Loader Kubota L3600 FEL hydraulic problem

Shawn Morin · Jan 28, 2015

Hi Guys,

I primarily use my tractor for moving snow. I noticed my last time out that my FEL "up/down" controls are not working properly. For example, when I pull the lever all the way down to raise the FEL, it moves super, super slow. If I just barely push down on the lever, the FEL actually goes up at what I would say is a normal pace. As for lowering the FEL, the only way to get it to go down is to push the lever all the way up. If you push the lever up just a little nothing happens at all. Typically as you all likely know this would normally result in the FEL lowering at a slow rate (which is expected). The other thing I noticed is the FEL won't stay in "FLOAT" mode (lever all the way up). When I push the lever all they way up to stay in float mode, the lever "falls out" of float right away. I have to actually hold the lever up at all times to keep the FEL in float mode.

The roll back and dump controls are working normally. I suspect I have a hydraulic valve problem of some sort but really have no idea.

Any pointers on how to correct this issue is much appreciated.

Thank you,
Shawn

sandyc · Jan 28, 2015

Just a thought. The control and or fluid might be frozen. A hair drier would help to thaw stuff out if that is the case.

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Rustyiron · Jan 28, 2015

Do you keep the tractor outside? Once I had water build up in the (not sure what to call them) "caps" or more like dust covers, that cover the end of the spools on the valve, The water froze up and would not allow the spool to operate normally. Does this problem coincide with the freezing temps? These "caps" are not on the fluid side of the valve and I think that it was built up condensation.

rbargeron · Jan 29, 2015

I agree with the idea of ice in the valve. One of my valves has the same symptom on the curl/dump spool. It clears up after a few cycles of the lift spool, circulating the oil and warming the valve a bit.

Shawn Morin · Jan 29, 2015

Hi Guys,

The tractor is actually kept in my garage year round. It is not heated however. It could be related to freezing up as it does get quite cold here in NH this time of year. That being said this is the first time this has happened in the 5 years I've owned this tractor. I'll check out the "caps" / "dust covers" for freezing/condensation. That is quite possible. BTW, I put new hydraulic flluid and a filter back in DEC 2013. It probably has twenty hours max since then.

Thank you all and please keep the suggestions coming.

Best,
Shawn

J_J · Jan 29, 2015

Shawn Morin said:
Hi Guys,

I primarily use my tractor for moving snow. I noticed my last time out that my FEL "up/down" controls are not working properly. For example, when I pull the lever all the way down to raise the FEL, it moves super, super slow. If I just barely push down on the lever, the FEL actually goes up at what I would say is a normal pace. As for lowering the FEL, the only way to get it to go down is to push the lever all the way up. If you push the lever up just a little nothing happens at all. Typically as you all likely know this would normally result in the FEL lowering at a slow rate (which is expected). The other thing I noticed is the FEL won't stay in "FLOAT" mode (lever all the way up). When I push the lever all they way up to stay in float mode, the lever "falls out" of float right away. I have to actually hold the lever up at all times to keep the FEL in float mode.

The roll back and dump controls are working normally. I suspect I have a hydraulic valve problem of some sort but really have no idea.

Any pointers on how to correct this issue is much appreciated.

Thank you,
Shawn

Concerning your float problem.

You may have water and rust n the float assembly jamming up things, or the groove that the little balls fall in when in float is worn out.

You need to remove the can on the bottom of the float spool and inspect, clean, and if parts are good, then lube with waterproof grease and replace the cap with the weep hole on the bottom.

You might also inspect the load check on that spool. You are looking for a good spring and poppet, and if the seat looks good.

Shawn Morin · Jan 30, 2015

Thaks J.J. I'm going to check that out this weekend. Much appreciated.
Shawn

Shawn Morin · Feb 1, 2015

I removed the bottom of the valve to clean / remove any water (there was no water by the way) and unfortunately have no idea how this goes back together. First pic is of the pieces that came out when I removed the two allen screws. There are 4 small ball bearing, one larger one and a spring. All look to be in good shape.

This is what wa revealed when I removed the bottom of the valve cover. The little holes are where the 4 small ball bearings go. My question is, in which order/sequence do the larger ball bearing and spring go? I've tried a few ways and now the lever wont even go into float at all.

I tried finding an exploded view / diagram last night for hours but had no luck. Problem is, I don't really know what kind of valve body this is. The numbers that are stamped into it have been no help. See pics below

The kicker in all of this is that after I took this apart, when I was back online trying to figure out how it went back together, I found another post about the 3 point hitch being a potential source of the problem I have been experiencing. Sure enough, when I lowered the 3 point hitch from the highest point (where it had been left) to the middle of the range, the FEL now works normally. Except for the lack of being able to go into Float as a result of me taking this thing apart.

So, the good news is if I can get this back together the right way, I should be all set. I did find this post just this morning. I inserted the same image with my markups below. I believe this is the right diagram since my FEL is a LA680 as well. It appears so when I look at the diagram. It looks like the larger single ball bearing sits at the bottom under the spring. It's hard to see for sure, but I think that's how it looks. Help!?!?!?

Thanks for your help in advance!!!

s219 · Feb 1, 2015

You might need to rebuild the valve -- sounds to me like some of the internal seals are bad. However, your description could be a red herring if it's just the detent mechanism jammed up, and confusing location of the valve's center position. I believe you can get a new detent end kit (cap and guts) if those pieces look worn or broken.

With the detent cap off, does the lever move smoothly in both directions? That would tell us if the problem was caused by a jammed/worn detent mechanism.

Shawn Morin · Feb 1, 2015

s219 said:
You might need to rebuild the valve -- sounds to me like some of the internal seals are bad. However, your description could be a red herring if it's just the detent mechanism jammed up, and confusing location of the valve's center position. I believe you can get a new detent end kit (cap and guts) if those pieces look worn or broken.

With the detent cap off, does the lever move smoothly in both directions? That would tell us if the problem was caused by a jammed/worn detent mechanism.

Everything moves very smoothly with the detent (now I know what this is called, thank you) cap off and the valve looks very smooth and clean when I look at it. What's weird is the larger ball bearing and spring seem to have way to much room in the bottom of the detent cap, it's not a nice snug fit. Makes it nearly impossible to put it back on... Almost seems like something is missing to hold it all together. However, I was careful when I removed it, and believe I got all of the pieces. Refer to the image in my post above. Is anything missing that should be there?