G3038 loader doesn't stay in float

hks003 · Mar 30, 2019

Hi,
I have a 2014 G3038 with an LL3104. I can float the bucket, but the lever doesn't stay in the float position. The manual says it has a detent position there where it should stay. The bucket doesn't float when the lever bounces back. Any ideas? Is something in the lever assembly broken?

bruceatlam · Mar 30, 2019

The joy stick should not return to the neutral position ("when the lever bounces back") when the bucket is in the float position. This may be as simple as you need to push harder to get the joy stick to "pop" into the float position and then lock there. You should be able to feel the stick pop into the float position.

hks003 · Mar 30, 2019

I can hold it in the float position and the bucket floats like it should. It just won't stay there.

hks003 · Mar 30, 2019

bruceatlam said:
The joy stick should not return to the neutral position ("when the lever bounces back") when the bucket is in the float position. This may be as simple as you need to push harder to get the joy stick to "pop" into the float position and then lock there. You should be able to feel the stick pop into the float position.

I tried it earlier, I pushed as far up as possible and it wouldn't stay. Is there any kind of adjustment on the tension on the lever?

bruceatlam · Mar 30, 2019

As far as I know ---- there's no adjustment. Maybe time to call your dealer.

bruceatlam · Mar 31, 2019

Here's a link to an old thread that may help. Read through it --- may be as simple as indicated by Post #9 in this thread.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/273159-loader-float-detent.html

hks003 · Mar 31, 2019

Thanks! I didn't find a spool on mine, but in looking I found the detent housing. I took it off because I'd seen some threads where just this being dirty caused issues. The grease was creamy colored like it'd gotten water in it. I cleaned all that off and regreased it.

Then, I went looking for these pesty ball bearings and spring everyone talks about on here. What I found is the cover has one ball bearing in the side towards the end after it chamfers down. The shaft comes out of the large spring about an inch, and has a ring about an 1/8th from the end that catches on the ball bearing when pushed into the float position.

I cleaned the shaft off and got all the old grease I could out of the cover. Put it back, fired the tractor up, and wolla! I have a working detent again! Thanks for all the info guys!

bruceatlam · Apr 1, 2019

Glad you got it fixed -------

Avenger · Apr 1, 2019

I just had a similar experience with a fishing reel! I put it away last fall, everything worked. Getting ready to hit the lake this spring, the reel doent work! The spool would not lock up or get tight with the drag. Took it apart looking for something broken, noticed some old grease and water, cleaned everything really well, re-lubed it, and 'walla!' Wife wants me to return the new one I bought to replace it before I 'fixed' it, but thats not going to happen. :thumbsup:

Sometimes nothing is broken just needs a bit of cleaning.

hks003 · Apr 2, 2019

I've been attempting to find an exploded view of that valve with the detent cover off and possibly a cross section showing the bearing, but when I put the part number in the loader manual into Google, I don't find anything except manuals for other loaders that use that valve... I was hoping to help any future folks with a similar issue and the same type valve, but instead I'm worried about being able to find a replacement valve if I ever need one.