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new excavator not lift up the machine

Allan M

Allan M

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So, I just tested my 2016 Kubota U55-4. This is what I learned: The boom alone would not lift the machine (blade in front and boom/stick/bucket in back). I needed to finesse the lift by using the boom/bucket curl to pick the machine up (noted by JaredV above). I then tried to completely lift the machine off the ground now using the blade. The blade didn't have the power to lift the front of the machine with back off the ground 8 inches. So, I put the machine back down, lifted the front first with the blade and then the back of the machine boom/bucket curl (actually reverse curl) and the machine came completely off the ground--no problem. My understanding of hydraulic pumps is that (very simple explanation) pressure is constant at low RPM or high RPM. The variable is load. So, a higher engine RPM will handle more load (more hydraulic GPM) and not bog down the hydraulics with aggressive work. I mention this because in this situation I don't think RPM helps you much. I think you need to pick up one end of the machine using the blade first and then the other end using the boom (stick in vertical position) bucket curl. The boom hydraulics are mainly to move the boom around. Your break-force power is coming from the combined movement of your stick/bucket curl hydraulics. Net, net, you're not going to get much lifting power from RPM. You going to get it by the steps you take to pick up the machine: blade side first, then back using boom/arm/bucket curl. This is assuming that there is nothing mechanically wrong or out of adjustment with the excavator--which is unlikely on a new machine. I'm interested in feedback on what I just wrote from the guys on this string. I always learn a bunch in these exchanges. And, please let us now if you are able to figure out how to get this excavator off of the ground without using other means. Thx. A
 
BC Placer gold

BC Placer gold

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^^^Nice write up & practical test. Out of curiosity I am going to try this same test when we get back to camp this week on our Deere 50D. Usually if I have ever have to lift a machine I just 'kind of do it' without really thinking about lever movement. Will try this on our 210 & 100 as well. When doing bucket turns a light 'lift' of undercarriage is standard procedure.

Been a while since we sold our Kubota KX040-4 but it certainly had a nice amount of digging power.

I suspect there is likely no fault with the OP's machine and in fact the unit will be found to be a very strong digger once used in the dirt. If anything it should be (possibly) a stronger unit than a dash 4.
 
Allan M

Allan M

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52ironman said:
The grading blade lifts the machine up all the way that it can, but when I try to then lift the back using the the bucket/boom it cant lift it
Click to expand...
How about lifting with the blade about 8 inches and then the boom/bucket using boom down pressure and reverse bucket curl (maybe a little stick forward mixed in). I'd be curious if that works since it does on my unit. It sounds like you already tried that. I'd also be suspicious about air in the hydraulic lines or a sticking PRV (pressure relief valve) on the hydraulic block assembly (accessed on the side under the hood of the excavator).
 
JaredV

JaredV

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Shouldn't need to uncurl the bucket while lifting the machine. The reason for pushing out with the stick while lifting the machine is as the machine is rocking back, the pivot point is at the ground behind the machine. When it is lifted, the boom pin moves in an arc up and back around that pivot point on the ground. Both up and back directions are moving away from the bucket so you have to move the stick out to compensate.
 
5

52ironman

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If it was air what is the solution? Is there a way to check the psi in the system with a gauge?
If so where would I plug the gauge in?
What is interesting to me is I have seen videos of ones raising really old machines up this way
 
Deere500a

Deere500a

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I have not been around the world but been around the block it sounds like bs with junk today & electronics no idea don't care to keep up. Ol'jimmy rules first 100hrs after starting slam your hand in door boss I'm breaking it in
 
M

MG84

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52ironman, please don't take this the wrong way, but you seem to be a worrier. Why are you taking the pan off to access the swing motor? It has been my experience that Kubota mini-excavators are virtually trouble free and setup right from the factory, just get the machine out in the dirt and use it.

I've spent a lot of time running KX040s and they will lift themselves off the ground with the blade and boom. I suspect the problem is with your technique and not the machine. As others have already stated, full throttle, blade down first, then boom down or a combo of boom down stick out. Note that the position of the dipper stick is going to affect the leverage, if you've got the stick way out you won't have enough leverage. Stick/bucket needs to be close to the machine, can't tell you the exact spot but you'll figure it out.
 
5

52ironman

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I probably am a worrier especially after my not so fun experience with both the Bobcat E35 and E40, both brand new machines :-(. The E40 had oil dripping from that very same pan. I pulled it off and either the hose was loose, damaged or the fittings. Either way I did not care why would I want a brand new machine that shows up leaking?
I cancelled the deal and bought the KX040-5 so far so good. I have removed and inspected all the plates on the bottom as well as the covers to the Final drives. I am not leaving anything to chance at this point.
It was educational to say the least. It appears that the excavator swivel valve is easier to remove than on some other machines.
I know its new so dont worry :) I am just trying to have a picture in my mind of what is going on when the machine is being operated. :)

Also I have watched dozens of videos of these machines and have noticed that many owners dont take care of this very expensive machine. I plan on this machine being worth almost as much as I paid for it when I sell it. Wishful thinking? Maybe, we will see :) Thanks to all for being patient with this Newby!
 
Allan M

Allan M

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JD955SC said:
The screenshot he posted is an AI summery from Google search. Google’s crappy AI pulls from all over and gets all kinds of information wrong.
Click to expand...
Actually, AI is in its infancy. I've spent my entire career working with the guys developing this stuff. At present, there are many nascent AI platforms. Most are actually evolving quickly. The biggest issue is that user's don't know how to effectively use AI search which isn't "user friendly" at the moment. Here's a great video on how to use AI effectively.
You'll probably need to cut and paste this link into your browser. I think a benefit of AI now is that our younger generations will stop (hopefully) believing and being brainwashed by everything they see in the media--and start challenging the assumptions on what they see and are being fed on YouTube and any other app or feed. Just maybe, our younger generations won't believe everything they hear or see online. It's a new day. Accessing global information and general knowledge quickly can be powerful if the user knows what they are looking at and how to incorporate it into their decision making. A big part of this is, as a user, knowing what questions to ask and providing the right context for the AI search in the first place. I agree, not sure where that "broken-in" components pic came from and the context that it was clipped from. Bottom line though, I'm an AI fan. I think AI is incredibly powerful and can be a good thing if we learn how to use it to provide solid, meaningful information.
 
5

52ironman

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Well the subject has changed a bit :)
think about it, AI is artificial which has some interesting synonyms such as Bogus, phony, sham, false. there are 174 more just like that.
It has been designed by imperfect, flawed human thinking so expecting too much will be disappointing at best.
The world is having a hard time with critical thinking right now. :-(
 
Allan M

Allan M

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95037
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Semi-retired: Strategic planner/author
52ironman said:
Well the subject has changed a bit :)
think about it, AI is artificial which has some interesting synonyms such as Bogus, phony, sham, false. there are 174 more just like that.
It has been designed by imperfect, flawed human thinking so expecting too much will be disappointing at best.
The world is having a hard time with critical thinking right now. :-(
Click to expand...
Thought you would enjoy an AI search on human evolution. AI is the next wave that started back in 2010. I agree. A lot of fraud and scams are going on with this technology. That said, a lot of good is also coming out of it. Likely most things we wear, eat, watch or use (smart phones, cars, excavators) have been influenced in some way by AI. So, while human thinking is certainly flawed, I didn't need a covered wagon to get to the east coast for a meeting last week. I flew in 5.3 hours. A journey in a wagon would have taken about 1 year. And, I have running hot water in my house which is a relatively new thing between the 1940's and 50's. We are benefactors of all of these technology revolutions. AI is the next one and even bigger than all the others. Brace yourself. It's not going away. It's just beginning. Watch the video I attached above. It's very interesting. I'll sign off this thread and I wish you the best with your new Kubota! BTW, I totally agree with your last point on "critical thinking". I think information moves so fast that as humans we don't have time to really deeply think through things and make good decisions. This really began to accelerate with wireless phones, computers, messaging, email. I've seen this repeatedly in the global companies I've worked with.

Key Human Technological Revolutions
 
M

MG84

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I've said this before, but I think the peak of beneficial technology occurred somewhere around 2005-2010. I can't think of a single thing made since then that has truly made our lives better or easier. It's only made us stupider, more frustrated, more anti-social and broke.

Don't let the proponent's of AI fool you, it's a solution looking for a problem and a technology that no one asked for. The big tech companies are the only true winners, I hope the next dot-com bubble comes along and cuts them down to size...
 
Deere500a

Deere500a

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Damn it was a stupid post trying to help yes I understand it was stupid didn't say do it lords word. Tier 4,op, computer who knows not here
 
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