LA 525 changing hoses and getting rid of air

[BorisMA]

I have L2501 with LA525 FEL. Everything was great until I noticed that one of the hoses that attach to the joystick/control block with pioneer (?) quick-connects. One of those hoses had a slow leak (it would drip some oil while sitting) and since they are covered in a cloth sleeve, I could not tell which hose was the problem ... so I decided to replace all four.

I got Kubota hoses, replaced them one at a time and they were color coded, so no chance messing that up. I used quick connector from old hoses. So far so good. I've topped off hydraulic fluid to proper level on level surface.

At this point FEL stick basically did nothing straight. Right would raise the bucket. Left would raise it slower. Up/down did nothing. When I'd turn the tractor off, the only way to lower the bucket is to go with joystick left, then right. That one cycle would lower the bucket a little. Then repeat right/left to do more until it's all the way down.

I've tried to run engine at PTO speed and do 5sec right then left, up, down. That didn't really do anything after 5 min.

I've been searching everywhere if there was a specific procedure to replace hoses. I just assume that by some magic way the air will be cycled to the tank and I'll be back in business. I looked at any possible bleed valves etc. but I just don't see how to solve my problem without some really weird gymnastics. I can't be the first person with this problem. Do any good folks here have any suggestions for my ignorant self, please?

 

[PoTreeBoy]

I have L2501 with LA525 FEL. Everything was great until I noticed that one of the hoses that attach to the joystick/control block with pioneer (?) quick-connects. One of those hoses had a slow leak (it would drip some oil while sitting) and since they are covered in a cloth sleeve, I could not tell which hose was the problem ... so I decided to replace all four.

I got Kubota hoses, replaced them one at a time and they were color coded, so no chance messing that up. I used quick connector from old hoses. So far so good. I've topped off hydraulic fluid to proper level on level surface.

At this point FEL stick basically did nothing straight. Right would raise the bucket. Left would raise it slower. Up/down did nothing. When I'd turn the tractor off, the only way to lower the bucket is to go with joystick left, then right. That one cycle would lower the bucket a little. Then repeat right/left to do more until it's all the way down.

I've tried to run engine at PTO speed and do 5sec right then left, up, down. That didn't really do anything after 5 min.

I've been searching everywhere if there was a specific procedure to replace hoses. I just assume that by some magic way the air will be cycled to the tank and I'll be back in business. I looked at any possible bleed valves etc. but I just don't see how to solve my problem without some really weird gymnastics. I can't be the first person with this problem. Do any good folks here have any suggestions for my ignorant self, please?

View attachment 157204

In spite of your best efforts, it sounds like you have some crossed connections. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the quick connects, but it sure sounds like crossed connections.

Once you have the connections right, you can cycle each function a few time and any air will be purged.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I have L2501 with LA525 FEL. Everything was great until I noticed that one of the hoses that attach to the joystick/control block with pioneer (?) quick-connects. One of those hoses had a slow leak (it would drip some oil while sitting) and since they are covered in a cloth sleeve, I could not tell which hose was the problem ... so I decided to replace all four.

I got Kubota hoses, replaced them one at a time and they were color coded, so no chance messing that up. I used quick connector from old hoses. So far so good. I've topped off hydraulic fluid to proper level on level surface.

At this point FEL stick basically did nothing straight. Right would raise the bucket. Left would raise it slower. Up/down did nothing. When I'd turn the tractor off, the only way to lower the bucket is to go with joystick left, then right. That one cycle would lower the bucket a little. Then repeat right/left to do more until it's all the way down.

I've tried to run engine at PTO speed and do 5sec right then left, up, down. That didn't really do anything after 5 min.

I've been searching everywhere if there was a specific procedure to replace hoses. I just assume that by some magic way the air will be cycled to the tank and I'll be back in business. I looked at any possible bleed valves etc. but I just don't see how to solve my problem without some really weird gymnastics. I can't be the first person with this problem. Do any good folks here have any suggestions for my ignorant self, please?

View attachment 157204

Its not air.

Soumds like uou have hose connections crossed at the manifold on the loader.

Dan

 

[BorisMA]

all hoses are color coded. When I changed those four hoses I have applied the same color ... I'm not sure how I could have done them wrong, but I just checked connections.

So looking at the joystick from the front of the tractor, top row left to right is Blue - White, lower left to right Red and Yellow

right now I have:
Blue - extend bucket cylinder
White - retract boom cylinder
Red - retract bucket cylinder
Yellow - expand boom cylinder

can anyone check how the circuits are connected?

There are diagrams on workshop manual, but I can't figure out what goes where.

I found another photo of someone else's connector labeling. The top row looks same as mine (Blue-White) Is that factory labeling or dealer's?

 

[TheOldHokie]

all hoses are color coded. When I changed those four hoses I have applied the same color ... I'm not sure how I could have done them wrong, but I just checked connections.

So looking at the joystick from the front of the tractor, top row left to right is Blue - White, lower left to right Red and Yellow

right now I have:
Blue - extend bucket cylinder
White - retract boom cylinder
Red - retract bucket cylinder
Yellow - expand boom cylinder

can anyone check how the circuits are connected?

There are diagrams on workshop manual, but I can't figure out what goes where.

I found another photo of someone else's connector labeling. The top row looks same as mine (Blue-White) Is that factory labeling or dealer's?

View attachment 157205

Your connections are crossed at the other end.

Dan

 

[BorisMA]

it's dark outside, but I think that red and yellow are indeed crossed.

When I made the hoses, the side with quick connect had it's color, but I didn't label the other end, just put it into the sleeve and connected it.

I can't get yellow on, too much pressure in the hose, I'll let it sit overnight and see if I can muscle it on tomorrow morning, keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[TheOldHokie]

it's dark outside, but I think that red and yellow are indeed crossed.

When I made the hoses, the side with quick connect had it's color, but I didn't label the other end, just put it into the sleeve and connected it.

I can't get yellow on, too much pressure in the hose, I'll let it sit overnight and see if I can muscle it on tomorrow morning, keeping my fingers crossed.

Loosen all four swivel nuts on the loader manifold to relieve pressure.

Dan

 

[BorisMA]

That was it! Red and yellow were crossed on the other end. The hoses went into the sleeve and when they emerged somehow I did not connect them right since their ends weren't labeled, I just figured which was one by feel ... and obviously I felt it wrong.

Thank you Dan! Thank you "PoTreeBoy"!

I've been racking my brain on this since Friday. This is why schmency AI will never replace you. You totally made my day or evening.

 

[TheOldHokie]

That was it! Red and yellow were crossed on the other end. The hoses went into the sleeve and when they emerged somehow I did not connect them right since their ends weren't labeled, I just figured which was one by feel ... and obviously I felt it wrong.

Thank you Dan! Thank you "PoTreeBoy"!

I've been racking my brain on this since Friday. This is why schmency AI will never replace you. You totally made my day or evening.

CONGRATS!!!

I own a LA525 and I know how hard it is to trace the hoses inside those sleeves.

Dan