L3301d weak hydraulics (steering, loader, 3ph)

[76scoutman]

Recently I've been having some issues with my L3301d (2019 model with ~200 hrs). I noticed the steering getting stiff and weak and the last time that happened it was low on fluid. The FEL and 3ph were also weak. Fluid level was ~1/3 between the marks with all lifts lowered. Topped fluid level back up to full mark with approved Kubota fluid and the problem persists. Fluid looks very clean and no bubbles/aeration on the dipstick. At idle up to ~1200rpm things sound normal but when I bump the throttle up I'm getting some noise from the pump area. I'm not sure if it's from air in the system or if I have some legitimate damage. Side note is that my engine oil level was over the top line and I'm not sure IF or HOW those could be correlated.

I'm not aware of any damage done lately that would have caused this. The last task I did was some moderate bucket work to prep for a yard shed to be placed. I'm looking for guidance on things to check before I throw in the towel and trailer it to the dealer (last resort).

Things to try...
-put a pressure gauge on FEL quick connect to test for pressure
-remove filter under right footplate to check magnet/filter

Thanks in advance.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Recently I've been having some issues with my L3301d (2019 model with ~200 hrs). I noticed the steering getting stiff and weak and the last time that happened it was low on fluid. The FEL and 3ph were also weak. Fluid level was ~1/3 between the marks with all lifts lowered. Topped fluid level back up to full mark with approved Kubota fluid and the problem persists. Fluid looks very clean and no bubbles/aeration on the dipstick. At idle up to ~1200rpm things sound normal but when I bump the throttle up I'm getting some noise from the pump area. I'm not sure if it's from air in the system or if I have some legitimate damage. Side note is that my engine oil level was over the top line and I'm not sure IF or HOW those could be correlated.

I'm not aware of any damage done lately that would have caused this. The last task I did was some moderate bucket work to prep for a yard shed to be placed. I'm looking for guidance on things to check before I throw in the towel and trailer it to the dealer (last resort).

Things to try...
-put a pressure gauge on FEL quick connect to test for pressure
-remove filter under right footplate to check magnet/filter

Thanks in advance.

The first thing to check is all hydraulic controls snd connections. Please answer the following questions. Simple YES or NO where appropriste

1. LA525 loader?
2. Does the bucket curl snd roll function work OK
3. Is the 3pt lever in the up or down position?
4. Do you have a third function on the loader?
5. Do you have any rear remotes on the tractor?
6. Do you have a backhoe on the tractor?

DAn

 

[76scoutman]

The first thing to check is all hydraulic controls snd connections. Please answer the following questions. Simple YES or NO where appropriste

1. LA525 loader?
2. Does the bucket curl snd roll function work OK
3. Is the 3pt lever in the up or down position?
4. Do you have a third function on the loader?
5. Do you have any rear remotes on the tractor?
6. Do you have a backhoe on the tractor?

DAn

1. Yes
2. Yes, but slow/jerky on the up's
3. To check oil level, down position. Otherwise, somewhere in the middle.
4. No, just lift and curl
5. No additional remotes.
6. No backhoe.

I found some threads and a YT video addressing slow hydraulics when the 3ph was forcing against pins (like a back hoe) or pulled past the upper limit. Neither of these seem to apply here.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Recently I've been having some issues with my L3301d (2019 model with ~200 hrs). I noticed the steering getting stiff and weak and the last time that happened it was low on fluid. The FEL and 3ph were also weak. Fluid level was ~1/3 between the marks with all lifts lowered. Topped fluid level back up to full mark with approved Kubota fluid and the problem persists. Fluid looks very clean and no bubbles/aeration on the dipstick. At idle up to ~1200rpm things sound normal but when I bump the throttle up I'm getting some noise from the pump area. I'm not sure if it's from air in the system or if I have some legitimate damage. Side note is that my engine oil level was over the top line and I'm not sure IF or HOW those could be correlated.

I'm not aware of any damage done lately that would have caused this. The last task I did was some moderate bucket work to prep for a yard shed to be placed. I'm looking for guidance on things to check before I throw in the towel and trailer it to the dealer (last resort).

Things to try...
-put a pressure gauge on FEL quick connect to test for pressure
-remove filter under right footplate to check magnet/filter

Thanks in advance.

When was the last fluid and filter change?
What fluid and filter were used?

 

[76scoutman]

When was the last fluid and filter change?
What fluid and filter were used?

The fluid and filter are the original from the factory. There's between 200 and 250 hrs on it, and since I do not have the HST, my first changes aren't due until 400 hrs.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I found some threads and a YT video addressing slow hydraulics when the 3ph was forcing against pins (like a back hoe) or pulled past the upper limit. Neither of these seem to apply here.

Maybe and maybe not. The symptoms would indicate it. Put the 3pt lever in the full down position and check loader operation again.

Dan

 

[76scoutman]

Maybe and maybe not. The symptoms would indicate it. Put the 3pt lever in the full down position and check loader operation again.

Dan

I'm pretty sure I did this when running through all the checks. I can check again this evening. I know what it sounds like when a pump is 'loaded up', and I don't remember hearing that

 

[TheOldHokie]

I'm pretty sure I did this when running through all the checks. I can check again this evening. I know what it sounds like when a pump is 'loaded up', and I don't remember hearing that

Based on what you have said so far I only see two possibilities:

1) The loader PB circuit is blocked
2) Both pumps are being starved of oil

Since loader dump and curl work but up/down doesn't #1 seems likely.

This is a very easy system to trouble shoot.

Dan

 

[old and tired]

....and since I do not have the HST, my first changes aren't due until 400 hrs.

I thought the original filter (painted gray at factory) was to be changed at 50 hours??? Fluid is fine to wait till 400.

 

[76scoutman]

Maybe and maybe not. The symptoms would indicate it. Put the 3pt lever in the full down position and check loader operation again.

Dan

Just checked again with the 3ph lever all the way down and the loader and steering are still gutless. Bumped the rpm up to 2-2500 rpms and nothing changes other than how loud the rattling noise is.

 

[76scoutman]

I thought the original filter (painted gray at factory) was to be changed at 50 hours??? Fluid is fine to wait till 400.

I just double checked my service manual, and if you have a HST then there's a 50 hr filter change, but if gear drive transmission then filter and fluid both get changed at 400 hrs.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Just checked again with the 3ph lever all the way down and the loader and steering are still gutless. Bumped the rpm up to 2-2500 rpms and nothing changes other than how loud the rattling noise is.

You are probably going to have to check for flow and pressure at the hydraulic outlet block. Do you know how to do that?

Dan

 

[TheOldHokie]

I just double checked my service manual, and if you have a HST then there's a 50 hr filter change, but if gear drive transmission then filter and fluid both get changed at 400 hrs.

I just rediscovered an old thread with this exact same model and problem. It turned out to be a clogged suction screen on the pickup pipe. It was starving both pumps. I had completely forgotten it existed.

Plan on changing the oil because it has to be drained before you remove the tube.

Dan

 

[76scoutman]

Dan, do you have the link to that thread? Please and thank you.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Dan, do you have the link to that thread? Please and thank you.

I cant seem to find it now but was early 2024.. Nothing there we have not already covered. I went down the same rabbit holes with him and no luck untill the guy mentioned the screen. I did not know it existed but he removed the pipe and posted that picture. Cleaned the screen and bingo!

Dan

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I cant seem to find it now but was early 2024.. Nothing there we have not already covered. I went down the same rabbit holes with him and no luck untill the guy mentioned the screen. I did not know it existed but he removed the pipe and posted that picture. Cleaned the screen and bingo!

Dan

Makes perfect sense!
I would change filter too!

 

[76scoutman]

You are probably going to have to check for flow and pressure at the hydraulic outlet block. Do you know how to do that?

Dan

I've seen pressure gauges that you can connect to the fel control block. I'm planning to pick one of those up. How and where would you check flow rate?

 

[old and tired]

...How and where would you check flow rate?

I've only seen ones that check for pressure in PSI; I don't know about flow rate ones, got a link to one?

The PSI one I've seen, you remove one of the hose that goes to your FEL and replace that connection with the test hose connection, then deadhead that hose's function to read the PSI...

I'm sure if I'm wrong, a correct answer will let us know soon!!!

Edit: to add Flow rate: (He does a lot of talking, skip into the video...)

 

[76scoutman]

Just ordered one of these for pressure...
https://www.bxpanded.com/pressure-tester

 

[TheOldHokie]

I've only seen ones that check for pressure in PSI; I don't know about flow rate ones, got a link to one?

The PSI one I've seen, you remove one of the hose that goes to your FEL and replace that connection with the test hose connection, then deadhead that hose's function to read the PSI...

I'm sure if I'm wrong, a correct answer will let us know soon!!!

Edit: to add Flow rate: (He does a lot of talking, skip into the video...)

A clean 5 gallon bucket + stopwatch = flowmeter

A 3000 PSI glycerin filled gauge ($20) and a 1/4" hose with JIC female swivel ends ($10) is a very versatile pressure test rig.

Dan