FEL when using 3pt implements

[Catman8]

When you have a FEL on your tractor is there any advantages or disadvantages when using 3pt implements. When should you remove your FEL, and when should you leave it on.

 

[k0ua]

When you have a FEL on your tractor is there any advantages or disadvantages when using 3pt implements. When should you remove your FEL, and when should you leave it on.

Many people remove the FEL when mowing as it makes the tractor more maneuverable around trees and fences or buildings. Some do leave it on when bush hogging in an unfamiliar overgrown field with the bucket down low and travel slow so that the bucket will "find" the old tires, batteries and metal junk instead of the cutters blades. One other advantage of removing the loader in less than dry conditions is it will lighten the pressure on the front tires and when making turns they are less likely to cause ruts.

Having a heavy implement on the 3pt is an advantage when doing loader work as you need some sort of rear ballast anytime you use the loader for multiple reasons. One is to keep the rear tires on the ground to help prevent rollovers, and the other is to "unload" the front axle of excess weight when doing loader work as it can cause more wear on the weaker front axle over time.

 

[Thomas]

Mowing real close I like to remove FEL other than that left on,handy if need something move quick or 1/2 load dirt in FEL for ballast.

 

[CobyRupert]

Having a heavy implement on the 3pt is an advantage when doing loader work as you need some sort of rear ballast anytime you use the loader for multiple reasons.

All of the above
and vise-versa:
"Having a FEL on is an advantage when doing heavy implement work as you need some sort of front ballast for multiple reasons."

 

[TerryR]

Having the FEL on is good ballast when mowing with my rotary cutter on our hilly property, but it really gets in the way when working close to trees and other obstacles. So I take it off and add some suitcase weights to help the balance.

I leave it on when using the rear blade, either to use it for touch-ups or to carry hand hand tools for the same purpose. I also leave it on when using the leaf vac to carry my backpack blower and to hold the pickup hose when moving from place to place.

 

[George2615]

I've never had a reason to remove the loader from any tractor I've owned in the past 20 years. Only reason I can see if for mowing with a mid mount mower. All my mowers have been 3pt.

 

[ovrszd]

Mowing is the only task I remove the FEL for. "Mowing" as in Brush Cutting with a 10ft cutter. If just quick use of the BB or other attachment, I leave it on.

I hate Brush Cutting with the FEL on. Really gets in the way. Changes the dynamics/balance of the tractor. As Terry explained, I too use suitcase weights on the front of the tractor for weight.

Here's a couple comparable pics. Notice how much more compact the tractor is without the FEL.

 

[sea2summit]

When you have a FEL on your tractor is there any advantages or disadvantages when using 3pt implements. When should you remove your FEL, and when should you leave it on.

Leaving it on does provide some advantages...

 

[Catman8]

WOW! All very helpful and informative post. Great when you can get everyone's own personal experiences and learn from a variety of ideas.

 

[MAN IN BLACK]

For myself, it's on all the time...I just drop the bucket when not needed, beeing a SSQA, it's easy and fast.