LA340 Balky Control Lever?

Timagination

New member

Equipment
BX23S
Sep 29, 2017
4
0
1
North East, MD, USA
Hey. My 6 month old BX23S seems to be having an intermittent problem with a balky control lever, causing the LA340 FEL to not always be able to raise up.

First noticed it when picking up a load of crushed stone to spread. I would drive forward to engage a bucketful of stone, and when the control input would not raise up the bucket, I assumed that I was "biting off more than she could chew", so I would back up slightly and usually that would result in a clean lift.

I am beginning to think that there is something more going on now, though. When carrying a bucket full of dead sticks and brush back towards our firepit, I wanted to raise the load high enough to clear some shrubbery. Pulling back on the lever sometimes would not cause the bucket to raise, however, unless I first slightly lowered it. THEN it would raise normally. Same thing occurred several times, always alleviated by simply lowering a wee bit, then up she would go.

I called the service department at the dealer, and of course, their only option offered was for me to bring the tractor back to them to look at it. I understand this, but it is about twenty miles away and I don't own a trailer, although I can borrow one.

My question is this: Is there something minor likely the culprit for such behavior? Are there any tricks or simple remedies that come to mind? Hydraulic oil level is good, the tractor only has about 55 hours on it. No damage.

Ideas?
 

mickeyd

Active member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
2014 L3200 DT w/LA524 FEL, 2019 Kubota Z121S w/ 48" Pro Dec, TG1860G w/RCK54TG
Mar 21, 2014
1,192
18
38
Guin, AL
Welcome to the OTT forum. Sorry to hear about your problem on such a new tractor.

What did the dealer say it would cost for him to come and pick it up and return it? I would sure want him to check it out just in case of other problems later.
 

Timagination

New member

Equipment
BX23S
Sep 29, 2017
4
0
1
North East, MD, USA
I didn't check on what the cost would be for them to ferry the machine, if it continues, and bugs me enough, I'll borrow my buddy's trailer and haul it up there myself. I'm not too familiar with the internal workings of a hydraulic control valve/ lever, but it can't be that complicated a device. Seems to be an issue with a poppet? or some sort of sticky valving mechanism.