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.

 

[ptsg]

Not that I don't believe you or anything like that, but are you sure the fluid is at the correct level? The symptoms sure look like it's low on fluid. Once you lift the loader, the level will lower and if it's low enough, it can cause some functions to not work properly.

Anyways, re-check the quick disconnects for the hoses. Sometimes it will pop out and cause all sorts of weird stuff.

 

[Roadworthy]

It does sound like low hydraulic fluid. Be sure to check fluid level with bucket lowered and curled and three point lowered to prevent overfilling.

 

[WM75Guy]

I am starting to have similar issues with my TC40DA. It also drops quicker when not running. Was told I need to have the hydraulic cylinders rebuilt. Fluid is getting past the internal seals so it is not holding pressure. To me it is just a routine maintenance issue, after all my tractor model was built from 2004-2007. Mine is over 15 years old.

 

[racer86y]

My bucket on my TC30 was doing that.I bought new control valve and flip flopped the lines.Bucket works great now the boom won't come down unless i kill motor and pull joystick and it will creep down.I am thinking maybe the quick disconnect is bad

 

[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.... Thanks for the ideas.

 

[LD1]

I am starting to have similar issues with my TC40DA. It also drops quicker when not running. Was told I need to have the hydraulic cylinders rebuilt. Fluid is getting past the internal seals so it is not holding pressure. To me it is just a routine maintenance issue, after all my tractor model was built from 2004-2007. Mine is over 15 years old.

Before you waste money rebuilding cylinders (that probably are not the cause of your problem)....I'd test the cylinders first. Because most likely it is a control valve leaking by that is causing your bucket to drop quicker when off.