TC29DA FEL re-attach PITA

[sirwoogie]

I got a TC29DA last year with the NH 14LA FEL (or is it 15? Not in front of it at the moment). I don't use the loader/bucket much as I mostly do lawn and back-blade work. But, there is a reason I don't attach it more often...

For some reason, it takes me at least 30-45 minutes to get the sucker on! My pain is the upright pins. Looking from the perspective atop the captains chair I can get the right-hand side pin in no problem; I make sure the bucket is level with the ground, and lifted just slightly above horizontal (as the instructions specify). But, I cannot get the other pin in smoothly. No matter what, the holes are just off enough so the pin won't slide in. After going through all levels of contortion of raise/lower on the arms and bucket, I can eventually get the pin to slide in.

Yesterday, I tried for over an hour and STILLdidn't get it! What is the trick here? I've done my best to pull in as straight as possible and follow the directions as best I could. The confusing part is the other pin takes me no more than 10 seconds. I'd have this thing on in less than 5 minutes without the problem.

Other than this issue, I'm loving my little guy. Any tips?

[Inspector507]

Originally Posted by sirwoogie

I got a TC29DA last year with the NH 14LA FEL (or is it 15? Not in front of it at the moment). I don't use the loader/bucket much as I mostly do lawn and back-blade work. But, there is a reason I don't attach it more often...

For some reason, it takes me at least 30-45 minutes to get the sucker on! My pain is the upright pins. Looking from the perspective atop the captains chair I can get the right-hand side pin in no problem; I make sure the bucket is level with the ground, and lifted just slightly above horizontal (as the instructions specify). But, I cannot get the other pin in smoothly. No matter what, the holes are just off enough so the pin won't slide in. After going through all levels of contortion of raise/lower on the arms and bucket, I can eventually get the pin to slide in.

Yesterday, I tried for over an hour and STILLdidn't get it! What is the trick here? I've done my best to pull in as straight as possible and follow the directions as best I could. The confusing part is the other pin takes me no more than 10 seconds. I'd have this thing on in less than 5 minutes without the problem.

Other than this issue, I'm loving my little guy. Any tips?

I just reach over and tweak the loader control a bit until the second pin slides in.......both of the pins on my smaller loader have never lined up the first try.

[sirwoogie]

Originally Posted by Inspector507

I just reach over and tweak the loader control a bit until the second pin slides in.......both of the pins on my smaller loader have never lined up the first try.

Yeah, that works on the right one. That hour I noted was spent tweaking the controls for the left one.

[jinman]

Originally Posted by sirwoogie

Yeah, that works on the right one. That hour I noted was spent tweaking the controls for the left one.

Are you saying that the loader upright is seated in the tractor upright, but the large pin will not go in? Is the problem that the loader seats in the tractor side adapter, but the pin binds as it goes in? Is the position too far or not far enough? I just push downward on the bucket by curling it down and the arms seat easily so I can put the pins in. If the loader is in the right position, you can lift the front of the tractor without the pins in. That is normally enough pressure to seat everything nicely. Just make sure the bottom of the loader arm is mated to the lower permanent pin before applying down-pressure.

[daTeacha]

I have a DX29 with the LX114 loader, which I presume is your rig with red paint on it. Mine is a little awkward to take on and off, but I presume it's because I don't do it often enough. I spend about 15 or 20 minutes going one way or the other. Whatever you do, don't forget to set the leg down when taking it off, or to lock it back up when putting it on. Doing either one will make things not work very well at all.

[JerseyRay]

I have a TC33D with same FEL and have the same problem. The first pin always goes in no matter which side. Then I have to play around with the FEL controls to get other hole just right before the pin can slide in. Sometimes I add a little grease to the pin and tap it with a hammer.

[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.