GT-14 FEL problems

[cafoose 3,355]

The loader on my GT-14 seems to be hard to lower slowly. It seems to jerk and bounce the tractor when I try to lower it slowly and gently. If I were to replace the spool valve, would that correct the problem?

[wallfish 17,000]

How long have you had this loader and using it?

The only reason I ask because it could operator control. Every time someone used my loader there was a learning curve involved for feathering the valves. EVERY one of them would bounce the bucket like that until they got used to it. That was me too when I first got it.

If it's doing it and the valve handle is NOT moving at all then it could be a valve issue. If you're bumping the handle to move and stop then that will bounce it.

You can add extension to the handles which equals more movement for the same amount of valve operation

A flow control valve could be added which will reduce the flow in one direction (down) but free flow the other (Up) This would be added before the split to both cylinders. Just a guess on the size for your hoses 

https://www.surpluscenter.com/Brands/Wolverine-by-Prince-Mfg/3-8-NPT-8-GPM-Wolverine-by-Prince-WFC-600-In-Line-Flow-Control-9-7960-6.axd

 

[cafoose 3,355]

It's been like that since I got it. I've operated other larger tractors with FEL and have no problem lowering gently. I may try the flow control valve.

[JoeM 7,874]

I need to ask how the cylinders are hosed, rod up or rod in down position. When lowering with the rod end in the down position there is less oil displaced and the stroke is much faster, less controllable. 

Also when using a flow control with the above mentioned cylinder arrangement, you can create and intensifier. If you are restricting the flow on side of the cylinder with the rod, there is less area and the bigger area of the rod-less end piston will generate higher pressures in the other end intensifying the oil pressure within the cylinder. 

Simply put you want the none rod end of the cylinder to be hosed in the lowering position. 

Just a thought. 

[cafoose 3,355]

@JoeM@wallfish Here are some pics of the plumbing with a diagram.

 

 

 

 

[wallfish 17,000]

Cylinder plumbing looks correct. Had to go back and forth to figure out what was going on with that crossed metal line but it's connected right.

Not sure how much it makes a difference but the return line is connected to the BYD (Power Beyond) port. That port is typical for adding another valve for more circuits. Wonder if it restricts more fluid than the OUT port would for the return? Think mine was plumbed like that too but can't remember. Maybe @ebinmaine Eric can confirm since he has it now.

One thing you could try is swapping the hoses on top of the valve to basically reverse what handle does what. This may tell you if that valve circuit in the valve is the cause if it works better If it still acts exactly the same then it's something else. (unless both circuits have an issue)

[JoeM 7,874]

For some reason I was thinking tilt. 

The circuits look good. Two things come to mind that could be causing the issue. Like you said a bad spool. If you want to test it out switch the two raise hose with the tilt hoses. of course the tilt lever will be raise / lower but will tell you if the spools are different.  The other thing is one of the cylinders has a bypass on the the piston. A little more ticky to trouble shoot but doable. Have the bucket raised up a couple feet and slightly loosen the hose for rod side that connects to the raise cylinders. You will get a little oil but the bucket should not drift down. 

@wallfish says looks plumbing is good 

 

[ebinmaine 67,540]

50 minutes ago, wallfish said:

Maybe @ebinmaine Eric can confirm since he has it now.

 

 

I'm really not familiar with how these things are supposed to be set up but I'd be glad to help with pictures or video. Let me know if I can do something for you folks.

 

 

[Handy Don 12,232]

Not knowing the specs on that particular control valve, I can offer some general info.

 

2 hours ago, wallfish said:

the return line is connected to the BYD (Power Beyond) port

If your BYD port were acting as a BYD (sometimes labeled N), then nothing would work at all.

When BYD is in force, then the valve requires a separate OUT port for the fluid exiting the non-pressurized end of a moving cylinder.

Since you have function without a connection between OUT and tank, your valve’s BYD port is not operating as BYD--it is the same as OUT.

 

 

[wallfish 17,000]

2 hours ago, Handy Don said:

your valve’s BYD port is not operating as BYD--it is the same as OUT.

I know there's a "cone" or check valve required to activate that port for power BYD if you want to use it for such but does it restrict flow any more than the OUT port does?

[Handy Don 12,232]

21 minutes ago, wallfish said:

I know there's a "cone" or check valve required to activate that port for power BYD if you want to use it for such but does it restrict flow any more than the OUT port does?

Yes, a cone (or similar adaptor) is often (but not always) needed to “activate” a BYD port which would otherwise be a parallel OUT port. But the adaptor is either in place or not in place. It cannot be both.

 

If the adaptor was “in" on @cafoose's setup, which does not have a connection between OUT and the tank, there would be no place for fluid exiting a moving cylinder to go--hence no movement at all. That’s why I don’t think a BYD adaptor is in place on his valve.

 

Additional tedious details....

The BYD adaptor’s job is to:

a) permit fluid to pass from IN to BYD when the lever is in the neutral position

b) block fluid from passing from IN to OUT

 

Pressure side flow into a cylinder is not changed. Non-pressure side flow from a cylinder still goes to OUT, which must be plumbed to the reservoir.

 

 

 

[lynnmor 7,307]

9 hours ago, cafoose said:

@JoeM@wallfish Here are some pics of the plumbing with a diagram.

 

 

Of the four hoses on top of the valves, one has a longer fitting.  Is this extra piece a restrictor?

 

I replaced the hydraulic pump on my Kwik-Way loader with one that has higher capacity, the bucket drop is now like yours, almost impossible to lower smoothly.  I am considering an adjustable restrictor to smooth operation.

[cafoose 3,355]

5 hours ago, lynnmor said:

Of the four hoses on top of the valves, one has a longer fitting.  Is this extra piece a restrictor?

That hose actually goes to the rod end of the raise/lower cylinders, you may be correct. It could be a restrictor. Is that the connection on the cylinder that lowers the bucket?