FEL lowers?

[Magicman]

OK a question; my FEL gradually lowers. Is this an indication that the long (boom) cylinders or the joystick controls have a seal problem? There is no external fluid leak.

It is a Bush Hog M346 loader.

 

[je1279]

All loaders will gradually leak down over time if left raised. Is it running when this happens and how quickly is it lowering?

 

[Elliott in GA]

A couple of questions:
1) Lowers how much over what period of time?
2) Lowers when (while your running or after shut down)?

 

[Magicman]

It will lower whether running or not. While bush hogging or just traveling, I periodically have to raise the boom. I always lower it when I park, but if the bucket is not curled back, the boom will gradually continue to lower and raise the bucket edge or pallet forks up,

This FEL is ~2005 year model and was on the tractor when I bought it.

 

[je1279]

It will lower whether running or not. While bush hogging or just traveling, I periodically have to raise the boom. I always lower it when I park, but if the bucket is not curled back, the boom will gradually continue to lower and raise the bucket edge or pallet forks up,

This FEL is ~2005 year model and was on the tractor when I bought it.

Is this a recent change or has it done it since you got it? Here is a video that may be helpful.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yes, you have a seal problem. Contrary to popular misbelief , hydraulic should NOT internally leak, which is why your FEL 'comes down over time'. My guess is the spool valve orings are shot.

 

[Magicman]

Is this a recent change or has it done it since you got it?

Since I got it.

I was kinda figuring it was what is under the rubber cover of the joystick. This will be new territory for me, so I will take some time watching videos, etc.

 

[Magicman]

My google searches have not found a rebuild kit.

 

[RCW]

Does your loader have quick couplers?

Just thinking if you disconnect the two boom lines from the valve might help isolate whether it's a valve issue versus cylinder issue.

 

[Magicman]

Yes it does have quick couplers. So I can raise the boom and disconnect the lines while it is up? Shows what I don't know. (This is a bit different from sawing logs.) Maybe I can gather enough information and suggestions here so that when I get back to the tractor next week I can do some analysis.

I did find one seal kit from German-Bliss and Messick's but I am not interested in throwing $$ at a problem before I know what/where the problem is. I don't even know the manufacturer nor part number yet. ??

 

[je1279]

Yes you can but they will be pressurized when you do so it may be more difficult than disconnecting normally. I'd also put a board under the bucket while disconnecting the hoses and you can remove it once your done. Also, make sure to do it somewhere where no child, animal, etc. will go underneath it. As @RCW said, if it happens when the hoses are disconnected, it's a cylinder(s). If not, it's the valve.

 

[Dave_eng]

Yes it does have quick couplers. So I can raise the boom and disconnect the lines while it is up? Shows what I don't know. (This is a bit different from sawing logs.) Maybe I can gather enough information and suggestions here so that when I get back to the tractor next week I can do some analysis.

I did find one seal kit from German-Bliss but I am not interested in throwing $$ at a problem before I know what/where the problem is. I don't even know the manufacturer nor part number yet. ??

There are well researched test procedures to determine where within a cylinder a leak will be.

You need to have patience but your cost to test is negligible.

Dave

 

[RCW]

I wouldn't raise it much...24" or so. It may still drop some....and is expected. But if it doesn't drop like it has been would lead to a valve and not cylinder.

Need to be very careful with lines as they'll be under pressure. When reconnecting, release tractor side pressure by rotating valve, and you'll want FIRM support under the bucket, and may need to jack it a little to ease/release hose pressure......(more reason to not have it too high...)

 

[whitetiger]

Your control valve has no seals of any kind that hold the pressure between the work ports and the pressure port. The only purpose for the o-rings in the valve is to keep oil from leaking on the ground.

If the loader settles noticeably, it is either one or both of the boom lift cylinders or the metal spools, and the valve body bores are very worn.
Most commonly, it is a cylinder leaking internally.