Ford 3930 with Allied FEL not lifting max weight

[LondonDave]

I have a 1993 Ford 3930 with an Allied 394 FEL. According to the loader specs it should lift 1500 pounds. Mine seems to be maxed out at what I would say is about 1000 (6x6 round bale). It doesn't scream or whine, it just stops lifting. My loader is plumbed through the rear remove. Moving the hydraulic valve in front of the seat to the centre position activates the loader valve. I have a slight leak at the loader valve from the fittings but no other leaks. Fluid level is good. Main filter under left running board was apparently changed last year by previous owner. I've read about a screen that can get plugged up and cause issues but I can't find anything specific about where the screen is and how to clean it. If anyone can provide me with some details on where to find the screen and how to clean it or anything else to look at that might be causing my problems I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

Dave

 

[RickB]

Unless your 6x6 round bales are puff balls, they weigh more than 1000 lbs. A good tight 4x5 round will weigh right at 800. A 6x6 has a little over double the cubic feet of hay contained in a 4x5. How are you lifting them? Spear mounted direct on the boom, or a spear mounted in front of the bucket. Loader lift capacity is usually measured at the bucket mount pins, a 6x6 bale sitting on a pin mounted spear will have the center of the load about 40" ahead of the pivot pins. My guess is your loader isn't far off spec. Put a pressure gauge in a remote coupler and stroke the remote valve. That will tell you what system relief is.

 

[aczlan]

My guess is your loader isn't far off spec. Put a pressure gauge in a remote coupler and stroke the remote valve. That will tell you what system relief is.

Building on Rick B's suggestion, I would find the pressure inlet port on your loader valve, put a tee inline and install a gauge on the tee. That way you can see your exact pressure and compare it to spec.

Aaron Z

 

[LondonDave]

I was told the bales weigh around 1200 pounds. I was also lifting some 1200 pound (so I was told) large square bales. It would lift the square bales but just barely. It is with a bucket mounted spear and I was wondering if that was the issue. I hate the spear and I'm in the process of sourcing out some type of quick attach system to get a proper 2 prong spear. I would still like to service the hydraulic fluid so if you have any info on the filter screen that would be great.

Thanks

Dave

 

[RickB]

I was told the bales weigh around 1200 pounds. I was also lifting some 1200 pound (so I was told) large square bales. It would lift the square bales but just barely. It is with a bucket mounted spear and I was wondering if that was the issue. I hate the spear and I'm in the process of sourcing out some type of quick attach system to get a proper 2 prong spear. I would still like to service the hydraulic fluid so if you have any info on the filter screen that would be great.

Thanks
Dave

There is no suction screen. If you have two pumps, there are two filters; one below the LH step, the other at the left rear of the engine screwed onto the auxiliary pump if it is there. The center of your round bale load is probably 65" from the bucket pins the square bale is a foot or so closer. It's a wonder you can lift either square or round bales of the sizes you list with that spear out there so far.
You have been told the rounds weigh 1200 lbs, now you have been told they weigh closer to 1600. Maybe you could weigh one somewhere.

 

[LondonDave]

Okay thanks RickB. Sounds like I just need a proper bale spear and maybe a fluid and filter change to freshen things up. I thought I had read there is a suction screen but maybe that was on a different year/model. As far as I know I just have the 1 pump and 1 filter under the LH step. Lifting the 1600 pound round bales isn't really something I need to so. I just thought they were more in the 1200 pound range and wondered why I wasn't able to lift them.

Thanks

Dave

 

[Birdhunter1]

I too think you are maxing the weight, but here is a quick test.

At idle if you can lift the front of your tractor off the ground by pushing down with your loader and bucket then your hydraulics are likely fine.

 

[Soundguy]

agreed with all posts.

I lift about 800ish # bales with an old beater 850 with a spear I bubba'd into the loader bucket. the machine don't wan't much more.. I have lifted a little heavier but it complained the entire time..

 

[ovrszd]

I agree, it's a leverage problem not a hydraulic problem. I too am surprised it'll lift them at all.

 

[LondonDave]

Okay thanks guys. The down pressure will lift the front end off the ground no problem. I'll be looking for a quick attach system to get a proper spear that mounts right to the loader bracket and I should be all set.

Dave