Front loader questions

[ssickel]

What hyd oil/fluid should I be running in my front loader?

Also I know "loaders" are different I have one from some company in KS but how much weight should it be able to lift? I don't see leaking around the cylinder arms but when using it to lift some gravel I was dissapointed in how much/little it would pick up. It works fine with out anything in the bucket. Just trying to see if I might have a problem before the snow starts falling. As I was planning on using it to push snow in my drive.

Thanks Scott

 

[TheOldHokie]

(quoted from post at 19:53:32 11/21/09) What hyd oil/fluid should I be running in my front loader?

Also I know "loaders" are different I have one from some company in KS but how much weight should it be able to lift? I don't see leaking around the cylinder arms but when using it to lift some gravel I was dissapointed in how much/little it would pick up. It works fine with out anything in the bucket. Just trying to see if I might have a problem before the snow starts falling. As I was planning on using it to push snow in my drive.

Thanks Scott

Leaks in a FEL hydraulic system can be and often are internal. Possible causes of lost lift power are:

• 
  [*:d3d3162d0b]Weak pump
  [*:d3d3162d0b]Leaking control valve
  [*:d3d3162d0b]Leaking lift cylinders
  [*:d3d3162d0b]Malfunctioning over-pressure relief valve
  [/list:d3d3162d0b]
  As a preliminary test raise the loader and leave it - does it leak down? If it does you have leaking cylinders and/or valve.
  
  TOH

 

[ssickel]

No it doesn't have any leak down. Thats why I was suprised by how weak it was the first time I really used it. I replaced the hyd fluid in the tractor a few weeks ago and it made a huge differece in the 3 point lift, so I thought maybe something similar for the front? How would you test the pump to see if it need to be rebuilt?

 

[Dunk]

(quoted from post at 21:53:38 11/21/09) No it doesn't have any leak down. Thats why I was suprised by how weak it was the first time I really used it. I replaced the hyd fluid in the tractor a few weeks ago and it made a huge differece in the 3 point lift, so I thought maybe something similar for the front? How would you test the pump to see if it need to be rebuilt?

I probably shouldn't tell you this, but usually in a hydro system somewhere there is an adjustable relief valve, it should be set for the saftey of the system, just like a fuse, or circuit breaker in an electrical system.

It is possible for someone unqualified to mess with them, and increase, or lessen the relief.

It is also possible for something to happen to the spring in them and radically change the pressure allowed to the cyl.

Just a thought...

 

[ssickel]

What do I look for and how would I tell if I have a problem? I hate to pay fir a rebuild if not needed. Or was I expecting too much from it?I can see where fluid has dripped on the bottom support bracket. The fliud level has stayed up so if it is leaking its only a few drops here and there. Could this the issue?

 

[souNdguy]

pressure test in order.. get at least a 0-3000 psi gauge.. i prefer liquid fille dones.

is this a front pump or belly pump setup?

soundguy

 

[TheOldHokie]

If it's not leaking down the cylinders are pretty much exonerated - assuming the leakdown test was performed with the tractor shut off. The pressure relief valve (if so equipped) may be the culprit but I wouldn't hold my breath. It is usually built into the control valve on modern systems but may be part of the pump.

As Sounder says - pressure tests with a gauge are in order - good glycerin filled unit with a max of 3K PSI or more (I prefer 5K) isn't expensive ($10-$15) and if you own tractors a very valuable addition to your toolbox. The hose and fitttings to hook it up will likely cost more - DO NOT USE COMMON IRON PIPE FROM THE HARDWARE STORE. If it were me I'd install a permanent test tee at the pump output and leave it in the system with a cap on the "test port" just in case you ever need to do this again - cheap.

You have to work outwards from the pump to isolate the failure. Shut off down stream connections and test the output of the pump. If you just insert a test tee at the pump and leave the downstream components connected all you will learn is you have low pressure but you won't know why.

[b:e7e0168dd5][u:e7e0168dd5]DO NOT OPERATE THE PUMP WITHOUT A DOWNSTREAM CONNECTION FOR MORE THAN A FEW SECONDS - DAMAGE TO THE SYSTEM OR YOU MAY OCCUR.[/u:e7e0168dd5][/b:e7e0168dd5]

If the pump output is OK - minimum of 1500 PSI - then move to the next component in the pressure circuit - usually the control valve - and repeat the test on each work port.

A NEW generic gear pump is cheap - $100 should get you back in business if that's your problem. You may need some minor fabrication to adapt it to the existing mount.

TOH

 

[ssickel]

Its a front pump. Without knowing much about the age of the hyd fluid in the system would it be worth a drain and refill?
I still haven't seen a ball park figure on what it should be able to lift, 300, 500, 800 or more pounds? Thanks Scott

 

[TheOldHokie]

(quoted from post at 10:14:00 11/22/09) Its a front pump. Without knowing much about the age of the hyd fluid in the system would it be worth a drain and refill?
I still haven't seen a ball park figure on what it should be able to lift, 300, 500, 800 or more pounds? Thanks Scott

You can drain and refill if you like but I if it's full to the proper level I think you are grasping at straws.

Lift capaity is a function of the particular loader but I would expect it to lift something close to 1000# - quite possibly more. The dinky loader on my Kubby compact has 1.5" cylinders and can grunt #700.

TOH

 

[souNdguy]

actual lifting force will be a function of pump psi, and cyl rod and bore size... most loaders for these old machines should be able to do about 1000# or better with standard 2500 psi ag pumps.. and the usual cyls we see on them.

soudnguy

 

[ssickel]

Thanks for the info. I am not getting close to that amount so I guess I have some kind of a problem.

 

[TheOldHokie]

(quoted from post at 00:23:37 11/23/09) Thanks for the info. I am not getting close to that amount so I guess I have some kind of a problem.

I'm betting the pump is toast.

TOH

 

[souNdguy]

bypassing cyls, especially if DA cyls.. as you likely won't see the leak.. weak pump.. leaky valve.. weak relief.. all possibilities.. just gotta see what psi you are making right now..

soundguy

 

[TheOldHokie]

(quoted from post at 09:41:43 11/23/09) bypassing cyls, especially if DA cyls.. as you likely won't see the leak.. weak pump.. leaky valve.. weak relief.. all possibilities.. just gotta see what psi you are making right now..

soundguy

Well pressure test is surely needed. But cylinders and valve hold and don't leak down - I'd say that points very strongly to the pump. Looking at the manuals for some of the older loaders they don't even seem to have a relief valve in the system.

TOH