5 · Nov 14, 2020

I had the pedal return issue on my old tractor. Seemed that when it was cold it wouldn't return but once it was warmed up it was fine. If I recall it wasn't a linkage issue perse but certainly was annoying.

JCoastie · Nov 14, 2020

agreed, something not right if the pedal does not return. Mine will actually skid the tires if I take my foot off the pedal.
I do believe I have noticed a slow down in forward speed with the pedal maxed though. i.e. it was faster on hour 1 than it is at hour 50. Like something needs to be adjusted (MT240HE)

xrjohndeere · Nov 14, 2020

I will have to look into it when I get a chance. If I let off the pedal it will slightly start to return but continue to roll until I hit brake or push the other pedal in to stop it. Going down a slight hill it will not stop at all. Definitely will not skid the tires. It does this cold or warm after using for a hour. No difference.

Bearsixty7 · Nov 15, 2020

JCoastie said:
agreed, something not right if the pedal does not return. Mine will actually skid the tires if I take my foot off the pedal.
I do believe I have noticed a slow down in forward speed with the pedal maxed though. i.e. it was faster on hour 1 than it is at hour 50. Like something needs to be adjusted (MT240HE)

I have read posts with similar issues. There is a roll pin that works it's way out and the pedal linkage connection on the shaft just becomes a friction fitting and will slip. Hope that makes sense.