Spool broke in Kubota B2920 loader valve - any options besides new $900 loader valve?

[troverman]

I have a 2013 Kubota B2920 with LA364 loader. Last fall the dump and curl function of the bucket suddenly became very erratic, particularly curl. Also, hydraulic fluid would leak out of the associated spool valve mounted on the side of the tractor. Dealer sold me a $90 seal kit. I parked the tractor last fall with the intent to fix this spring. Yesterday I took it apart and found the actual spool shaft had sheared off. I have no idea how this could even happen, but it did. Called dealer and they told me the spool itself is a non-serviceable (or at least non-replaceable) part and that I'd need a whole new loader valve which includes both spools...$900.

I looked at the parts diagrams from Messicks and that seems to confirm you cannot replace the actual spools separately.

Any thoughts? Any aftermarket options?

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ford-trucks.com-vbulletin/2000x2000/80-img_5083_0961726d85444e5709a441f422975f2362a686b2.jpeg

 

[mwayne]

Yes, there are aftermarket options:
Joystick Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com
Good luck!

 

[Dave M7040]

I have a 2013 Kubota B2920 with LA364 loader. Last fall the dump and curl function of the bucket suddenly became very erratic, particularly curl. Also, hydraulic fluid would leak out of the associated spool valve mounted on the side of the tractor. Dealer sold me a $90 seal kit. I parked the tractor last fall with the intent to fix this spring. Yesterday I took it apart and found the actual spool shaft had sheared off. I have no idea how this could even happen, but it did. Called dealer and they told me the spool itself is a non-serviceable (or at least non-replaceable) part and that I'd need a whole new loader valve which includes both spools...$900.

I looked at the parts diagrams from Messicks and that seems to confirm you cannot replace the actual spools separately.

Any thoughts? Any aftermarket options?

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ford-trucks.com-vbulletin/2000x2000/80-img_5083_0961726d85444e5709a441f422975f2362a686b2.jpeg

There are some basic questions to answer before buying a new valve.

1. Does your existing valve have 6 or 7 hoses connected to it. I suspect 7. A 7th hose means the valve has a POWER BEYOND feature likely providing pressure to the 3 pt and rear remotes if any.

2. What is the published flow rate of your hydraulic system. The natural tendency is to buy a valve with a far bigger flow capacity than your pump can provide. If you by too big, the valve is unable to accurately control the lower flow and your ability to control the loader with precision is lost.

3. What features does your current valve have... a FLOAT position for the loader arms... possibly a REGEN...load check feature

4. Are you going to want to add a grapple to your bucket at some future time. If yes then buy a valve with three spools and you can use the third spool for the grapple when you get it.

I have found the technical advice you get from Cross Manufacturing unsurpassed and, while you may not buy your new valve from them, you will end a telephone conversation knowing far more about valves.

Valves

Dave M7040

 

[Tx Jim]

Ditto what Dave stated. He has your question answered very well.

 

[rScotty]

Ditto what Dave stated. He has your question answered very well.

I can't get into the Messick's site to see the parts diagrams, but I Ditto what Dave said as well. It would be quite unusual if there was anything special or unique about your loader valve. Loader valves are basically all the same, but each individual spool valve is lapped to a very exact fit and so the spools aren't replaceable.

I've never heard of a shaft breaking. But I would be surprised if you could not simply replace yours with another make of loader valve with no problems & have it work exactly the same. As Dave says, you do need to know some info from yours, plus you will need to know what type of thread is being used on the hose ends. BTW, your hydraulic system is the more common "open center" type.

From what I see, these valves range from 200 to 300. If your dealer wants 3x the price, you may want to ask why. The answer should be interesting....
rScotty

 

[troverman]

Thanks a lot guys. Do these aftermarket valve kits just "bolt on" or is some fabricating needed?

The Kubota B-series is a little different, I think. For example, the loader valve comes with the base tractor, but no loader. It is mounted down on the side of the transmission, kind of inside the rear fender. The loader joystick comes up from the floor by the operator's right foot area.

My other Kubotas have the loader valve mounted up high to the right of the instrument cluster. Attached is a pic of my B-series next to my new MX...arrowed are the locations of the valves. Do you think one of these aftermarkets would still work?

 

[dfkrug]

The loader joystick comes up from the floor by the operator's right foot area.

Many (most?) newer tractors put their factory FEL valves near the driver's right thigh, as you have on your 'B'. They use a manifold that connects right up to the trans housing. The IN line comes out of the pump way up front off the engine, usually with a hardline. The PB OUT may use an external hardline to the 3-pt cyl, or connect internally thru the manifold. The OUT line return-to-tank probably uses an internal connection thru the manifold.

That is how my Kioti is plumbed, as well as numerous JDs I have owned.

So you CAN use an aftermarket valve, but you will have to do some custom plumbing work: adapt IN and PB hardlines, find another OUT port, and probably mount new valve on right fender.

I have never run into a broken spool either. Good luck.

 

[ericm979]

from pics I found it looks like the 2929 has a remote loader valve. Usually those are operated by cables. So you will need to get a cable operated type valve and connect or adapt the Kubota's joystick cables to it.

before that I'd check on Messicks, they might have it for less than the dealer.

Kubota makes nice loader valves. My Branson's loader is not as good as my old Kubota as simultaneously operating the loader and curling the bucket. They use a valve from a reasonably well known company, it's just not to Kubota standards.

 

[davedj1]

You can't contact the manufacturer of the valve and order a new spool?

 

[Dave M7040]

You can't contact the manufacturer of the valve and order a new spool?

No for several reasons:

1. Valve manufacturer who supplied Kubota with the valve for Kubota to install, assigns a unique Kubota only part #
2. The valve manufacturer's deal with Kubota is that, in exchange for low pricing, it is Kubota's responsibility to support the valve and not the manufacturer
3. The spools are a precision fit in the valve bore. Each is unique as a pair. Clearances so small that you do not have the metrology (precision measuring) instruments to measure it if you are a mechanic or layman

Dave M7040

p.s. a few Kubota loader valves' spool(s) were made in two pieces.... perhaps yours was one of these. Does the joint between the two pieces look broken?