Front-End Loader FEL Bucket Strength Reduced (New Holland TC29DA with 14LA)

[bartonkj]

I have a New Holland TC29DA with a 14LA loader with about 650 hours

My FEL bucket suddenly got weak. The loader arms move up and down OK, but the bucket cylinders to extend/curl the bucket will only work when the bucket is no higher than hood height. If I raise the bucket up above the hood, the bucket will not extend/curl. And even when the bucket is below hood height, the bucket extend/curl function is very week (when working normal, it will lift/support the front end of the tractor off the ground if I need it to, but now, it does not, the bucket just curls under the weight). Also, whenever I use the loader regen valve, if it does anything at all, it does not extend quickly like normal, but rather curls the bucket. The hydraulic fluid level is good. Thanks.

 

[leonz]

Your gimbal spool valves are shot. When was the hydraulic filter changed last?????

 

[bartonkj]

Well, turns out the blue quick disconnect (for the bucket cylinder base - upper outboard connection) popped out. I did not think to check it yesterday as in the 15 years or so I've had the tractor, the disconnects have never been disconnected. I was going through some very heavy brush yesterday and something must have snagged it and popped it loose. Reconnected it and all is good. I just hope it was a fluke and not an indication of that disconnect losing integrity....

 

[CoyPatton]

Well, turns out the blue quick disconnect (for the bucket cylinder base - upper outboard connection) popped out. I did not think to check it yesterday as in the 15 years or so I've had the tractor, the disconnects have never been disconnected. I was going through some very heavy brush yesterday and something must have snagged it and popped it loose. Reconnected it and all is good. I just hope it was a fluke and not an indication of that disconnect losing integrity....

Many quick connect hydraulic fittings are designed to release if enough pressure is place on them. It is for just the type of situation you described. Much better to have the quick connect release than jerk a hose apart.

 

[bartonkj]

Many quick connect hydraulic fittings are designed to release if enough pressure is place on them.

The only other equipment I have with quick connect hoses are my pressure washer and my air compressor. The pressure washer is a pain in the butt any time I change nozzles on the wand, as the quick connect is anything but quick. I need to get out pliers and a hammer at times to operate it, LOL. My air compressor is much better, but still can be a little bit of a pain in the butt, so I was dreading how much effort it was going to take to get the FEL connection squared away. I was quite surprised at how easy it connected back up.