Kubota M7040 FEL boom slow sometimes lowering.

[Tx Jim]

Yesterday I was handling some rd bales with my tractor with 1591 hrs & noticed after I moved a few bales the boom would get slower going down then it would return to normal speed. If I moved joystick to float position the boom always lowered much faster. Movement of joystick feels the same as it always has so I think cable is not the problem but I won't rule it out. I haven't changed the hyd filters in several 100 hrs of operation so I'll perform that task today but I would think clogged filters would also affect speed of lifting & power steering which doesn't seem affected. I'm also going to disconnect quick couplers on FEL & reattach although I have never removed FEL since I purchased tractor in 2012.
Thanks for any ideas or solutions,Jim

 

[ovrszd]

Filter won't do that.

Coupler would be a good start. Uncouple and recouple first. If still has problem, swap the hoses. That will tell you if it's that hose/coupler.

Interested to hear the results.

 

[RNeumann]

I’d also check/adjust the cables. At1500 hrs it’s worth a look- especially if float causes the speed to correct.

 

[Tx Jim]

Thanks for replies. My employee moved about 40 rd bales yesterday & stated FEL lowered correctly from initial engine start up until finished so I didn't perform any diagnostics. This seems very weird! I guess I'll see what it does this afternoon.
Thanks,Jim

 

[ovrszd]

Glad it's working. I had to adjust my cables once a couple years ago. It was the curl circuit. Just wasn't smooth and consistent. I don't recall having to make much change. I'm just over 1500hrs.