M246 Bush Hog Loader on a L 3010 is slow

[midnight rider]

Hey everyone, does anyone have experience with a Bushhog M246 Loader? I just bought a L3010 with this loader and I feel like im running in slow motion. The loader has will not move until you run it up to 1500 RPM and to lift much of anything heavy you have to run it up to almost 3000 RPM before it will respond with any strength. Is this just how the loader is and I need to get used to it or can I fix something. Thanks in advanced. I dont like running the engine that fast.

Note: I usually run a smaller Cub Cadet that seemed to have more lifting capabilities and was faster.

 

[re54drider]

I have that loader on my L2800. I have the regular transmission (not HST) and my loader seems to work ok. Maybe you have different expectations from having used other FEL's? I had no experience with tractor equipped loaders, only larger ones found at gravel pits, etc.

 

[kubotasam]

Does the loader have quick disconnects? If it does try disconnecting and reconnecting the hoses. Many times even when they look ok they are not properly seated.

 

[gpreuss]

Hydraulic pumps are positive displacement. That means when the pump turns, whether fast or slow, the oil has to flow. If you have a load in the bucket and you move the lever to up, the bucket should move. If the motor is running fast, it will go up fast. Likewise, if the motor is running slow, it will go slow. But it WILL go. This sounds like the control valve is acting up. You seem to have to get the pump running faster than the valve is leaking by. You could also have the ram end seal shot on one of the lift pistons.
Once you get it up and put the control lever back to neutral, does the bucket stay up, or drop right back down?
Does the dump control work OK?

 

[midnight rider]

The bucket will SLOWLY leak down, but we're only talking an inch after 15 minutes of so. There are no visible leaks and this machine is clean enough to eat off of so it would be noticable. Dump controls work fine but thats because you have gravity helping. It lifts slowly and curls slowly.

 

[Kingcreek]

I would replace the hydro filter first but it sounds like a valve problem to me if your other hydro functions ie steering and 3 pt are OK.

 

[midnight rider]

Well i figured out what it was and figured I would let everyone know in case someone else has the same problems.

While replacing the hydraulic filter as suggested, I located a slotted screw right next to the filter. The screw selects between FEL and No FEL. It was about halfway between the two. After a 1/4 turn of this screw the FEL works as it should. Hopefully this helps someone else out. Im just glad it was something so dang simple and wonder how long the previous owner ran it like that. Thanks for all your replies and your help.

 

[gpreuss]

Thanks for the update!! I'd never have thunk there was such a thing!

 

[OkieDavid]

Well I'll be darned....I have always thought my 3010 FEL seemed to be working slow. I'll have to crawl under and give it a peek tomorrow. Thanks for the info.

 

[ipz2222]

Bet you won't find that fix in the manual!!!

 

[OkieDavid]

I "think" I found the screw but my poor eyes couldn't see any index marks for the FEL / non FEL. Was a standard slotted screw held in place with a snap ring. Current position was vertical up and down....sound like the right screw?