LA463 curl cylinders weeping

[TDVT]

Now that it's tractor weather again here in Northern Vermont (other than moving snow) I've been out trying to get a head-start on things with our spectacular warm & early spring.

Today while working on a brush fork attachment, I noticed the bucket-ends of the loader arms were sprayed with oil & then noticed that the curl cylinders (at the seal) were also oily. Not dripping, but you could get a drop on the end of your finger from the weep hole. The lift cylinders, which look to me as though they are the same, are dry.

I DID do a bit of digging week before last but I don't abuse the tractor (83 hrs w/regular maintenance). Is this a normal occurrence?

We split tractor time between the 3400 & our old Ford (hence low hours) but this is the first loader I've had & the warranty is over at the end of this month.

Thanks, TD

 

[Harvest Moon]

One of mine did the same thing when it was new. Got it fixed but it wasn't even almost worth the trouble (another story). I think it's got a lot to do with relieving the pressure on the loader valve after shutting down, I mean working it like you would before removing the loader. For mine anyway, I think most of the leaking occurs while the tractor is trying to relax after a hard days work.

Always avoid putting your finger on leaking hydraulics under pressure!

 

[TDVT]

Thanks for your reply.

Certainly a readily-replaceable part if there were an issue, I just didn't know if it was an early warning sign or not. Seems odd both sides would weep if it were a real issue.

Mods- Please feel free to move this, thought I was in the owning/operating forum when I posted, SORRY!