Backhoe MB63 spool assembly coming loose

John Dougherty · May 19, 2015

I have a Mahindra Max 28XL with 20 hours on it. My boom control on the MB63 started to get slack in it and the BH would not apply much downward 'dig' pressure and would jerk back into the stowed position on retraction of the lever. Upon closer examination of the valve body I discovered that the cap that fits on the bottom of the valve body below this particular spool was missing. The manual that was supplied shows a plug as opposed to a cap. All of the other 'caps' are in place and the other functions work as they should. It appears that there is a positioner that is supposed to be ahead of the plug/cap according to the expanded view in the manual. When I insert my finger into the bottom of the valve body where this spool resides I can feel the spool move up and down when the lever is actuated (tractor not running). All is missing below the spool (or plunger as I call it). Has anyone else had a similar problem? Thanks.

John Dougherty · May 20, 2015

So a follow up on the spool problem. It was curious that there was no input on this problem. Maybe it puzzled others as much as myself. In the end I was helped by Rob at Dave's Tractor. It was determined that the 'plug' had come loose and had disappeared. This left the spool exposed and ineffective. Poor assembly as far as I am concerned, but stuff happens. It is curious that my original dealership at Keno Tractors was unable to offer any input into my situation. In fairness to them, maybe I didn't explain it well enough. On the other hand, they told me that they had to contact someone in Canada to sort it out as they had no idea. I'm still waiting to hear back from them. Apparently, there is a problem with email and phone service in Canada that I am not currently aware of. Anyway, that's what I was told by their service manager. As a result I am going to buy the kit that cost about $130 to fix this problem. I only need the plug, but it comes with the positioner. So much for warrantee work.

AchingBack · May 20, 2015

I'm surprised you live in Redding where Dave's Tractor is located, yet you bought a tractor as far away as Keno. Were you trying to escape California sales tax?

John Dougherty · May 21, 2015

AB,
On the surface most would probably assume so, but that was not what drove me to make my purchase there. The first consideration was that they had a new Tier 3 Max 28 (2014) that was cheaper than a 2015 with more power. Secondly, they had an almost new MB63 BH that cost $1k less than new. It certainly looked new to me, but it did have this one little aggravating problem. The tax thing was icing, but wasn't the reason. Some will believe me, some will not. I can't do anything about that. Part of me feels bad calling a dealership out, but I have been pretty much ignored. Life goes on!