How to "turn hydraulic pressure up"?

[JustJeff]

Hey guys. I know I probably phrased that incorrectly, but I've read one or two guys talking about doing something with their hydraulics so that they could get more lifting capabilities out of their FEL. How exactly can this be done? My BX 2350 can lift 518lbs. or so to max lift height according to the owner's manual. I'd like to be able to lift more than that. How would I go about doing this? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[torch]

Re: How to "turn hudraulic pressure up"?

I can't answer your question (although I suspect it has to do with adjusting the relief valve setting). However, I will point out that lifting heavier loads puts increased strain on the front axle, FEL arm components, tires, etc. In other words, you could conceivably bend or break your tractor. If you have a recurring need to lift heavier loads, then perhaps the best answer is a bigger tractor.

 

[Kennyd4110]

Re: How to "turn hudraulic pressure up"?

You start with testing the Hydraulic pressure and make sure it's at the factory specs, Kubota's are often a bit low. You can them adjust this to spec or maybe 10% above with small shims, but if you need more lift than that you need a bigger machine or you risk damage to it and yourself.

Here is a video that shows how to test the PRV, different color machine but same principle applies.

https://youtu.be/TGyH7TDrdHQ

 

[85Hokie]

Re: How to "turn hudraulic pressure up"?

You start with testing the Hydraulic pressure and make sure it's at the factory specs, Kubota's are often a bit low. You can them adjust this to spec or maybe 10% above with small shims, but if you need more lift than that you need a bigger machine or you risk damage to it and yourself.

Here is a video that shows how to test the PRV, different color machine but same principle applies.

https://youtu.be/TGyH7TDrdHQ

What Kenny said -

here is another video that is close to your model. Shims can be had for pennies and the pressure dial can cost as low as 25 bucks. You can also get the entire kit too. I bought the kit 2 years ago - great investment, despite the cost.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu1pRUvzvwI&t=394s

kit:

http://bxpanded.com/pressure-test

 

[ThisIsNotaStep]

Re: How to "turn hudraulic pressure up"?

I have a similar model ..
As others have said, test the current pressure and only shim if you are below factory specs, unless you like replacing leaking hoses, front axle components, seals, bearings, tires, and on an on. And that's just tractor injuries, then there are roll overs, wheelies and alike, if that happens on a hill it's even worse. Every once in a while I will pick up something that I should not and anything but a straight and level course is very dangerous.
This is not a step!

 

[JustJeff]

Re: How to "turn hudraulic pressure up"?

Thanks guys. I only need about 100lbs. more lift capacity at max lift. I only need to do it twice a year to lift my salt spreader out of the back of my truck. I don't think doing that twice a year will hurt anything if I'm just lifting an additional 100lbs. If it does break something I'll learn my lesson.

 

[85Hokie]

Re: How to "turn hudraulic pressure up"?

Thanks guys. I only need about 100lbs. more lift capacity at max lift. I only need to do it twice a year to lift my salt spreader out of the back of my truck. I don't think doing that twice a year will hurt anything if I'm just lifting an additional 100lbs. If it does break something I'll learn my lesson.

Back when I bought my BX - I too wanted a little more ummph.

Bought the kit mentioned, with the backhoe on, it is a PITA...but doable, pressure before was close 1750 ish, after a "thick" shim, it was like 1950 ish.

YOU can feel a difference at the FEL and the BH - and despite juicing up the pressure, the machine handles it just fine. As always, if you work it long and hard, there will be a slight degrade of "force" as the fluid gets hot over time.

 

[Kennyd4110]

Re: How to "turn hudraulic pressure up"?

Don't forget REAR ballast as well guys-lifting more requires more weight on the 3PH to offset that added weight up front.

 

[JustJeff]

Re: How to "turn hudraulic pressure up"?

Thanks guys. I appreciate it.

 

[K.P.]

Re: How to "turn hudraulic pressure up"?

Don't forget REAR ballast as well guys-lifting more requires more weight on the 3PH to offset that added weight up front.

Yes, exactly...helps a lot! Safety also depends on the spec of the hydraulic Rams on the FEL. The 272 FEL I have on m small B Series has same components as a 372 but pressure is set lower on a 272. If your RAMs are already spec'd at their max, you risk blowing seals if set higher.

 

[WFM]

When I took mine in for the 50hr check up fluid change. I asked the service guy, he said we shim them. I had them do it. I hope it made a difference. I do know 1000 lbs is max with forks for me.

 

[Dave_eng]

My advice to people who are just learning how to adjust the pressure, is to adjust the pressure down at first. In that way you have established what you are adjusting is the correct part and going down in pressure wont hurt anything. Then you can adjust up.

Dave M7040