Loader What would make my FEL slower?

[CentralNC]

I have a TC35A with the 16LA FEL. The tractor is 3 yrs old with just over 200 hrs on it. I do use the FEL a lot, but not excessive. I can't help but feel that the FEL is slower to react to my controls than when I first bought it. It is slower up and even slower down.

Last year I changed hydraulic oil filter (long cartridge under seat) with a Wix filter. I did not replace the fluid and wasn't planning to do that until 300 hrs. I did add a bit of fluid to replace the fluid lost when replacing the filter.

I do not see fluid leaking any place or at any connection. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I need to check? A NH hydraulic oil filter is $50+, so I am not in a hurry to change it unless someone thinks that might be the problem. Has anyone else had a similar issue?

I have really enjoyed this tractor, but would like to improve the FEL speed if possible. thanks for the advice.

 

[housemasters]

on mine if the 3 point hitch is all the way up the motor gets a load on it and the FEL is affected. Check your lever...move it forward and see if your engine speeds up.

 

[bp fick]

Barring an internal pump or valve issues, which wouldn't be first on my check list, I would indeed suspect the hydro filter. If the microns are a bit tighter, it is indeed possible it is now, after a year, restricting. Since you mentioned it, you likely have some self doubt.

I am not an OEM blind mice follower, but in the case of hydro filters, here's my theory. It is based on little evidence or fact, but what the heck.

Oil filters are pretty known commodities and many more are required over the life time of the machine, thus, aftermarket folks can and do build excellent oil filters. I use them with no worries, as I buy a Hastings/Baldwin/Fleetguard quality filter.

Hydro filters data is not as readily available. The after market folks might have a harder time truly building an exact replacement. I really, really cannot find an after market cross for mine, and seriously doubt I would risk it even if I could. Mull it over and let us know if you decide to go ahead and change it. For $50, it'd be number one on my diagnosis list.

 

[Stonehaller]

I would not think the filter would make it slow going down. Perhaps something with the valve. Have you check connections from the joy stick to the valve to make sure nothing is loose and you are getting full travel? Is the bucket dump/curl slow?

 

[Stonehaller]

Also, check the quick disconnects in the lines to make sure one did not get partially dislodged. Best to disconnect and reconnect them.

 

[Jerry/MT]

I have a TC35A with the 16LA FEL. The tractor is 3 yrs old with just over 200 hrs on it. I do use the FEL a lot, but not excessive. I can't help but feel that the FEL is slower to react to my controls than when I first bought it. It is slower up and even slower down.

Last year I changed hydraulic oil filter (long cartridge under seat) with a Wix filter. I did not replace the fluid and wasn't planning to do that until 300 hrs. I did add a bit of fluid to replace the fluid lost when replacing the filter.

I do not see fluid leaking any place or at any connection. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I need to check? A NH hydraulic oil filter is $50+, so I am not in a hurry to change it unless someone thinks that might be the problem. Has anyone else had a similar issue?

I have really enjoyed this tractor, but would like to improve the FEL speed if possible. thanks for the advice.

The hydraulic pump flow rate controls the speed of the loader so anything that reduces the flow delivered to the actuators will slow the FEL down. A restricted hydraulic filter will do it as well as kinked or bent hydraulic line. A valve that doesn not open fully can cause slow FEL action. Lastly a worn hydraulic pump will not deliver the design flow rate and thus slow the FEL speed down.

 

[jinman]

Here are some numbers that you can use to set/check your loader with the tractor's engine at 2500 rpm.

Raising time: 4.2 sec
Lower time: 3.2 sec
Bucket Dump: 1.9 sec
Bucket Rollback: 2.6 sec

Also, you should do a pressure test of your hydraulic system at 2500 rpm. The pressure setting of your relief valve is 2250 psi. The TC40 and TC45 are at 2500 psi.

Your pump flow should be 9.8 gpm, but 0.8 gpm is diverted to operate the PTO clutch, leaving only 9 gpm for the loader, 3PH, or remote hydraulics. You could open a line and see how long it takes to fill a 1-gal container, but that is not the most accurate method because of restrictions in hoses and valves. I don't think you will ever see a true 9 gpm from any quick connect adapter on the tractor due to losses in the valving and plumbing. The most accurate measure of hydraulic performance is the pressure test, looking for air bubbles in the oil, and doing a timing test of your loader with the times above. Bear in mind that thes numbers are published for a new loader with plenty of lube and the loader manual does not specify whether they are with a bucket or not. Probably a normal empty material bucket was used, but all other conditions were perfect as well.

BTW: We all experience getting used to our tractors and things seeming to slow down at times. I'm not saying this is your problem, but I am saying that I've been guilty of that several times and just realized it was because I had become accustomed to my tractor and wanted it to work faster.

 

[RobertN]

I noticed that on my old Kubota. I have not nticed on ym TC40, but I do not have that many seat hours yet either.

on mine if the 3 point hitch is all the way up the motor gets a load on it and the FEL is affected. Check your lever...move it forward and see if your engine speeds up.

 

[CentralNC]

I went by Charlotte Tractor and picked up a hydraulic filter on Friday. I thought I would be using it in another 100 hrs regardless. I also picked up a fuel filter as it was time to change it.

I tested the times on my FEL vs. the times given by Jinman. I was 0.5 - 1.2 seconds slower than the times given. I looked for kinked hoses, leaks, strange noises...anything that might be a sign of a problem or blockage. Finally I just decided to replace the filter and see what happens. I installed the new filter and allowed some time for the FEL to purge the air. The end result was faster cycle times on the FEL. The improvement was noticeable even to my brother who was helping me work on my TC35A. it was definitely a filter issue (blockage or faulty filter) that caused the problem. A slight "squeal" that accompanied the bucket raising was also eliminated.

I did make a mistake in my initial post. This filter was not a Wix filter. My brother (a Kubota fanatic) always helps with these types of problems. He reminded my that we had replaced the Wix filter within a few weeks of installing it over 1 year ago. I checked my maintenance log and did see that we replaced that filter after about 4 hours running it. We did have problems with this filter, but that is a separate issue.

The filter that I removed Friday was a NH filter, but changing it did solve the problem. I put the TC35A to work this weekend prepping the soil for where we are building a house. I might have to start a thread with the pictures.

thanks again!!!

I appreciate all the advice and comments.