Bucket Play and Hydraulic Leak-Down Test

What happens here

Perform a 'play test' on the bucket and its connection points. While seated in the cab, use the controls to raise the bucket a few feet off the ground, then rapidly move it up and down, and from side to side. Listen and feel for excessive looseness, clunking, or play in the pins and bushings connecting the bucket to the loader arms. Significant play indicates worn components that will require costly repairs. Check if the bucket has a self-leveling feature, as this is a desirable convenience. Additionally, conduct a hydraulic leak-down test: with the bucket on the ground, use the hydraulics to lift the entire front of the machine off the ground. Leave it elevated for at least 15 minutes and observe if it slowly settles. Any significant settling indicates hydraulic system leaks or worn seals within the cylinders.

Goal: Check for excessive wear in the bucket's pivot points and hydraulic system integrity.