L3400 loader problems

[shaker73]

I have a L3400 tractor with front end loader. When it is cold out the bucket will not go down. The bucket goes up and the bucket will tilt forward and back. The loader lever wouldn't push in to go down. After it warms up for about 20 minutes then the bucket will go down. I even changed the hydraulic oil in it with the good Kubota oil.

 

[mickeyd]

Welcome to the forum Shaker.

 

[Tooljunkie]

Seems like moisture in hydraulic control. Try warming up just the loader control,hair dryer or heat gun should work. I wouldnt use a torch

 

[shaker73]

Does anyone have a picture of where I have to take valve apart to get the water out of it. And where to drill the small hole?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Need to know which loader is on yours, there was 2 different ones offered.

You don't drill holes in either of the 2 valves on those models as they have sealed caps, yes they can have water trapped in them (because the caps are lower than the oil), but I do believe you can not put drain holes in them as they will leak fluid, you can only do it on older models.

One you tell us the model # then we can help with a print or two of what your dealing with.

 

[John Holley]

Need to know which loader is on yours, there was 2 different ones offered.

You don't drill holes in either of the 2 valves on those models as they have sealed caps, yes they can have water trapped in them (because the caps are lower than the oil), but I do believe you can not put drain holes in them as they will leak fluid, you can only do it on older models.

One you tell us the model # then we can help with a print or two of what your dealing with.

I seem to be having the same type of problem. Loader is LA240 and was working fine when stored indoors. Started tractor this morning and can not get any response, not even a twitch for the bucket. Back Hoe works fine. I warmed the tractor up for about 30 min....still no response.Where is the control valve for this located at? Tractor is BX25. Thanks in advance for any reply....we are receiving about a foot of snow here today and want to clear my drive as well as neighbors.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I seem to be having the same type of problem. Loader is LA240 and was working fine when stored indoors. Started tractor this morning and can not get any response, not even a twitch for the bucket. Back Hoe works fine. I warmed the tractor up for about 30 min....still no response.Where is the control valve for this located at? Tractor is BX25. Thanks in advance for any reply....we are receiving about a foot of snow here today and want to clear my drive as well as neighbors.

The chances of your BX25 having the same issue is very remote as your loader valve lays flat and is not know for trapping water.
Also sounds odd that you have no loader control that chances of that are even farther out there.
Check the loader lock out lever, then pull covers and check for proper linkage movement.
What are your temps?

 

[shaker73]

I have a LA463 loader on my L3400HST tractor.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

There is 2 caps that hold the detents in that model, they are where the water will collect. you need to remove the caps clean and lube all the parts, I use plumbers grease, silicone grease, to lube those parts, because it's water proof grease.

 

[John Holley]

The chances of your BX25 having the same issue is very remote as your loader valve lays flat and is not know for trapping water.
Also sounds odd that you have no loader control that chances of that are even farther out there.
Check the loader lock out lever, then pull covers and check for proper linkage movement.
What are your temps?

Very dumb on my part. I have found my problem. I had removed one hydraulic hose at reaf of tractor to put Lithaum grease in bearings to help protect from moisture and did not get the connection back on. Due to ignorance I did not know that the feed/supply/power came from the rear of tractor. Problem is solved...then spent 5 hours removing 8 inches of snow. Thanks Wolfman....keep your ears in the wind and your tail straight out Ha Ha

 

[John Holley]

There is 2 caps that hold the detents in that model, they are where the water will collect. you need to remove the caps clean and lube all the parts, I use plumbers grease, silicone grease, to lube those parts, because it's water proof grease.

These are the same fittings I mentioned in my response below. Like you I used what is called Lithuam grease or white grease. My father-in-law was a mechanic for years and he taught me to use it for car locks, especially external or door hinges..water resisant and does not stain or react with rubber components.

 

[shaker73]

I pulled the c-clip out of the bottom of the hydraulic controls and I couldn't get the cap out? Is that how it comes apart or do I have to unscrew that tube?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yes you need to unscrew P and F to get them apart.