Loader Weak front loader

   / Weak front loader #1  

Rowalker

New member
Joined
Jul 24, 2016
Messages
15
Location
Warner Robins
Tractor
LS R4041H
I have a question about my frontend loader. I am a fair shade tree mechanic, But not so much with hyd systems. I have a 2012, LS R4041H Tractor 41hp, Hydrostatic trans. I have about 670 hrs on the tractor. My problem is that my loader has lost a lot of its lifting power. When I got the tractor the bucket could lift a couple thousand pounds but now Probably can稚 handle 500 coming off the ground. Seems to have more power after it gets up a couple of feet. Loader has full range of motion up, down and tilt, has just lost power. No leaks. Changed all fluids and filters at 600 hrs., used a 25-micron filter, and fluid from Tractor Supply, Traveler universal Hyd / Trans fluid. Problem had not occurred before I did the 600hr service but not sure how long afterwards it really started, but not immediately. Steering and 3 point all work fine.
Was wondering if anyone might have any thoughts on what I might have going on
 
   / Weak front loader #2  
Some hydraulic fluids experience cavitation Typically traveller oil is used in geared tractors not hydrostatic. Cavitation draws air and is difficult to get developed pressure from pump. Also if you have any noticeable leaks this can introduce air / contaminants. Does the loader work well before the tractor heats up. One thing I have learned use John Deere or New Holland hydraulic or Case IH fluids and or their antifreeze. Generic fluids are just that generic they are missing stabilizers or ability to dissipate heat. Sounds crazy but once you experience issues you get religion fast. Oil, fuel and air filters are life of diesel tractor change them on periodic intervals the tractor will last long time and perform as expected. Not all oils are created equal even if they hit CJ and CI requirement per label they could be at low end of specification. Do you homework spend money on good oil and filters. Keep in mind oil filters are important too as our fellow you tubers have demonstrated clearly live On the tube, they test and disassemble filters showing shortcomings of the cheap filters.
 
   / Weak front loader #3  
RoWalker,
Since three point still works I would be less suspicious of fluid issues or cavitation but still possible. Do you hear any unusual sounds from the hydraulic system while attempting to lift a load in the bucket? ( growling or rumbling grinding noise) If yes this would point towards a cavitation issue and needs to be addressed. Some tractor brands and models require OEM filters since the filter is in the pump inlet line. Not sure if your LS is one of these models or not.

Is the joystick mounted directly to the valve assembly or is tractor have cables between the joystick and control valve. Either way i would recommend exposing the linkage where it connects to the valve spools and observe the spool travel when you try to raise Vs lower & Curl Vs dump. They all should have similar travel. Possible something is limited the spool movement so only a portion of the oil is being directed to the lift circuit.

You might be able to test this by attempting to raise and curl the bucket at the same time. What happens if bucket is curled back fully when you do this? If loader lift changes speed this would also point towards the lift - lower valve spool not shifting fully.
 
   / Weak front loader
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Thanks for the reply. Speed of travel is good. Problem seems to be coming off the ground with a load. If I have the bucket a couple of feet off the ground it is ok but if bucket is on the ground i'm not sure it would lift 500 lbs.
 
   / Weak front loader #5  
Typically a bent ram would cause oil leaks, but this could be the issue. It really sounds like air in they system though
 

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