Can’t connect loader hydraulic latch BX

[eastvt]

So, I’ve done this a hundred times. But the loader was on all winter, then I took it off and have been mowing with it off. I’m trying to get it back on, but I just can’t get the latch to latch all the way. Yes, I know about the red lock knob, and I’m turning it. I can’t get it to go all the way down. I’ve cleaned the bottom plate. It’s not squeaky clean, but it’s hard to imagine there’s anything in the way. I’m turning the unlock knob, which works as expected when I’m not trying to latch it. It just won’t latch.

Is there something dumb I’m doing, or something broken?

 

[eastvt]

Of course I’ve checked a bunch of times, and the colors match.

 

[RCW]

I'm kind of stumped as to what you are referring to and having problems with. My BX is older.

Red Lock Knob? Bottom plate?

Is it the Quick Attach Loader mechanism with the 4-hydraulic connections?

Can you post a couple pictures?

Might help you get an informed response.

 

[eastvt]

I can’t post pictures at the moment, because I’ve put a car between the loader and the tractor, which is parked under a shed roof now. I was trying to get the loader out of the way to put the car in the garage because of maybe hail this afternoon.

Yes, it’s the quick attach loader mechanism on a BX1880 for the LA 344 loader I guess.

When I go to connect the top plate to the bottom — connect the lines from the attachment to the tractor system, it won’t connect fully. I can’t get the lever to pull it all the way down. And yes, I’ve been messing with the red knob a lot.

I got the idea from YouTube that maybe the hydraulics were locked or too much pressure somewhere. Besides moving the lever on the tractor a lot, I got a wrench and opened one of the lines on the loader side. There was indeed a lot of pressure, and fluid came squirting right out. IDK if I need to try them all, but just doing one line didn’t make it work any better.

 

[Russell King]

You do need to relieve the pressure on all the lines that are connected from the FEL to that mounting block. All on the FEL SIDE.

The fluid has gotten larger due to temperature changes and the fluid’s coefficient of thermal expansion.

 

[eastvt]

Thanks! Or maybe (now that I’ve got the car mostly in the garage anyway) next time I try it I’ll try it on a cool morning. It’s very hot this afternoon, for Vermont, and I’m sure when I took the loader off it was much much cooler. Also, on the tractor side, I had done an extensive mowing in the hot weather. IDK if the tractor side makes a difference, but if so, it was fully expanded.

 

[RCW]

You do need to relieve the pressure on all the lines that are connected from the FEL to that mounting block. All on the FEL SIDE.

The fluid has gotten larger due to temperature changes and the fluid’s coefficient of thermal expansion.

Like @Russell King said - - need to relieve pressure on both the boom (lift) and curl circuits.

Be careful opening the fittings. Hydraulic fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin and cause nasty problems. Cover with heavy rags, etc.

Lift circuit should be white/yellow, curl is likely blue/red.

Some folks have had fluid leakage problems with that loader connection design.

Sounds like you're heading in the right direction.

Good luck.

 

[Bee-Positive]

The fluid has gotten larger due to temperature changes and the fluid’s coefficient of thermal expansion.
[/QUOTE]

Maybe try it first thing in the morning. The overnight temperature may be just cool enough to lower the pressure in the loader just a bit. Although that may be difficult over the next couple of days with the heat wave we're getting.

On a side note, I've had issues in the past with the little red lock pin not staying put when trying to connect. A real PITA when you don't notice it and you're pushing down like the Hulk and it won't lock. I've also had the pin not lock in after connecting. Was operating for about 30 minutes and the FEL stopped working. Without the pin engaged in the hole the lever vibrated just enough to "disconnect" the hydraulics.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

[eastvt]

It'll be a while before I do it. When I posted, I was desperately trying to move the loader out of the way. Now that's not an issue. I'll be mowing for at least a few weeks before I need the loader. I've got almost all of winter 25/26 firewood in the shed, but I'll be cutting, splitting, moving 26/26 firewood starting in a month or so. Then the loader will be on more than off.