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.