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310D loader control not working

JohnDeere310D

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2026
Messages
12
Location
Indiana
So today I was moving snow with the 310D and I felt the loader control turn about an inch clockwise away from me. The loader still works, but now the dumping position barely moves the bucket.
Any ideas as to what’s wrong? Common problem?
 

Welder Dave

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2014
Messages
17,932
Location
Canada
Did you turn the control back to where it was? Wondering if it could be part of the return to dig operation that automatically levels the bucket. If it was stuck in the return to dig could stop normal operation.
 

JohnDeere310D

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2026
Messages
12
Location
Indiana
Did you turn the control back to where it was? Wondering if it could be part of the return to dig operation that automatically levels the bucket. If it was stuck in the return to dig could stop normal operation.
I tried to turn it back to where it was. But I couldn’t move it.
Maybe a jam nut came loose?
 

JohnDeere310D

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2026
Messages
12
Location
Indiana
What’s the machine serial # ?
There are 2 slightly different linkage arrangements for the bucket return to dig and self leveling.
T0310DA778844.
I still get full movement out of the bucket. It just takes it about 5x as long to go to a full dump.
 

JohnDeere310D

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2026
Messages
12
Location
Indiana
The way you initially described the issue it sounds like a control linkage issue to me.
Try disconnecting rod #11 (where ever it is easiest) and see if it helps.
See parts screenshot below.
View attachment 355010
Would that cause the control lever not to move all the way to the right?
It still moves all the way to the left, but barely can be pushed to the right.
That’s why I thought maybe when the lever turned something just came out of alignment.
 

mg2361

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2016
Messages
6,770
Location
Pennsylvania
Occupation
Equipment Mechanic
Disconnect the yoke from the control valve. If the lever now moves, the issue is in the control valve. if it is still difficult, it is in the linkage. If in the linkage, look for a seized bellcrank pictured below. If the bellcrank is not seized, then check the Heim joints (items 23 and 25) for seizure.

Screenshot 2026-01-29 at 4.41.53 AM.png
 

JohnDeere310D

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2026
Messages
12
Location
Indiana
Disconnect the yoke from the control valve. If the lever now moves, the issue is in the control valve. if it is still difficult, it is in the linkage. If in the linkage, look for a seized bellcrank pictured below. If the bellcrank is not seized, then check the Heim joints (items 23 and 25) for seizure.

View attachment 355060
Okay thanks. I’ll do what you say and report back.
But I’m still wondering if this is tied to the loader control lever moving.
Sorry I don’t know much about these machines. If it was a lawn mower I’d be able to figure it out, but I’ve never dealt with anything this big.
 

JohnDeere310D

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2026
Messages
12
Location
Indiana
I don’t have the right pair of pliers to remove the cotter pin in the yoke. I’ll have to go to the hardware store.
 
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