Loader Weak front loader

[Rowalker]

I have a question about my frontend loader. I am a fair shade tree mechanic, But not so much with hyd systems. I have a 2012, LS R4041H Tractor 41hp, Hydrostatic trans. I have about 670 hrs on the tractor. My problem is that my loader has lost a lot of its lifting power. When I got the tractor the bucket could lift a couple thousand pounds but now Probably can稚 handle 500 coming off the ground. Seems to have more power after it gets up a couple of feet. Loader has full range of motion up, down and tilt, has just lost power. No leaks. Changed all fluids and filters at 600 hrs., used a 25-micron filter, and fluid from Tractor supply, Traveler universal Hyd / Trans fluid. Problem had not occurred before I did the 600hr service but not sure how long afterwards it really started. Steering and 3 point all work fine.
Was wondering if anyone might have any thoughts on what I might have going on.

 

[DonRybak]

Rowalker, I would think you'd get more responses if you posted this in the LS section. It seems odd that the issue started after the 600 hour service. In my opinion it sounds like a restriction of the fluid. When you mention that you used a 25 micron filter is that the standard rating for your tractor and was it a LS filter or after market?

 

[Rowalker]

Thanks for the reply. I Did mess up, I actually thought I did post it on the LS forum. On the filter I took off a 10 Micron OEM filter and put on a 25 micron WIX. There was not an immediate change in performance it happened several hrs later,

 

[darmstrong2319]

I would change that back and see what happens before anything else.

 

[KWentling]

That Wix filter would be less restrictive at the cost of filtering ability. The lower the micron number the finer the size of particles it can remove. Hope that didn't create you problem via
premature pump wear.

 

[timbowr64]

Make sure you are using the correct hydraulic fluid also. That can make a lot of difference in a system.

 

[i7win7]

One of the loader hydraulic couplers may not be properly seated. Disconnect an reconnect them, retest loader operation.

 

[JimRB]

I put generic hydraulic fluid in my tractor when I did a fluid and filter change. I do not think it worked as well as the old fluid. I do need to put OEM branded fluid back in the tractor this summer to see if it is just my mind or reality of generic fluid may not meet the OEM specs.

 

[CoyPatton]

I do not know about the RK tractors or the LS tractors, but do the have a suction screen? Was the suction screen cleaned?
My tractor has both a screen at the end/beginning of the suction tube in the reservoir and a spin on filter. My screen is cleanable.