First post here, so I appreciate any help. I've searched/read lots of posts (lots of Googling/YoutTube as well), but haven't found any that solved my issue over the last few days. Was running my B20 FEL (don't know the FEL model number) pulling an old fence post as I have many many times before. Hopped off the tractor for a few seconds to adjust my bucket chain to the post, then back on to find no movement in the FEL. Ran the tractor backwards to my little shop while dragging the bucket and don't think I had power steering (though was dragging the bucket). Fluid was full, filter fairly new, no leaks. Did just install a FEL cylinder after rebuild and had 3 running hours on it that day). 3-point is up and will not go down, even when releasing the valve under the seat and hopping up/down on it. After cracking open the fittings to bleed all lines, the FEL will twitch and attempt to move up about 1/4" inch, but then stop; cracking open the lines again will provide similar results. Also, when cracking the lines, the fluid will 'flow' out (like open garden hose), but not 'spray' (like putting a thumb over end of garden hose) like it did when I popped a cylinder seal on the FEL about a week prior. Is it possible one/both of my hydraulic pumps quit without notice? If so, which one? I was thinking the front pump runs the FEL, but not positive. The tractor had been running strong as always when suddenly the FEL wouldn't work (then noticed the 3-point too and perhaps steering, but trans moves the tractor fine). I did also check the diverter valve located at my feet by the brakes and it hadn't moved. Thank you for any knowledge that can be offered on this.
90's model Kubota B20 FEL and 3pnt stopped working suddenly.
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TheOldHokie
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Let's take this one at a time.
What does the diverter valve do? Are you talking about the hydraulic outlet block?
The three point stuck up is likely blocking the loader. I think your problem lies in that area.
Dan
Thank you Dan for giving this a shot with me. Yes, the outlet block to the left of your right foot near the brake. Has a nut that I have never touched in all the years I've owned this tractor, but I read that if your foot bumps it this particular nut that is easy to turn with fingers, then it could divert the flow of hydraulic fluid and cause the symptoms, but again, just something I read. So, I did loosen the gravity knob all the way for the 3 point, then two of us guys jumped up and down on the 3-point and it now works up/down, but still not the FEL, though it still twitches occasionally when moving the control handle.
Russell King
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Have you tried the following
Put three point hitch in the full down position and then does the FEL move?
The circuit should be somewhat like pump to diverter to FEL valve then out to the 3PH. I think the diverter valve would remove the FEL but @TheOldHokie will have much better information on the hydraulic system than I.
Also check the engine oil level and see if it is high. No idea if it actually applies to your tractor model but on some if the shaft seal on the hydraulic pump fails then hydraulic oil is pumping into the engine crankcase. I would assume that seal failure would also effect the hydraulic pressure but not eliminate movement (unless the seal had a catastrophic failure).
Put three point hitch in the full down position and then does the FEL move?
The circuit should be somewhat like pump to diverter to FEL valve then out to the 3PH. I think the diverter valve would remove the FEL but @TheOldHokie will have much better information on the hydraulic system than I.
Also check the engine oil level and see if it is high. No idea if it actually applies to your tractor model but on some if the shaft seal on the hydraulic pump fails then hydraulic oil is pumping into the engine crankcase. I would assume that seal failure would also effect the hydraulic pressure but not eliminate movement (unless the seal had a catastrophic failure).
I have tried the 3-point down and still no FEL operation. However, you might be on to something with the engine oil. Though my hydraulic fluid is still in the typical operation range, my engine oil is up on the dipstick. So it would seem that perhaps the front end pump has a failed internal seal. That sound like a reasonable theory? Start by replacing that pump?
TheOldHokie
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You may have a bad pump seal but that is not your main issue. Certainly not time to jump to a pump replacement. If the 3pt is working the loader should be working. Where is the backhoe?
Dan
I purchased this tractor used some years back and it unfortunately didn't have the backhoe. If I hold the control stick in the position to lift the FEL, then it will creep, barely, up. I can see the linkage at the controller and can see the stick push down on the corresponding pistons and they let back up when moving the opposite way. Just nuts that it stopped without warning, no odd noises, no fluid spray, etc.
TheOldHokie
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OK - that was my next question - have you verified that the spools (pistons) are moving inside the body of the valve. They should travel 1/4" plus in both directions. Its not uncommon for the joystick linkage to separate and you get this exact behavior.
Is the bucket curl and dump action doing the same?
Dan
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Correct that I can clearly watch the pistons all move in/out 1/4-1/2" range at the control. Also correct that the scoop/dump exhibit the same symptoms.
TheOldHokie
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OK - no backhoe in the circuit and the 3pt will lift a load?
That means you are getting pressure at the valve (pump is working) but either no pressure at the lift cylinders or the return lines are blocked. Any quick connects on the lines going to the cylinders?
Dan
Haven't tested the 3-point under a real load, just a 225# guy standing on it and it moves up/down. Only quick disconnect is the one intended to go to the backhoe, but it is plugged into it's port where it belongs without the BH. You can remove it while the engine is running and even depress the little ball with no issue that allows seepage out, but no pressure.
TheOldHokie
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That description leaves me a little uneasy. The backhoe coupler is what powers the 3pt. If the 3pt is lifting a 250# load there should be both pressure and flow at the female half of the backhoe coupler. Perhaps this is just a communication problem.
In any event here are two tests to run:
MAKE SURE THE BUCKET IS SITTING SOLIDLY ON THE GROUND BEFERE DISCONNECTING ANY HOSES.
- Disconnect the hose going to the base end of the loader lift cylinders and put it in a bucket. Start the engine and move the joystick to the raise position. You should get a solid flow of oil coming out of that hose. Shut off engine. If no oil coming from that hose the valve is not passing oil to the lift circuit.
- If you got flow in step 1 reconnect the base end hose. Then disconnect the hose going to the rod end of the lift cylinders and put it in the bucket. Now start the engine and move the joystick to the raiseposition. You should get a solid flow of oil from that hose AND the loader should lift off the ground.
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Good morning. I ran the test as you suggested. The hose going to the base does have flow when performing step 1, but as if I simply cracked a water spigot on just enough to get a steady small stream, just beyond dripping. Moving to step 2 made no difference. Edited to add... Also step back on the 3-point with a 200# guy and a 180# guy at same time and it lifted/dropped with no issue.
TheOldHokie
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You should be getting more tha a trickle out of the 1st hose test. I should have told you to get engine speed up into the 1800 RPM range - what was the engine speed when you ran the test?
And just to triple check - the 3pt lift is working correctly?
Dan
Correct that the 3-point is working; tested this morning with about 380# on it. RPM for hose test was right at 2k earlier. Just repeated the test at 1800 RPM and filled about 6oz of fluid in a 60 second period. So about an ounce every 10 seconds is what is is putting out.
TheOldHokie
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That flow is way less than it should be. I could ask you to disconnect the power beyond hose and check flow there but given the 3pt works that seems like a waste of time.
My WAG is something is blocking the flow inside the valve. The center passage seems to be open but the core that feeds the work ports is not. Since both spools are affected it must be blocked at the inlet end. The only fix I can think of is remove and disassemble the valve. I think that is a sectional valve?
Dan
Just an update... The 3-point is running off of the rear pump, which explains why it still works. The front pump is only running the FEL. Pulled that pump today and the splines on the shaft are stripped, which is why it will apparently provide some flow, but nothing under load. So now have to order a new pump.
TheOldHokie
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Arrrrg!!!!. Had you told us the loader had its own pump rather than confusing us with talk of the trsctor's diverter block this thread would have ended days ago.
Dan
Ouch, harsh. True but harsh. 
Well, now i know the B20 has a separate pump for the loader. The similar Kubotas of that era (like my b8200) ran their loaders and 3pt off the same pump, so it was a very plausible mistake to assume that was so on a b20 (never having seen one myself).
Well, now i know the B20 has a separate pump for the loader. The similar Kubotas of that era (like my b8200) ran their loaders and 3pt off the same pump, so it was a very plausible mistake to assume that was so on a b20 (never having seen one myself).