FEL operation

[BlacknTan]

Does anyone know of a good book or online tutorial to teach the fundamentals of effective front end loader operation?
I'd like to become much more proficient with the operation of the loader for more than just use as an expensive wheel barrow.

 

[newbury]

I don't know of any written training, but look at Youtube videos and play with it.
I just extricated a stump. I filled in the hole and now go out an play in the dirt a bit and play with the stump. It's my little sandbox
A lot of it seems to be motor skill and getting so you automatically lift an curl when you want to.

 

[crbr]

Does anyone know of a good book or online tutorial to teach the fundamentals of effective front end loader operation?
I'd like to become much more proficient with the operation of the loader for more than just use as an expensive wheel barrow.

My first noticable improvement was when I added a toothbar. Makes it an entire different tool.

Then I attribute the rest to time on the stick and a patient imagination of the ways a loader can be helpful (including additional quick attach implements). Still learning after several years of patience.

 

[Opti-Mist]

An old Ford loader operator's manual (or maybe even a newer manual) - it would provide the basics of operation which would be a good foundation on which to build with experience.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Have you looked in your loader owners manual? I think that some of them have basic instructions on how to do different procedures. My 3215 loader manual has like a comic book section in it that shows how to go about back filling, loading the bucket in a dirt pile etc. Actually would be very helpful for a first timer.

 

[jinman]

In my opinion, using a FEL is like riding a bike. All the books in the world cannot teach you how to use it. It's something you have to learn for yourself. The way you operate a dirt bucket is different from a rock bucket. A grapple is much different from forks or a bale spear. The way you operate a 25 hp compact is different from the way you use a 65 hp utility tractor. 2wd tractors have slightly different feel and technique to 4wd tractors. I think your best option is to learn the feel of your FEL through practice and then get tips for doing specific jobs from experts. That expert advice can be found here on TBN.

When I bought my tractor and loader, I got an operator's manual for the loader. It had several good tips for loader use. Do you have an operator's manual? I'd bet that might help with many techniques of doing common loader jobs. I have 1500 hours on my tractor and I'm still finding new ways to use my loader.

EDIT: It's amazing how many of us posted the same info in the last few minutes.

 

[flusher]

Does anyone know of a good book or online tutorial to teach the fundamentals of effective front end loader operation?
I'd like to become much more proficient with the operation of the loader for more than just use as an expensive wheel barrow.

Get yourself a load of sand or gravel and have at it. After a few hours, you'll get the hang of it. No substitute for seat time. Just be sure you do your practicing with all four wheels on dirt or grass, not on concrete.

 

[aggiehortguy91]

It doesn't matter how big the machine, the key to good loader work is finesse and time behind the wheel. They look like a brute force tool but they are not. Find a spot where it won't matter if you tear things up a bit and practice scraping up soil and putting it into a pile. You will have better luck taking small bites and scraping over a distance rather than digging a hunk out of the ground. If (I mean when!) you do dig a hunk out, back up and refill the spot before continuing. To start, place the bucket flat onto the ground, tip it down a couple of degrees, begin moving forward. As soon as you feel the bucket cut into the ground, level the bucket out while continuing forward. If done correctly, you should have a small drop onto a flat piece of dirt. If you find your tires spinning too much or the tractor stops moving forward, then you should take thinner cuts.

Once you have a nice pile, put the dirt back and smooth it out with the loader. This will give you some practice using both downforce, bucket angle, and the float position.

If you don't have a spot that you can dig, then buy a load of soil. Practice spreading it out then picking it back up. With a little practice, you will be able to pick the dirt up off of grass without tearing up the grass (much!)

 

[newbury]

Also make sure your tail is heavier than your head!
Get a nice heavy load on the back. I'd suggest a backhoe, but weighted tires, a box blade or 5 or 10 bags of concrete would do.

 

[Ken45101]

To start, place the bucket flat onto the ground, tip it down a couple of degrees, begin moving forward. As soon as you feel the bucket cut into the ground, level the bucket out while continuing forward.

That technique may work well in Florida dirt. Not so sure here with the hard clay I have a contractor here with a 10 ton bulldozer (Case 860 with 10' blade) and he commented that the blade was just sliding over the surface, wouldn't dig in unless he used the corner of the blade. And the dirt isn't even dried out yet!

Bottom line, I suspect that the techniques required (and sometimes the equipment required) depends very much on the local soil conditions.

Ken

 

[Donkey Shade Farm]

If you don't have a spot that you can dig, then buy a load of soil. Practice spreading it out then picking it back up. With a little practice, you will be able to pick the dirt up off of grass without tearing up the grass (much!)

I already had a pile of gravel near the barn that my 16 year old and I used when we got our 2360. The only thing I told my son before he started is don't treat it like a bulldozer. And the gurus above are right, it's feel and finesse. Seat time will make you competent. I hate to say it but my son is better than me now.

I found I pay more attention to work sites now and will sometimes stop and watch the crews working with their equipment.

 

[aggiehortguy91]

That technique may work well in Florida dirt. Not so sure here with the hard clay I have a contractor here with a 10 ton bulldozer (Case 860 with 10' blade) and he commented that the blade was just sliding over the surface, wouldn't dig in unless he used the corner of the blade. And the dirt isn't even dried out yet!

Bottom line, I suspect that the techniques required (and sometimes the equipment required) depends very much on the local soil conditions.

Ken

Actually, it is a very difficult technique down here in S FL because the sand is so soft it is very easy to get more of a bite than your tractor can handle! Obviously, some soils are very different than others and it sounds like yours is on the opposite end of the spectrum. If the ground is too hard for your machine to cut, then you will have to break it up before you can scoop it up. That is what the dozer operator was doing with the corner of the blade and is also why so many people swear by tooth bars. I've been there, too. Once broken up, this technique works the same anywhere.

 

[TUG HILL ADDICT]

Seat time.

Take your time.

Don't be impatient.

Try different methods.

Learn from your mistakes.

 

[tatra805]

just realized something that might help you also.

i was looking at pictures taken during a neighbour project...

in the different phases of filling, backdragging etc etc you clearly see the different angles the bucket is at looking from the side. very interesting to relate the angle to the result.

it might learn you quickly how to position the bucket in the air correctly before putting it down and dragging.

as each bucket is different and length influences the angles a lot this is probably a individual course and not someting for a general "instruction"

so, go out and have somebody take pictures while you are figuring out your optimum settings.

 

[BX2230Dude]

This is the book I bought when I got my 'hoe. Very good book. I hear the latest edition is even better.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRAINING MATERIALS: Equipment Training Resources - Backhoes, Loaders, Excavators, Trenchers, Hydraulics Training Books & Videos

 

[soulasphil]

Seems to me the basics are to be found in the tractor and FEL manuals, then it's all a question of practice, adapting to your machine and the surroundings.

 

[wedge40]

This is the book I bought when I got my 'hoe. Very good book. I hear the latest edition is even better.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRAINING MATERIALS: Equipment Training Resources - Backhoes, Loaders, Excavators, Trenchers, Hydraulics Training Books & Videos

I'm guessing you got the book AFTER the TBL got parked on the water?
Sorry couldn't resist.

I'm still horrible at using my FEL, but each time I get a little better. To quote "Caddy Shack" "Feel the FEL" I always had ripples as I was removing top soil till learned that if the tractor was bogging down to lift the bucket, not change the anglet of it. I'll be getting my first load of dirt for the area I just cleared and that should give me some practice on move dirt from a pile.

I agree with others here reading about FEL use, is like reading how to swim.

Wedge

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I'm guessing you got the book AFTER the TBL got parked on the water?
Sorry couldn't resist.

I'm still horrible at using my FEL, but each time I get a little better. To quote "Caddy Shack" "Feel the FEL" I always had ripples as I was removing top soil till learned that if the tractor was bogging down to lift the bucket, not change the anglet of it. I'll be getting my first load of dirt for the area I just cleared and that should give me some practice on move dirt from a pile.

I agree with others here reading about FEL use, is like reading how to swim.

Wedge

While this is true, it is easier if you understand the fundamentals to put them to good use.

 

[newbury]

<snip>
I agree with others here reading about FEL use, is like reading how to swim.

Wedge

Naw, when yor reading how to swim you get the book all wet.

 

[BX2230Dude]

I'm guessing you got the book AFTER the TBL got parked on the water?

Yup, first chapter I read was "Locating Underground Utilities".