New LS MT342 loader issues

   / New LS MT342 loader issues #1  

xrjohndeere

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2009
Messages
250
Location
Mo
Tractor
2021 Kubota L4060 HST
I bought a new LS Mt342 hst open station. I have about 16 hours on it. I like the tractor but the hydraulics seem to be slow and the loader bucket roll back force weak. I have been moving dirt. When I drive into the dirt pile the bucket does not want to break out of the pile. I have run enough tractors over the years to know it is not right or LS has extremely over rated the loader capacities. 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. With the tractor in neutral setting on a very slight incline the bucket roll back will not push the tractor backwards. I checked connections nothing there. Any suggestion before I take it to the dealer? Thanks for input.
 
   / New LS MT342 loader issues #2  
System pressure may need to be adjusted. Dealer should have a gauge to check this.
 
   / New LS MT342 loader issues #3  
even though you are experienced, it’s always best to ask the obvious, so don’t take offense.....

you have your rpms up when doing the work?

You in low range when digging into the pile?
 
   / New LS MT342 loader issues
  • Thread Starter
#4  
even though you are experienced, it痴 always best to ask the obvious, so don稚 take offense.....

you have your rpms up when doing the work?

You in low range when digging into the pile?

I tried rpm as high as it would rev. I contacted dealer Friday and Today. I am still waiting for a response. It concerns me that they did not have any mechanics available to talk about the issue. This was one of my concerns when buying the LS. They told me when I bought it they had 8 full time service mechanics and would always be available for trouble shooting. Will wait and see.
 
   / New LS MT342 loader issues #5  
I'd stay on them. Having 8 mechanics working in the shop is one thing, pulling one off a project to speak with a customer is another.
I am very curious about this issue. The LS MT3 series supposedly fixed the "sloppy bucket syndrome," but maybe did that by sacrificing curl ability? I know they went to a smaller diameter hose, but I dont think that would effect its ability to curl.

Are other new MT3 owners out there having similar issues?
 
   / New LS MT342 loader issues #6  
The ridiculously small hydraulic system on the loader is going to make it slow. Only so much oil can flow through 1/4" QD's, hoses, and line's. Way to small for a tractor this size. 1/4" is only rated for approximately 3 GPM and your tractor puts out about 7.5 GPM so it's seriously under sized and frankly not recommended.

I'd put a pressure gauge in one of your QD's and see if your close to the 2466 PSI. The loader should lift 2600 at the pins to full height and you know that the further forward you get with the load, the less capacity.
 
   / New LS MT342 loader issues #7  
Have you put your pressure gauge on your machine yet, PCABE5?
Are you experiencing the same issue as xrjohndeere?
 
   / New LS MT342 loader issues #8  
I haven't put a gauge on mine but I haven't experienced that issue. Loader is slower and I do have that but everyone will.

I've been meaning to put my flow meter on so when I do I can throw a pressure gauge on at the same time.

Only issue I've had so far is i had two of the four left front cab bolts missing. Dealer sent me two so all good.
 
   / New LS MT342 loader issues
  • Thread Starter
#9  
I have not received a call back from dealer. I am going to go to dealer in person. I have been in covid jail the passed few days waiting for test results. I agree with the hoses being too small. I have been moving a lot of dirt and the floppy bucket syndrome happens a lot. If this is just how it is with these tractors I may replace all my loader lines to 3/8 and upgrade to hydraulic pump. Then again I may just leave it factory and trade it off. I will keep you posted on what I find.
 
   / New LS MT342 loader issues #10  
Are the 1/4" hoses only from the hard lines to the cylinders or also from the loader valve to the hard lines?

If the 1/4" hoses are just from the hard lines to the cylinders, it won't make any difference increasing the size. They use 1/4" hoses because the flow is split between the two cylinders, so the one line will never see full flow.
 

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