[drm]

I have a ’04 TD33DA with the 14LA loader. I also have difficulty attaching the loader and even trouble taking it off sometimes. I have read the manual, asked the dealer, and followed suggestions of others on the forum. The best advice that I can give is to practice as it will get easier with practice and supposedly with use of the loader as the holes will eventually elongate. Can’t verify that but it does get easier.

First, the loader must be parked on a hard level surface or it will be even more difficult to mount. Also, make sure the bucket is level when putting the pin in. I try to put the left pin in first as the first pin in is easier. To put the left pin in I stand on the side of the tractor, with the engine running, and push the pin in while reaching over the seat to jiggle the loader valve very slowly.

The dealer had a lot of problems getting the pins in when demonstrating the loader removal and attachment. The service tech lubed the pins with anti-seize thinking this would help future mounting. It does NOT; it just gums up and reduces the already tight tolerances making the mounting more difficult. I cleaned the pin and holes of all anti-seize. Prior to mounting I clean the pins and holes and apply a coating of WD-40 on the pin and holes. This helps to get the pins to slide in. I remove and mount the loader a few times a month as I use the machine for grass cutting, without the loader, and loader work so the WD-40 has not been a problem attracting dirt that would cause any problems.