Re: L48 Loader Problems
Finally got a chance to try the tractor with the loader hydraulic leveling valve removed. First I drove the tractor down over the bank and tested using the loader bucket curl to push myself back up and it worked fine.
Next I tried driving the loader bucket into the slate I had broken up with the backhoe last trip. I was able to lift and curl the bucket while loading it as expected.
When I had finished moving what was loosened I backed up to the edge
Started braking more shale lose with the backhoe and was pleasantly surprised to fined that the backhoe had more force. When under load (stalled) I now hear a chattering noise coming from under the center of the tractor that I believe to be the hydraulic relief valve dumping. Never heard this before could it be that the leveler valve had a lower relief setting.
Now for the bad news. After 3 hours or so the loader seem to lose power again. The temperature was in the twenties, what will happen when it is eighty next summer. My brother who's business is repairing big construction equipment says that this usually happen when the hydraulic pump gets warn and the fix is a new pump. But at 80 hours I don't think the pump is worn out
Looks like removing the hydraulic leveler valve shows that there is a design problem with it that Kubota needs to fix. And that I have some kind of internal leakage that shows up when the tractor gets hot.
So back to the dealer.
Question for Rat. What loader bucket did you order? Looks to me like just a ½ in. difference in the spacing of the attachment points would make a big difference in curl force, also weather you have the skid steer quick attach could change the geometry of the loader. Also please let me know if you come up with anything on the bypass idea.
John