New vs Old

Newtocvt · Nov 27, 2017

My old tractor was an IH 544 gas model hydro. It would struggle to lift a 5x6 bale over our fence to feed our cows but would easily lift the tractor front end. Handy when I got stuck. My new tractor a boomer 54d easily handles the same bales over the fence but won't lift the front end on the tractor. Is this normal or is something wrong?

Xfaxman · Nov 28, 2017

What happens when you try to lift the front?

Do you hear the relief valve open?

What does the motor do?

Newtocvt · Nov 28, 2017

I just tried it yesterday and it does make a noise. Engine rpm doesn't change. I am by no means a hydraulic or tractor expert but the sound definitely changes when the bucket contacts the ground.

Fallon · Nov 28, 2017

Hydraulics extend with a lot more force than they contract (more surface area on the cylinder end than the rod end because there is a rod in the way). They extend with multiple tons of force, but due to leverage the actual lifting power is way less.

Also, try tilting the bucket down before lowering the loader arms. Geometry may preventing the arms from going any lower. My L4060 arms won't really drop lower than the wheels. If the bucket is vertical it will lift the front wheels.

Newtocvt · Nov 28, 2017

I tried it with the bucket blade straight down and it still didn't lift the tractor. I could curl the bucket from that position and it moves the tractor. It just seems like there is very little down pressure. Hope that makes sense.

ssrider · Nov 29, 2017

I know on some loaders, if you push the loader joystick fully forward it puts it in "float." Is this possibly your problem?

Newtocvt · Nov 29, 2017

It does have float detent but this is happening when it's out of that detent.

bigtiller · Nov 30, 2017

Did you check the quick-couplers? Sometimes they get bumped and they loose contact.

mcj115 · Nov 30, 2017

Do both pieces of equipment have power down? or is new piece of equipment gravity down?

Newtocvt · Nov 30, 2017

mcj115 said:
Do both pieces of equipment have power down? or is new piece of equipment gravity down?

Maybe that's it. I bought it used and didn't get a manual for the loader. Today I was playing around with it and I can lift the front end of the tractor with the dump and curl functions just not straight down with the loader.