FEL Storage

[sld]

I am getting ready to remove my FEL for winter. I don't use it for moving snow.

The question is whether it is better to store it with the cylinders fully extended or contracted. It will be in the garage until spring.

Any opinions?

 

[kennyd]

In the garage it doesn't really matter, but if it's like most loaders you won't have a choice anyway-the cylinder's will be they way they need to be to remove the loader and you won't be able to change them without changing the loaders position.

If it's real damp, then cover exposed rods with Fluid-Film or a light coating of grease if you are concerned.

 

[JB4310]

Just curious why you don't need the loader in the winter, do you have a plow? or use another machine for snow work?

JB.

 

[smfcpacfp]

Definitely retracted. The condensation that forms on the exposed cylinders will rust a little and damage the seals a bit.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Retracted.

Chris

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

IMO, it does not matter. If its a quality cylinder it will be fine. Of course I'd error on the side of retracting it... but when is the last time you've seen a used tractor with a line where the cylinder rests. Now thats IF its a quality loader and quality cylinder, there is some substandard stuff out there that does not fare so well.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

....but if it's like most loaders you won't have a choice anyway-the cylinder's will be they way they need to be to remove the loader and you won't be able to change them without changing the loaders position.

I have a friend who is really picky with stuff like that and when he removes his loader in preperation for his front blower he removes it as per normal and then drives the tractor next to the loader and uses a set of "extension" hoses about 72" long so he can park next to the loader, hook the hydraulics back up and retract the cylinders completely.

 

[firefighter jim]

Common sense. Retracted.

 

[sld]

Just curious why you don't need the loader in the winter, do you have a plow? or use another machine for snow work?

JB.

We don't get much snow and I just use the rear blade. Plus the tractor is easier to store in my garage without the extra length. The loader will stay at the tractor's summer home.

The loader is a Westendorf so I hope it is considered quality. Since it is inside maybe it won't make much difference. I'll see how hard it is to remove and manipulate the arms.

 

[some zilch]

i dont even think i'd worry about it, especially in the garage. large excavators and loaders are generally too large to be kept inside, and they dont seem to have cylinder pitting issues