Stupid Question - What is that rod on the loader?

jimmyj · Jan 15, 2011

I like having it but I have "almost" bent it a few times. I don't go through the forest much so perhaps that is the difference. NOTE: If you are out in the rain just before a big freeze up the rod can freeze in it's tube and bend.

Gary Fowler · Jan 15, 2011

On my LS the bucket level indicator rod is flush with the top of the OD tube when the bucket is level which is easy to see when it is flat, but you dont get any indication of how far down it is tilted once you tilt it past level. It comes out the top of the tube as you curl it above level which doesnt really tell you any useful info. On my P 7010 C (cab) you must have the indicator as you cant see the bucket lip from the cab, even if you try to raise up and smash your head into the ceiling (did I really do that ONE time?) I may look into extending the rod and putting a groove in it at the level point so I can tell how much the cutting edge is tilted. That would be a good design tip for LS to do.

Gizmo2 · Jan 15, 2011

PA hayseed said:
You may need to spray that rod every once in awhile, kinda a metal on metal issue. Mine has a squeal detector on it, when it starts to squeal when I curl the bucket it means it is time to lubricate it again. A little wd40 or other spray lubricant will work just fine.

My JD2320 has the same type indicator.:thumbsup: Wonder which company copied who?

jake98 · Jan 15, 2011

I think it's a good simple design. Everytime I use a machine without one I end up rocking back and forth with the bucket to 'feel' when it's flat. Haven't bent mine ..yet..

rd_macgregor · Jan 17, 2011

After this past weekend, mine is sort of omega-shaped. I took it off Sunday and will try to straighten it...I've heard that simple rod is bit expensive to replace, though, so I'm going to try really hard to get it straight!

BOB

smstonypoint · Jan 17, 2011

rd_macgregor said:
After this past weekend, mine is sort of omega-shaped.

Just curious -- upper or lower case? I'm guessing upper.

Steve

IslandTractor · Jan 17, 2011

My first one ended up as a pretzel. The second already has a bow in it and broken guide shaft. I have simply removed it before I bend it further. I may put it back on when using the bucket to level or dig but having it in place when doing grapple work in brush is just disastrous.

rd_macgregor · Jan 18, 2011

smstonypoint said:
Just curious -- upper or lower case? I'm guessing upper.

Steve

Definitely upper case! Achieving the lower-case omega would have taken another week or two in the woods, I think.

BOB

smstonypoint · Jan 18, 2011

rd_macgregor said:
Definitely upper case! Achieving the lower-case omega would have taken another week or two in the woods, I think.

BOB

I was trying to figure out how it could be lower case, but my imagination failed me.

Steve

jake98 · Jan 18, 2011

IslandTractor said:
My first one ended up as a pretzel. The second already has a bow in it and broken guide shaft. I have simply removed it before I bend it further. I may put it back on when using the bucket to level or dig but having it in place when doing grapple work in brush is just disastrous.

Is your grapple big enough??