Top 10 things NOT to do with a new loader!

[mburke121]

So, on a CUT, such as a JD 4x20 series, is a 72" box blade or 6' cutter sufficient for counter balance?

 

[patrick_g]

So, on a CUT, such as a JD 4x20 series, is a 72" box blade or 6' cutter sufficient for counter balance?

I have a 40HP Kubota and use 6 ft brush hog and 6 ft box blade but both implements are way over in the HD category not typical in weight for their size. The mower stabilizes the FEL load best due to its CG being so far back. The box blade is more convenient because it doesn't stick out so far in the back and is my more frequent counter weight.

Without a counter weight on the 3PH I can easily pick up a 1000 lb + round bale on a bale spear in place of the bucket on the FEL BUT...the rear tires get really light and the slightest bump on the ground will send the tractor to a 3 wheel configuration with about 3 on a scale of 10 pucker factor and once in a while a two wheel configuration (fronts only) with 4-6 out of 10 pucker factor. I try real hard to never go 2 wheel with wheels on same side of tractor but I have been in every possible 2 wheel configuration at one time or another but never rolled it over.

I have all the cast iron wheel weights Kubota allows on the rear wheels, which is three sets. Rear tires are not loaded due to prohibition in the manual for the cab model (Kubota Grand L4610HSTC)

I'm not sure what the difference in weight is bale spear vs bucket but I'm sure the bucket weighs significantly more giving less useful payload with the FEL bucket in place. I think the max load on the FEL is rated about 1400 lbs or so (any help from the knowledgeable??) but maneuvering with a max or near max load is NOT SAFE without additional counter weight beyond my wheel weights. With the HD box on the 3PH I can still use the FEL to raise the back tires into the air if the bucket is say stuck into tree roots. Likewise with the HD brush hog.

With a heavy load in the bucket and a heavy implement on the 3PH you have to mind your rotational inertia (around the vertical axis) especially on ground with poor traction such as wet grass or mud whatever. I can back up while turning and then punch the HST in forward and not go anywhere near the direction intended as the tractor keeps on rotating (barbell effect of having large masses at the extremes of the rotating system.)

Hope this helps.

Patrick

 

[Gittyup]

I didn't see mentioned not to drag (back or forward) with the bucket curled by more than about 30 degrees on hard ground. you can bend your cylinders/curl arms by doing this.

Also, a loader is not a bulldozer. Don't use it like one.

Watch overloading hooks if you use them welded across the top of the bucket. You'll bend your bucket. If plan to do a lot of this, reinforce the bucket across the top.

Use the curl action while driving into a pile to get a full load. but, as was said, don't run into a pile.

Filled tires make a huge difference.

And lastly, don't set it down on yours or someone elses foot or head.

 

[DanD78]

If you have a bucket full of loose fire wood and have to lift it pretty high to dump it be aware of the stray log that will fall over the back and crack your hood.

Dan

 

[yomax4]

Be careful as stated while backing up. Do not let your wife watch you rip the corner siding off of your brand new house as mine did. I told her there was a Bee after me. Hahaha.

 

[actionaj]

Don't leave the loader raised up when not in use. Specially do not leave a load raised and unattended. Always lower the bucket to the ground when you are done.

 

[Travelover]

At the risk of starting a fresh argument - avoid the temptation to let people in ride in the bucket.

Do, however, fill the bucket with ice and beer at outdoor parties.

 

[zzvyb6]

Don't forget to watch for guy wires when running close to a power or telephone pole. The bucket can run up the wire real quick and tip or roll you over. Because you are not expecting a problem to occur on flat ground, it will take a long time to realize what's happening. Usually too late...

 

[dieselsmoke1]

If you mount hooks or ties to the top of your bucket, locate no further from center than in line with the lift arms.

Those new clamp on forks did not magically convert your FEL to a forklift. Be very aware of the limitations of these attachments.

The closest I've come to rolling my tractor, it was switched off with no one on it. Loading bundles of shingles from a truck body to a pallet. Tossed on one bundle too many and the rear end came up, pallet hit truck tire on one side, real ugly for a few seconds till things stabalized.

 

[Rustywreck]

Don't try to scoop snow too close to your deck (i have some deck repair work to do this spring)

If bears are getting into your garbage can, don't try to use the loader bucket to hold the lid on the can - crush.

Don't use the loader bucket to scrape snow off of your roof. I thought about that tonight, but decided better - my house is a-frame and the roof ends a couple feet off the ground. My first thought was "sure, I can do it." Then I remembered the deck and the garbage can and decided otherwise.

Don't try to push dead poplar trees over. The tractor and loader can do it ok, but the top half of the tree often falls backwards (got a dent to prove it)