JDgreen227
Super Member
During this weekend's reroofing project my JD and loader was quite an asset, it greatly reduced the work involved in moving two layers of old shingles to a dumpster a distance away. We also used the loader bucket with a built up platform to hoist the bundles of new shingles to roof level, much easier than using a ladder.
My query is, how many TBN members use their FEL as a work platform when they need more space and stability than a ladder provides? We were working on a very steep roof and it was more practical to stand in the elevated bucket to work on the first few feet of the lower roof. Yes, I know the manual that is provided with a new loader warns against that stunt, as do numerous stickers plastered on the loader itself.
We did NOT operate the loader with anyone in it, the method was to climb a ladder, and enter the elevated bucket.
As the loader leaks down, the bucket settles, and we would exit it every 15 minutes, stand on the ladders and have my wife start the tractor and elevate the bucket once anew. The job is done, and we escaped injury, and would use the same method again if it seemed practical. The tractor was always off when someone was in the bucket, parking brake on, and the loader was so close to the house if it lost several inches of height the bucket would have scraped the building and stopped downward movement.
Do you guys think this an unsafe way to use the FEL? My feelings were, the loader bucket is less likely to fall than a ladder, and we had more space, thus being less prone to over reach. I'd welcome your comments, good or bad.
Thanks.
My query is, how many TBN members use their FEL as a work platform when they need more space and stability than a ladder provides? We were working on a very steep roof and it was more practical to stand in the elevated bucket to work on the first few feet of the lower roof. Yes, I know the manual that is provided with a new loader warns against that stunt, as do numerous stickers plastered on the loader itself.
We did NOT operate the loader with anyone in it, the method was to climb a ladder, and enter the elevated bucket.
As the loader leaks down, the bucket settles, and we would exit it every 15 minutes, stand on the ladders and have my wife start the tractor and elevate the bucket once anew. The job is done, and we escaped injury, and would use the same method again if it seemed practical. The tractor was always off when someone was in the bucket, parking brake on, and the loader was so close to the house if it lost several inches of height the bucket would have scraped the building and stopped downward movement.
Do you guys think this an unsafe way to use the FEL? My feelings were, the loader bucket is less likely to fall than a ladder, and we had more space, thus being less prone to over reach. I'd welcome your comments, good or bad.
Thanks.