Weak curl function

[RNeumann]

The curl on my FEL is weak. I can often lift but not curl loads. Every other tractor I have used has been the opposite.
What are the basic diagnostic steps to determine what is causing this?

 

[oldnslo]

If possible install a pressure gauge in the curl circuit to confirm that you have full system pressure available

If you have a load in the bucket do the curl cylinders drift?i.e extend. If yes possible the seals are bad on one or both cylinders. If they are bad enough this could cause weak curl also.

Does the bucket curl and dump smoothly when empty? If no possible one of the quick disconnects are failing restricting the flow and this could also cause weak curl

 

[RNeumann]

I can install a pressure gauge on one of the quick connects between the tractor and loader.

Do I leave the others connected or disconnected?

I've never noticed that the bucket drifts.

If anything, the curl function has become jumpy or overly quick to respond. That may just be me though. I've only got about 40 hours on the machine.

 

[oldnslo]

You can leave the other hoses connected.

 

[Garrett Wiggins]

If your loader comes on and off, try to uncouple the quick connects and reattach them. I have seen it several times where they lines aren't plugged in all the way and you will loose lots of your curl power.

 

[RNeumann]

Ok thank you for the tips! I will do some testing and diagnosis based on your suggestions.

 

[apriordan]

Any results? I'm finding the pistons shifting as mentioned above, pins/cylinders rocking left and right as fluid is forced in and out. So curious if it's a leaky seal or not

 

[RNeumann]

Any results? I'm finding the pistons shifting as mentioned above, pins/cylinders rocking left and right as fluid is forced in and out. So curious if it's a leaky seal or not

I'm away from the machine for a few weeks. I'll post when I do some testing. I'm going to try switching the lift and curl at the QDs. I can also test the circuits with my pressure tester.

I know the emax has weak curl when compared to lift. Several folks have swapped to bigger cylinders on the emax. I was wondering if the 1533/1538 was the same way. Everything I'm seeing here indicates that isn't the case. With that info the most likely cause is a QD. They tend to be a spot where debris (internal and external) can clog things.

 

[apriordan]

I'm away from the machine for a few weeks. I'll post when I do some testing. I'm going to try switching the lift and curl at the QDs. I can also test the circuits with my pressure tester.

I know the emax has weak curl when compared to lift. Several folks have swapped to bigger cylinders on the emax. I was wondering if the 1533/1538 was the same way. Everything I'm seeing here indicates that isn't the case. With that info the most likely cause is a QD. They tend to be a spot where debris (internal and external) can clog things.

If you could post photos that would be great

 

[BoylermanCT]

Is curl usually stronger than main lift? I pick up pallets of firewood that weigh around 1000-1200 lbs. I can pick them up without too much difficulty, other than the tractor feeling like it will tip forward, but I can't curl it at all. I'd like to tip the pallet back a bit, but curl won't pull it back.

 

[dadster4]

Is curl usually stronger than main lift? I pick up pallets of firewood that weigh around 1000-1200 lbs. I can pick them up without too much difficulty, other than the tractor feeling like it will tip forward, but I can't curl it at all. I'd like to tip the pallet back a bit, but curl won't pull it back.

While moving pallets loaded with about 1400 lbs. of flagstone, I learned to curl back just after getting under the pallet, and then lift to the height necessary...give it a try.

 

[Groo]

I would guess teh problem is with the individual valve section.

 

[RNeumann]

The post above had a few ideas about switching the QDs between the lift and curl functions. It was hard to mentally operate the FEL controls but I did dive into some clay mud with the bucket......guess what......curl, no lift!

I'm going to try some new QDs as those are cheap and prone to a blockage.

BTW I also tested the hydraulic pressure. It makes 2200 psi at idle (pressure regulator) and above idle. Both on the curl and lift circuits.

 

[DavesTractor]

Is curl usually stronger than main lift? I pick up pallets of firewood that weigh around 1000-1200 lbs. I can pick them up without too much difficulty, other than the tractor feeling like it will tip forward, but I can't curl it at all. I'd like to tip the pallet back a bit, but curl won't pull it back.

Bingo. Pallets, or flagstone or whatever where the load center is way out from the pins create an issue for curl. If It were possible to put 1200 lbs of firewood inside your bucket, I bet it would curl it fine. Since it is hard to get 1200 lbs of firewood in a bucket, you might just try one cubic foot of gold. That will get you to 1200 lbs.

I think the OP had his issue with a large rock out near the end of his forks. I'm not saying I understand all the loads and physics, but it makes sense that this would cause grief for the curl cylinders.

You could make the curl stronger by installing larger cylinders, but when you become your own engineer you are also your own warranty center. It is something to consider.

 

[RNeumann]

U R missing the point/issue

 

[DavesTractor]

U R missing the point/issue

Well, it wouldn't be the first time.....:dance1:

Just keep the leverage issue in mind as you do testing.

 

[RNeumann]

Yep same bucket and FEL on both tests. With hydraulics reversed the curl improved and the lift suffered.

I'm assuming the first easiest is to try different QDs? I know those have stumped folks in the past. Any other suggestions or places to look? The valve seems like a long shot. If it was adjustment it would be slow instead of under powered if I understand the valve correctly??? (I may not)

 

[mike69440]

So Did you change the Port connection Locations or just swap QD Fittings while keeping Ports and lines in Factory OEM locations?

 

[RNeumann]

All I did was switch the 4 QDs. The loader control would lift/lower with side to side movement and curl with forward back movement. I left it that way for an hour or so of use to verify what was occurring.

 

[BoylermanCT]

Bingo. Pallets, or flagstone or whatever where the load center is way out from the pins create an issue for curl. If It were possible to put 1200 lbs of firewood inside your bucket, I bet it would curl it fine. Since it is hard to get 1200 lbs of firewood in a bucket, you might just try one cubic foot of gold. That will get you to 1200 lbs.

Can I borrow your cubic foot of gold? I'll bring it back, I promise!