Loader slow until using 3 pt lift

kuducastle

New member

Equipment
L3600, KX121-3
Jul 13, 2026
4
0
1
Raleigh
Older L3600 with Bush Hog 2346QT loader, runs great but recently the loader operates very slowly unless I lift the 3 pt hitch or use very high throttle. Loader has often been used at its limit lifting heavy logs. I suspect some sort of stuck relief valve??. Both lifting cylinders have been replaced, no hydraulic leaks. With 3 pt lifting, loader seems to have normal lift capacity. Where do I start?
 

Fedup

Active member
Apr 6, 2016
357
141
43
Winchester
What valve operates the loader? Is a part of the Bush Hog package? Does it have six lines on it or seven? Is it directly connected into tractor hydraulics or supplied from another valve?

That might offer a starting point.
 

TheOldHokie

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3901/LA525, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Apr 6, 2021
12,526
7,145
113
Myersville, MD
windyridgefarm.us
Older L3600 with Bush Hog 2346QT loader, runs great but recently the loader operates very slowly unless I lift the 3 pt hitch or use very high throttle. Loader has often been used at its limit lifting heavy logs. I suspect some sort of stuck relief valve??. Both lifting cylinders have been replaced, no hydraulic leaks. With 3 pt lifting, loader seems to have normal lift capacity. Where do I start?
Is the loader slow, weak, or both?
Does the bucket curl and dump normally?
Is this a Bush Hog loader valve or Kubota valve?
 

kuducastle

New member

Equipment
L3600, KX121-3
Jul 13, 2026
4
0
1
Raleigh
What valve operates the loader? Is a part of the Bush Hog package? Does it have six lines on it or seven? Is it directly connected into tractor hydraulics or supplied from another valve?

That might offer a starting point.
Bush hog valve controller, 6 lines, connected directly to engine.
 

TheOldHokie

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3901/LA525, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Apr 6, 2021
12,526
7,145
113
Myersville, MD
windyridgefarm.us
By itself, very slow and yes weak. When I pull up on the 3 pt, normal speed and strength. Bucket curls and dumps same speed as loader arms.
Something is blocking the down stream circuit.

Need more detail on this story.

Has the loader been working OK prior to this?
Where is the 3pt lever when its slow?
Does loader speed slow down when 3pt lift gets to top?
Is bucket slow when lift is slow?

Dan
 
Last edited:

North Idaho Wolfman

Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
35,880
10,885
113
Sandpoint, ID
Does the loader keep working when the three point lever is up position or does it only work when your moving the lever?
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

kuducastle

New member

Equipment
L3600, KX121-3
Jul 13, 2026
4
0
1
Raleigh
Something is blocking the down stream circuit.

Need more detail on the 3pt part of this story.

Where is the 3pt lever when its slow?
Does loader speed slow down when 3pt lift gets to top?
Is bucket slow when lift is slow?
3pt level all the way down when slow, loader seems to work best as 3 pt is lifting, slows down again when 3 pt gets to top. Yes, bucket is slow when loader is slow.
Does the loader keep working when the three point lever is up position or does it only work when your moving the lever?
I usually have to work the 3 pt lever for lift. When the 3 pt stops, the loader slows.
BUT - Dan nailed it! That screw was 30 degrees off. Turned it straight up and down and loader working fine. Thanks so much for all the help.
Ed