Bucket lift seems to bind, stick, any adjustments?

[couleedude]

Sometimes, when I lift the bucket, the control handle sticks and it lifts all the way up/down without stopping unless i unstick it.

Also, likely a related problem, sometimes it won't go up as fast as normal. I have to push it down then back up to get it to move freely.

I am not where the tractor is located, but will be in two weeks. It is only a year old, has about 40 hours on it.

Where should I start to look for adjustment or lube, or whatever the fix may be?

 

[NCL4701]

Based on pics on the internet, thinking your loader control is a stick attached directly to the valve same as my L4701 (and most or all of the 01/02 series L’s). If yes, slide the plastic cover at the base of the stick up to expose the numerous joints and pins under the cover. Clean it all up good, inspect to make sure all the pins are fully in place as they should be, and lube with light lube of your choice. On mine, the plastic cover, in the blue circle above, is held in place by one bolt that’s very easy to access.

If your loader control stick is on the fender and attached to the valve via cables, ignore all that above, but it’s still an exercise in exposing, cleaning, and lubing all the joints.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Check the linkage:

Then if nothing helps, your issue could be in the detent section:

 

[TheOldHokie]

I will add that the joystick linkage on those loader valves is prone to failure. The screws on the ball joints can back out and cause the problem you are having. Sometumes they even break off which is a real PITA to deal with.

To inspect and,/or lubricate that linkage you have to remove the hard plastic cover which is held on by three (??) hex bolts on the underside of the valve. It will then come part way up but to get it totally clear you have to remove the knob on the locking lever. Pull straight up and HARD.

Dan