Loader sensitivity

paul888

New member
Jul 1, 2023
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I was testing different tractor at my dealership last week and I noticed that the loaders were extremely sensitive which made for very choppy loader movements. Is there a way to adjust the sensitivity or is this something that will resolve itself with seat time?
 

The Evil Twin

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501, LA526,
Jul 19, 2022
2,871
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113
Virginia
Seat time. I too was very choppy at first. Then I started to get a feel for the stick. It doesn't take much pressure to drop the bucket when there is a load. Now, I'm getting to the point where I can back up, curl, and lower the bucket while looking backwards. You'll just get a feel for how much pressure equals how fast it moves.
 
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lynnmor

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B2601-1
May 3, 2021
1,453
1,173
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Red Lion
I replaced the worn hydraulic pump, on a self-contained loader, with a pump that has a higher capacity since the original is no longer available. Now you need the finesse of a watchmaker to operate smoothly. So I too would like to make it less sensitive and wonder if a hydraulic control/throttle valve would make sense.
 

GreensvilleJay

Well-known member

Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
11,679
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Greensville,Ontario,Canada
If you think bucket operations are 'sensitive' wait until you use pallet forks !!! After 5 years, 1000+ hrs and I'm almost, kinda getting the hang of using them with. They're far different to operate than my forklift. I suspect it's a compromise on spool valve geometry, pressures,cylinder selection and other things.
As ET says, seat time, will really,really help
 
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Runs With Scissors

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L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
2,517
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Michigan
+1 on seat time.

One thing I do to help with the learning curve when its practicable, is to run things at idle rpms.
 
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fried1765

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Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
Nov 14, 2019
7,847
5,071
113
Eastham, Ma
100%

Also, it's not helpful that the engines in the newer models need to be run faster because of the DPF, etc.
Another great reason for buying a used tractor that precedes DPF.
 
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Grandad4

Active member

Equipment
1949 Farmall M, previously owned: L 4610, BX 2230
Apr 5, 2016
331
86
28
Greensboro, NC
I was testing different tractor at my dealership last week and I noticed that the loaders were extremely sensitive which made for very choppy loader movements. Is there a way to adjust the sensitivity or is this something that will resolve itself with seat time?
In addition to what others have said, loaders on larger tractors often have better spool setups than the smaller models of the same brand. Likewise, you should expect the top brands to have more refined controls.
 

Tx Jim

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
M7040 HDC-1,JD 4255,Ford 6700
Apr 30, 2013
1,202
128
63
Coyote Flats,Texas
Yrs ago I added an adjustable flow control valve to boom circuit on loader on my Kubota M4900. The flow control valve eased operation while handling 4X5+ rd bales that weighed 900-1000#s
 

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