What Are the Reasons for the Incomplete Retraction of a Loader Bucket?
3 Answers
The occurrence of this phenomenon is mainly due to insufficient structural strength in the working device, leading to plastic deformation. Below is relevant information: Loader: A loader is a type of earth-moving machinery widely used in construction projects such as highways, railways, buildings, hydropower, ports, and mines. It is primarily used for shoveling and loading loose materials like soil, sand, gravel, lime, and coal, and can also perform light digging operations on ores and hard soil. By equipping different auxiliary working devices, it can also be used for bulldozing, lifting, and handling other materials such as timber. Working Device: The shoveling and loading operations of a loader are achieved through the movement of its working device. The working device of a loader consists of the bucket (1), boom (2), connecting rod (3), rocker arm (4), bucket cylinder (5), and boom cylinder (6). The entire working device is hinged on the frame (7). The bucket is connected to the bucket cylinder via the connecting rod and rocker arm for loading and unloading materials. The boom is hinged to the frame and the boom cylinder to raise and lower the bucket. The tilting of the bucket and the lifting of the boom are hydraulically controlled.
When I used to operate a forklift, I encountered the issue of the bucket not retracting properly, which could be related to hydraulic system malfunctions. If the oil pump doesn't supply enough oil or the hydraulic cylinder leaks, the pressure won't build up, and the bucket naturally won't pull back. Valve blockages are also a common problem, especially in older machines where oil contaminants can accumulate and cause clogs. Loose wiring connections can interrupt signals, causing the control lever to malfunction. I must remind you to check if the oil is clean before operation, and warming up the machine for a few minutes after daily startup can make the system run smoother. I remember once during a busy season with heavy workload, the bucket wouldn't close properly and almost hit a wall—fortunately, I stopped and checked in time, and replacing the oil filter later solved the problem. Regular maintenance is crucial; changing the oil every three months and avoiding prolonged high-intensity use in high-temperature environments has saved me a lot on repair costs.
Having worked in the engineering team for ten years, there are several common reasons why a forklift bucket fails to retract: First, it could be an operational issue, such as the control lever not being pushed to the correct position or the angle being too steep, causing overload and the bucket to get stuck. Another reason is poor maintenance—pins wear out and aren’t replaced in time, or insufficient lubrication increases friction between metal parts, slowing down movement. Additionally, aging hydraulic cylinders leaking fluid and losing pressure can also cause trouble. I once encountered this issue, and replacing the cylinder fixed it smoothly. For beginners, I recommend operating gently and avoiding forcing heavy loads, as the machine will protest. After each use, clean it thoroughly and keep lubrication holes clear. Never overlook safety—if the bucket goes out of control, it could damage the machine or injure someone. If repairs are needed, call a professional immediately. Don’t try to save money, or the problem will only get worse.
