At Loader Parts Source, we often have customers come to us wondering about issues with their loader buckets not working. Typically, the problem comes down to the hydraulic pump, and its inability to lift or tilt the bucket. Often, loader owners ask, “Will a new hydraulic pump fix the problem I’m having?” While the hydraulic pump can play a part, there are other factors within the loader that can be the cause. Let’s examine some common issues that appear in loader bucket hydraulic pumps.
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4 Issues Found in Loader Bucket Mechanics
While having a weak or damaged hydraulic pump can cause loader bucket lifting/tilting failure, other factors within the loader system can affect this movement, too. First, it’s important to determine whether your loader is well-maintained, checking for issues like:
- Lack of Oil – low oil could affect the power to lift or tilt the bucket.
- Type of Oil Used – using an incompatible oil in your loader could create internal issues.
- Pump Turning – if your hydraulic pump doesn’t turn or move during operation, it could mean a coupler or belt is broken or loose, causing your bucket not to lift.
If these factors check out, then further investigation is needed to narrow down the real cause. Aside from a faulty hydraulic pump, some signs that indicate internal loader issues are:
1. Jerky Pump Functions
Erratic or jerky pump activity from trying to lift or tilt your loader bucket suggests the hydraulic pump isn’t getting enough oil. If this happens to your loader, try checking the suction hose for any holes, since these hoses can wear down after extended use. Likewise, check hose clamps for tightness, since improper seals can leak oil. Some suction hoses require a wire coiled inside to prevent collapsing and keeping the oil from backing up in the machine; during service, this wire could be lost and block oil from reaching the machine even if it looks alright. In such cases, you can either replace the wire or the suction hose to repair your loader.
2. Mounted Pumps
One issue customers have a hard time noticing is when hydraulic pumps are mounted on the back of the pump drive. Since gear pumps typically have a hole drilled through the mounting flange to enable oil drainage from the drive pump case, air leakage can get sucked into the gear pump, creating an oil leak. Be sure to check the drive pump seals or mounting flange for oil to spot a leak.
3. Oil Tank Foam
Have you observed foaming or bubbles appearing in your loader’s oil tank? Often, this indicates an air leak within your loader’s internal system rather than the hydraulic pump itself.
While hydraulic pumps are crucial for the lifting and tilting of a loader bucket, they are not always the cause of the problems.
4. Stronger Lift at High or Low RPM
If your loader’s lifting or tilting mechanics appear stronger at a high or low RPM setting, some internal factors may be impacting your machine. First, check if the relief valve setting is adjusted right, as this may correct the problem; however, please do so using a gauge to prevent blowing out any hoses or hydraulic pumps. If loader functions are stronger at a high RPM, your loader most likely has an internal leak since greater speed requires more oil flow and may compensate for the current leak in your machine. If it operates better at a low RPM by either lifting or tilting, you may have a weakened port relief in the main control valve.
Find the Parts You Need at LPS
Often, an issue with a loader bucket not tilting or lifting isn’t caused just by a hydraulic pump, but by something simpler. A quick check of the flow meter under your loader can help determine oil measurements and possibly save you hefty repair costs. Should you need replacement pumps or other loader parts, count on experts from Loader Parts Source to supply the parts you need.
