LA 723 Loader Control Valve - Float Problem

[Kman]

Loader Control Problem - Float position - I have a L3830 with an LA 723A loader. The loader works fine but the control valve will not lock into the float position. To get the bucket to float you have to physically hold it in the full up position. When the lock for the float position did work it was hard or stiff to get it into the lock position. (almost like you were doing damage to it...) It went from very stiff to no lock quickly and now I can barely feel the notch where it is supposed to lock. I can't find any repair manuals to purchase or any exploded views to figure what to look for. All advise and counsel will be much appreciated. The Kubota designator for the control valve is L 2213A.

Thanks

 

[Babyfat]

remove the spool covers (sticking out the front) and check for rust, have seen them with moisture in them and rusty.

http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3380
also same problem.

 

[Kman]

Babyfat, are the spool covers the hex shaped approx 3 inch long devices at the end of the control valve shafts? Can I disassemble and clean and reassemble without any special tools? I appreciate the help.

 

[Kman]

I was successful in repairing my control valve. It was really quite simple. I was told that the hex shaped covers at the bottom of the control valve shafts get water in them and this was the problem with the unit not being able to lock into float. After taking the control valve off the tractor I clamped it in a vise and removed the three inch long hex shaped covers on the bottom end of the control valve. Sure enough there was a little water in them and the spring load balls, detent locking balls (which don't come out) were locked in the full compressed position. Only the boom shaft hex unit has the spring loaded balls in it...no need for it on the bucket control shaft as it does not have a float position. I cleaned up the hex covers with brake cleaner and barrel brushes then let them soak in liquid wrench for about an hour. When I came back to check the detent balls had come free and seemed to work fine. I cleaned up the rest of the unit and shafts (which were very clean when disassembled) gave everything a coat of HST oil, poured about half an ounce into the Hex covers and put it back together. It works fine and feels right now. By the way... The control valve body and shafts are very simple...shaft, body and one O ring seal. That's it. I keep my tractor in an air conditioned/heated garage. It seldom gets wet but this still happen. I would guess that the moisture is from condensation occurring within the hydraulic system and this is where it collects. I would have though that is what filters are for but I guess not. I anticipate that I will have to perform this procedures again. No big deal now that I know what goes wrong and if necessary can just buy the Hex cover with the detent balls in it and start afresh.

 

[KennyV]

the moisture is from condensation occurring within the hydraulic system and this is where it collects. I would have though that is what filters are for but I guess not.

the moisture is from condensation But it is not from in the hydraulic system...
That part of the control valve is getting moisture from the air, humidity will condensate inside and collect... The collected water is what the "control valve freezes" complaint is referring to when the tractor is outside in very cold areas, the water turns to ice and there is no room for the spring assembly or balls to move... the fix is to drill drain holes at the lowest point in that assembly 1/16 inch holes work well, then the condensed water drains out while it is still liquid... KennyV

 

[Kman]

KennyV, thanks for the clarification. Makes more sense. I will do as you suggest with the 1/16 holes. Appreciate the input.

KMan

 

[Rancho C Don]

I have the same problem with my LA680 loader on my new to me '99 L3600. When I get back to my tractor next month, I'll tear into the valve, clean & lube 'em up, & drill the 1/16 drain holes and take care of the other things I have learned about on this forum.

Thanks for sharing the info guys!

Don

 

[jacobbuck11]

I have a kubota 3830 with a la723 loader. My bucket falls on its on slowly but faster when it gets a load on it. I can pick my tractor up with it and it holds in that direction. So it's just that one way. Anyone know what I can do to solve this problem?

Sent from my SM-G930R7 using Tapatalk