On a 1997 Kubota
M5400 with 800 hours.
Curl up/down is slow, lift is slow, lower is normal speed, breakout force seems weak too. No leaks or leakdowns.
Changing fluid/filters didn't help.
I just inherited this very clean tractor and don't know a lot about hydraulics. I presume I should start by looking at the loader valve??? But what do I check?
It's a Quickie 310.
That is a wonderful tractor and top of the line loader. You have a classic and still as good as any tractor made. Or better. Good for a lifetime. Don't let anyone pry it away....
There isn't really anything to look at in a loader valve other than the pressure of the relief setting. With no leaks or leakdowns that pretty much eliminates the loader valve itself
If you really want to diagnose anything with hydraulics - including the relief valve in the loader control valve set, you will need a pressure guage kit. Amazon has them for inexpensive. Needs to read to 5000 psi.
Always good to change fluid and filters. I hope you got OEM hydraulic filters - that's another thing you can check at least partly with the pressure gauge.
Also, next time you run it long enough to get it warm, take a look at the hydraulic oil and see if it is clear or cloudy or foamy. If not clear, it is probably a simple suction line air leak - but it must be fixed.
If you just want to guess at something to improve things....there is a possibility you can try that can be done with simple hand tools, look at the diagram and replace all the O rings - parts 050 (3) and 080 in the steel suction line. Yes, you will probably need kubota O rings to fit the metric tubing.
A pressure guage kit would diagnose a leak here too - but takes some experience....although anyone can do a crude test for air leak by checking for wetness or looseness on pipes 040 & 070. Or wind some electrical tape over joints where it might suck air.
You can order filters and parts online at messicks.com.
luck,
rScotty
