FEL power question

JPinTX · Mar 30, 2008

On a Kubota L3410 HST with front end loader, what would cause the front loader to not have enough power to lift the front tires off the ground?

The raising and lowering off the front bucket seems a touch slower than usual, but tilting or dumping the bucket is fast as always. Power for the HST seems normal, and PTO power seems right (running a brushcutter).

Any suggestions on what to check? Or is this sounding like something better handled by the dealer service?

john_bud · Mar 30, 2008

Internal cylinder leak is one.

Pump needing to be replaced / rebuilt is a second one (but pray it ain't it as $$).

Leaking in the control valve.

Leaking (stuck) pressure relief valve.

JerryG · Mar 31, 2008

Put the range selector in neutral and let off of the brake as you try to lift the front end. It should go up then. If you don't you are in essence trying to drag the rear wheels as you lift.

alchemysa · Mar 31, 2008

If you are new to the tractor, make sure you are not pushing the lever too far forward and pushing it into a 'float' position.

When you push the lever slowly forward, the front wheels should lift, but then when you push too far the wheels will suddenly drop to the ground. Thats the float position.

JPinTX · Apr 1, 2008

I tried it with the tractor in gear, but the clutch depressed. I'll try it again this weekend with the tractor in nuetral to see if that does it.

The loader powers down (not float), just doesn't have enough power to fully lift the front wheels. It pushes down enough to almost get clearance for the front wheels, and of course drops if I push it to the float position.

How hard is it to inspect or replace the pressure relief valve?

kennyd · Apr 1, 2008

How hard is it to inspect or replace the pressure relief valve?

You just need a hydraulic pressure gauge (about $15), a short hose (+/- $10) and a QD nipple that will fit into one of your loader ports. You then operate the joystick to energize the coupler that the gauge is plugged into and see what the reading is-that is what the relief valve is set to. You will also need to know the specs of your machine to know if it's inline.