L3301 / LA525 Float Problem

[DavidLott]

I'm new here. I have searched for an answer. I have read the recent loader valve thread.

my loader was working fine a few days ago. today it will not float. pushing valve into float position stops lowering and loads the engine. All other loader functions work fine.

I have checked all the quick disconnects. I have removed the backhoe from the hydraulics, and tried with 3PH up and down.

Please give me suggestions on what to check.

thanks

 

[TheOldHokie]

I'm new here. I have searched for an answer. I have read the recent loader valve thread.

my loader was working fine a few days ago. today it will not float. pushing valve into float position stops lowering and loads the engine. All other loader functions work fine.

I have checked all the quick disconnects. I have removed the backhoe from the hydraulics, and tried with 3PH up and down.

Please give me suggestions on what to check.

thanks

Interesting. i dont think we have seen this before. Lets confirm the exact behavior.

This happens when you are lowering the loader normally and push into float before its fully down? At that point lowering stops and engine loads up?
If so does the joystick latch into the float position?

Dan

 

[jimh406]

There are a few posts online (not specific to that loader) that say the detent can build up dirt etc. I'd try spraying it with WD-40 or similar.

 

[DavidLott]

Interesting. i dont think we have seen this before. Lets confirm the exact behavior.

This happens when you are lowering the loader normally and push into float before its fully down? At that point lowering stops and engine loads up?
If so does the joystick latch into the float position?

Dan

That's correct Dan. The joystick does not latch. I don't think it ever has.

 

[DavidLott]

There are a few posts online (not specific to that loader) that say the detent can build up dirt etc. I'd try spraying it with WD-40 or similar.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm assuming I have to disassemble the valve to spray WD40 in it?

 

[TheOldHokie]

That's correct Dan. The joystick does not latch. I don't think it ever has.

The spool is suppised to latch and there should be a pronounced resistance followed by a "click" as you push the joystick handle forward into that latched position.

i am goung to guess your problem is the spool is moving out of the power down position but stopping short of the float position. That in between position is totally blocking all hydraulic flow and hence your problems. I can think of a couple possible causes so don't jump to any conclusions.

How hard are you pushing?
Can you feel the spool changing position at all as you transition from down to float?

Dan

 

[DavidLott]

I'm pushing pretty hard. It won't go any further. I can feel it changing position when I push it from down to float. It used to float just fine a few days ago.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Have you taken the cover off and looked for a “physical blockage”…..like a twig, or stick that is jamming something up.

Seems unlikely, but

 

[TheOldHokie]

I'm pushing pretty hard. It won't go any further. I can feel it changing position when I push it from down to float. It used to float just fine a few days ago.

if it never latched its never worked right.

Seems like you are not getting full travel on the boom spool and its gotten worse. The joystick linkage is a known problem child and I would look hard at it before tearng into the detent mechanism on the spool. But first double check the lockout lever on the joystick to make sure its fully disengaged.

Then I think its time to remove the plastic cover and put eyeballs on the spools and linkage. I have that same loader and IIRC its just 3 (possibly 4) small bolts on the underside of the base plate. The knob on the lockout lever has to come off as well. It just pulls off but will probably need some mild percussive persuasion Once the cover is off you can visually check the linkage and movement of the boom spool. I KNOW the helm joint on the boom spool likes to loosen itself and would be my prime point of interest.

Dan

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I will add that I recently took the cover off my loader joystick, and 2 of the four threaded inserts stripped out.

It is stored inside and it was pretty warm out, so be gentle with them when breaking them free.

 

[DavidLott]

Thanks to everyone for info. I'll update after working on it today.