Top 10 things NOT to do with a new loader!

[TCR78]

Don't carry toolboxes, shovels, cordless drills, whatever in the bucket and forget about them, then think, "OH, I'll just grab a scoop of manure for the vegetable garden! OOPS, forgot that stuff was in there!

Glad I'm not the only one that takes a scoop with a bunch of stuff in the bucket. Never manure tho,

 

[crashz]

Try not to run the machine when tired.

A few years ago I helped my father move his business and the accumulated junk from 25 years in the same location. Took me 8 full weekends with the help of many others. I used the tractor by attaching the bucket forks and a pallet and loading the pallet, and transfering the items to box trailers. I filled seven 53' trailers.

One night, my exhausted help had left and I was determined to finish loading the trailer we had worked on all day. The pallet got loaded heavy for each trip. My last trip, I had lifted the pallet up, but could not rest it in the trailer like before. I jumped out of the machine and trudged to the trailer, completely oblivous that the macine was slowly skidding away (in 2wd, idling with p-brake on, no counter weight, no loaded tires and minus my big butt). I caught it, but I realized after that I took a big chance running to catch it and jumping in. When that much weight is on the pivoting front axle and very little weight is on the rear, coupled with the load raised to 5 feet or so, this was a roll-over waiting to happen! All this and it was rolling/sliding backwards downhill and on a slight crown of the road! Of couse I ran along side it on the down hill side of the crown. I lucked out, but honestly can't explain why. Looking at it now, I should have been squashed.

When your tired and your main goal is to be done as soon as possible, your judgement is poor. The more you're tired,the worse your judgement can be. Add some heavy equipment, and thats a painful mix.

 

[wampum]

This is one I have not heard yet. When opening your hood the loader should be down,on the ground. If you insist on opening your hood with the loader in the air,make sure you have a strut lock. You can make one for each strut out of 1" to 1 1/2" angle iron. Fasten it on with a strap,light chain,or even tape. If that loader comes down with you checking that hood without a strut lock you might stop eating,or be eating in a hospital. Two angle iron per strut is even better if they fit.

 

[rd_macgregor]

If you park the tractor, leave the bucket down. If you park the tractor on the front lawn with the bucket down, remember to raise it before driving off.
Your wife doesn't have to be watching at the time to know if you made this mistake.
BOB

 

[bdeboer]

Does this apply to trailer fenders also?

Those are reserved for forklift drivers at the lumber yard. Same driver got both of mine on the same day.

 

[bdeboer]

When loading a deck over dump trailer be aware of how close the front of your tractor is to the rub-rails.

 

[wrflt]

Very good thread. Good reading. Excellent info. Now if I can just remember some of it.

Haven't messed anything up with the fel yet, but can't say that about the rotary cutter. Had just had my rear bumper on my truck repaired from where I backed into something when I didn't allow quite enough room for my swing around and the wheel on the cutter set a nice dent right in the same spot. It's still there...serving as a reminder.

 

[roamerr]

Not sure if this has been posted --

Do not use the bucket to push some items out of the way. I used it to push a fallen tree (still in the ground and green) to have the tree snap over the bucket and hit the ROPS over my head. That was my learning lesson... It was like a rubber band snapping at me.

 

[rd_macgregor]

If you blow snow real close to an obstacle (like, say, the back of your wife's car) be sure to drive out along the same path you backed in on (that is, don't try to swing the front out).
Yup, experience is what you get just after you really need it.
BOB

 

[patrick_g]

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.

I just recently saw my first hay bale spike that goes onto a FEL bucket like accessory pallet forks do. Already I am at the limits of safety handling round bales with my direct attached not add-on hay spike with rear wheel weights but no 3PH implement so I'm afraid they might get you into trouble if you didn't have PLENTY of rear counter weight.

Pat