Twisted Loader

[Zipperhead0]

I recently posted a message about receiving my new NH TC29DA from Texas with bad fuel in the tank along with several other problems. Well, I finally got my tractor back tonight and after $139 it seems that the tractor is running correctly. I also had warranty repairs to leaking hydraulic lines and defective headlight switch. The dealer also made the warranty repairs to the oil cooler lines that have been causing everybody trouble (Thanks to TBN for educating me on that one).

I also noticed that the front end loader (14LA) didn't seem to be even. The right side of the bucket hit the ground approximately 1" before the left side. The dealer checked this and stated that I have a possible "Twist" in my loader, like it is sprung. The tractor only has 3 hours on it and I only sat in the seat for 10 minutes before it died from my earlier problem. The dealer said that this problem is not covered under warranty because it could have only happened as a result of somebody hitting something with the loader. I only used the loader for one bucket full of dirt before I took it in for repairs so I know that I did not cause the problem. The dealers method of repairing this problem was to put less air pressure on one of the rear tires so as to even out the front bucket. I must say this seems like a strange way to repair this problem.

I have asked to talk to my area service manager to see if there is anything else that can be done to fix this problem.

Has anybody experienced this same problem and is there a better fix than running uneven air pressures in the rear tires?

By the way, I highly recommend Potestio Brothers Equipment in Parker, CO for service work.

More snow coming tonight and looking forward to playing with my tractor.

 

[RickB]

First thing to do is make sure uneven rear tire inflation isn't the CAUSE.

 

[whitetiger]

First, air up both rear tires to the same pressure. Now measure ( with tractor sitting on a concrete floor) from the floor up to your rear axle housing on each side of tractor. Sometimes the tires are not the same height even tho they are the same brand and size. If the measurement from side to side is the same, raise the loader a few inches off the floor and measure from the ground to the lower bucket piviot pins. The bucket may be assembled crooked. If the pins do not measure the same, measure the mounting brackets. One of them may be miss welded. And it could be that you have a twisted loader, but to some carefull measuring first.

 

[dqdave1]

I have a TC 29 with a 7308 loader; I twisted my loader. I had an auto frame shop straighten it. Basicly, they clamped down one side and jacked other side into correct position with hydraulic rams.

 

[Zipperhead0]

I'm wondering if I can just lift something heavy with the high side of the bucket to get it to even itself out. With my luck I would twist it the other way even worse.

I'll try the measurement method first to see if everything is in the right place.

I'm surprised these loaders are so sensitive.

Thanks.

 

[DieselMonk]

I'm wondering if I can just lift something heavy with the high side of the bucket to get it to even itself out. With my luck I would twist it the other way even worse.

I'll try the measurement method first to see if everything is in the right place.

I'm surprised these loaders are so sensitive.

Thanks.

Nope as the pressure relieve valve will kick in first. As the 2 of the guys already said, make sure the tire pressure is right and if the loader is indeed twiseted, get it straightened out by a good mechanic.

 

[Ford850]

I think I remember that you bought this tractor and it was shipped to you. It's possible the shipper twisted it when they chained it to the flatbed.

 

[jbrumberg]

Zipperhead0:

It's truly unfortunate how your tractor situation is playing out. I agree with taking those measurements as suggested as well as checking your tire pressures on both of your rear and front tires. I might add that any FEL regardless of size and make is "sensitive" to misuse/abuse. I've picked up some pretty loads with my 14LA without difficulty, but I've always tried to keep the load centered. Jay

 

[rback33]

First off.. what the dealer is telling you about the issue is bunk. Loaders are tough to spring like that... much less in three hours. Could be something off in the frame or mount kit that is causing it. These issues are a bear to track down sometimes. Like the other guys said, park on a level surface and start measuring to common point on both sides (after checking tire pressures first). I can honestly say we have had a few of ours come out of the jig like this and had to take care of them. Sometimes if the welder does not follow procedure loader booms will "draw" when they cool and be a little off kilter. Regardless, they should make it right.

 

[Birdman253]

Also, it is possible that the manufacturing tolerances in the mounting brackets could be causing this. If the installer bolted all the brackets on tight, without the loader mounted, the "slop" in the bolt holes could cause the frame to be "crooked".

To check this, park on an absolute level concrete surface. Make sure both rear tires are at the same pressure, and both front tires are at the same pressure. Lower the FEL to the ground, kill the tractor, and relieve all hydraulic pressure by moving the joystick in all directions. Then loosen, NOT REMOVE, all bolts attaching mounting brackets to the tractor. If this was the cause of the loader being uneven, it may "settle" to the floor when the offending bolts are loosened. After all bolts are loose, if the loader is still crooked, start the tractor, raise the loader a few inches, and then lower the loader to the floor. If it hits level, great, shut down the tractor, and retighten all bolts. It it is still unlevel, put some down pressure on the loader, to raise the front wheels. After the wheels are up, kill the tractor, and relieve pressure, allowing the wheels to go back to the ground. The loader will probably be level now, and all you have to do is retorque all the mounting bolts.

After you do this, check the torque on all the mounting bolts after a few hours of operation, and keep checking until you get two consecutive checks with none of them loosening up.

The problem you describe is not uncommon when loaders are mounted on tractors, but a twisted, warped frame is very uncommon. It is not impossible that the frame is twisted, but in my opinion it is very unlikely. I have seen several units over the years like you described, and the procedure I described fixed all of them.

Also, even if it was perfect at mounting, if the bolts were not torqued properly, it can shift with the very first load applied to the bucket. Give it a try, and let us know it it worked.