BX Loader Problem: Seeking Advice

[Frank]

I recently traded up from a BX 2200 (80 hours) to a BX 22. In the past I've been able to smooth out new topsoil by setting the loader bucket at 45 degrees down angle to the ground, and backing up over the spot I want to level. When I try doing that with the new BX22 loader bucket, the bucket just flops up to horizontal like its under no hydraulic pressure. Otherwise, both the boom and bucket cylinders seem to work ok. This loader has a 4-way valve (the BX2200 was 3-way) but I can't imagine that would matter.

Has anyone ever seen this with a BX, or any other loader?

One last point. It may be unrelated, but during warm-up there is a hydraulic-like whine that is intermittant - like morse code - that becomes constant after about 5 minutes. Seems to be coming from the transmission housing. I've tried moving the steering, loader joystick, 3-point hitch lever, but the sound appears to be unaffected.

Opinions? (The dealer is 60 miles away. I think he'll come out, but I want to gather as much information as possible first.)

Thanks,
Frank

 

[GregW]

Hi,
I would make sure that the quick connect lines are hooked up right. I Have a BX 22 also, and I have managed to get the lines crossed a couple of times, and as you describe the loader will not work right.
You will have to look under the tractor to see the line color code markers and trace them to their respective color code marker on the loader operation valve.
My BX 22 has the 3 way valve, but I'm guessing you have a line switched on your's also.

Hope this helps, if not let me know and I will try again.

Greg Williams

 

[frank_f15]

sounds like a line is not hooked up right u say u traded up so it must be a new machine. if u don't find the problem post haste i would get the dealer out there POST HASTE! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif LET THEM FIGURE IT OUT

 

[rlw]

I have encountered the same phenomena. With the 4 way valve, you can get a "floppy" bucket. Here are a couple exerpts from an old post I saved describing the difference between the 3 & 4 way valves that discusses this issue:

The 3 position valve and the 4 position valve, both have what is known as a regenerative circuit built into the bucket dump circuit.

When dumping a loaded bucket (with a good old fashioned loader control valve - non-regen) the weight of the material in the bucket tends to pull the cylinders down faster than the hyd. fluid can fill the other side of the bucket cylinders. Therefore, an air pocket will develop in the cylinder causing the bucket to be a little "floppy" unless held against relief for a few seconds at the end of the dump cycle. Which creates an extra step if you want to back-drag, etc.

The 4-pos. valve has a detented position. When moving the control lever to the right, to dump (or power angle right in the case of the plow) if you choose the first detented position this is the non-regen position and will work just like the good old fashion loader control valve. If you apply a little more pressure on the control lever you will push past the detented position and move into the regen position. Thus, if you have the 4-pos. valve and want to avoid the floppy bucket syndrome you have to push full right to engage regen.

 

[Jim_Becker]

I back-drag our driveway all the time with no problem like you describe.

 

[fishman]

Your correct, the loader is not working properly. Call the dealer and describe the situation. They should know what to do.

 

[surfran]

Frank,

I have recently experienced this type of problem on my BX1800. I first noticed it while getting ready to take off the loader. I too have the 4-way valve as I upgraded in case I ever want to add snowblower or hyd. angling front blade.

It seems to float back some but typically stops like air is in it. What I have been doing is cycling the valve to fully up or rolled back I guess actually and then making sure I don't hit the detent while rolling forward and most of the time this seems to work, but sometimes I have had to repeat a time or two. I was thinking about calling dealer to see if there may be a problem but haven't gotten to it.

I did just perform 50 hour service and notices some dirt build up on some of my connections (from hyd fluid I suspect), so I tightened a couple of fittings. I don't think that was the issue for this, but may be contributing???

So if you find out what actually is happening, make sure you let me know as I don't know when I will get to it. Been too busy lately and probably won't get a break until next month when Summer ends and just before Winters starts /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[gsxr1100]

Hi Frank---Well you are not alone. I had that happen on my BX22 and I though I had too manu Coron's or I did something wrong. Only did it a few time and now it does not do it. The only thing I have done was attach and remove the loader a few time and I lifted the bucket to the max and held for a few seconds.

 

[techman]

One possibility that has happened with me is that through some actions, you can pull or push the bucket out of position. This can cause the cylinders to cavitate, or in other words not get enough oil in to them. The result is that air can get into the cylinder and make the bucket "floppy" and not hold force, ecpecially in the roll down motion.

The solution is easy. Cycle the bucket several times and hold the bucket at each end under pressure for a few seconds. You should hear the engine lug a bit when the bucket stalls. Be sure you power it down, not a "float" lower. This will cycle oil into the bucket cylinders and dissolve out most of any remaining air.

For me this quickly sloves the "floppy bucket" problem in a few seconds.

paul

 

[Frank]

Thanks to Techman, RLW, Surfran and others for their helpful comments. I've been too busy this week to try them out but I will this weekend. I'll post an update then.

This site continues to be an amazing resource.

Thanks again,
Frank

 

[KWentling]

Frank, I have the same problem with my BX22. See post "Air in Cylinder?" from a few months ago. I've been too busy to get mine to the dealer (100 miles away) so I'm still living with it. If I need to back drag after dumping, I hold the lever in the dump position until it purges the air out, and then position the bucket to the desired angle. Dealer says they haven't encountered that problem before. I suspect a leaking (air, not oil) quick connect. 170 hours on the 22 now.
Kim

 

[KWentling]

I was wondering if anyone has come up with a solution for this. I took mine to the dealer and was told that its "normal". That I needed to run at a higher RPM to provide more oil flow. I usually operate at about half throttle. The tech said he contacted his area rep. and that he had never heard of the problem. I'm still not buying that air in a hydraulic system is "normal". I've operated a fair amount of hydraulic equipment and have never experienced repeated air in any motion. I haven't had time to hunt for the problem. I thought I would try wrapping the connections in plastic wrap with air trapped in it to see if I could find the source of the air. Anyone have any thoughts?
Kim

 

[surfran]

I haven't done anything with mine, but I noticed the other day while parked in the garage, I had the bucket slightly rolled back but on the ground. Well I stepped on the bucket and it rolled forward flat, then when I stepped off, it rolled back up. Now the unit wasn't running, but this was sure suprising that there would be that much "play".

I haven't put many hours in the past 4-6 weeks as I have been too busy with other projects. I am still interested if anyone comes up with a solution or specific problem that contributes other than the "normal" theory.

 

[gsxr1100]

surfran --My BX22 does the same "play" if you step on the loader. I would assume that is normal since there is no pressue in the sys. Maybe wrong. If so, we are both in the "sinking butcket"

 

[jpr62902]

Pushing the joystick far to the right with a 4 way valve simply operates as a "quick dump". If you only push the joystick over to the first detent, then you should be able to position the bucket wherever you want.

 

[Deerlope]

Wow, what a resource of information. My 3830 just had a 4 way valve put on it for the snowblower and I had the floppy bucket syd. I talked with my dealer about it and they had never heard of such a thing. After reading rlw's reply I went out and tryed what he said and presto, floppy bucket syd. is gone.