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.

 

[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....

 

[TractorDale]

I have the same setup and have experienced connectors coming loose and subsequent malfunction. I have had mine for about 15 years, 400 hours or so and never changed the hydraulic oil in the machine. I noticed recently the FEL was making a lot of loud humming noicse when using so I decided to do a complete change of all fluids and filters- I can definitley tell the machine is happier. Steering was getting hard with a load in bucket as well recently- turned out to be a hole in one of the high pressure power steering hoses- rather difficult to change it out but fixed the problem. Good luck.