Front-End Loader Worst things to do to a FEL

[LD1]

My greatest worry is backing up while lifting. Looking back and forgetting to stop lifting. ... Done it several times, getting to full height. Havnt been in a situation to pay the price yet.
larry

I though I was the only one that did that:laughing:

It's kinda odd when you do though. Really makes you stop and think. But you just get a rythm going when moving a pile (or other dirt work) and sometimes the brain just forgets to tell the hand to ease off the joystick.:confused2:

And this is another good reason to BACK in the garage. Because it you pull in, and go to back out and have that brain fart.....that can wreck a garage door in a hurry.

 

[RoyJackson]

My greatest worry is backing up while lifting. Looking back and forgetting to stop lifting. ... Done it several times, getting to full height. Havnt been in a situation to pay the price yet.
larry

I'll stop raising the loader but when I twist around to see (as I'm backing up), I've hit the controls with my knee...then turn around forward and see the loader at maximum height!
So far, no accidents...and this hasn't happened since I got the Deere 4400 (more room in the operator's station)

 

[LD1]

I'll stop raising the loader but when I twist around to see (as I'm backing up), I've hit the controls with my knee...then turn around forward and see the loader at maximum height!
So far, no accidents...and this hasn't happened since I got the Deere 4400 (more room in the operator's station)

What was the previous tractor that gave you problems? Soemthing with a joystick right next too your leg like a JD790??

I dont think I could hit mine with my knee whith where it is at. And if I did, I think the seat saftey switch would kill the tractor:laughing:

 

[RoyJackson]

What was the previous tractor that gave you problems? Soemthing with a joystick right next too your leg like a JD790??

Yep, a 790...

 

[Ruark]

My greatest worry is backing up while lifting. Looking back and forgetting to stop lifting. ... Done it several times, getting to full height. Havnt been in a situation to pay the price yet.
larry

If you're doing that, you're getting in too big a hurry. TAKE YOUR TIME and think about what you're doing.

 

[Zebrafive]

Before I knew you shouldn't, I back dragged at too steep of an angle. No damage, moving loose dirt.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I guess some take a list of DO NOTS too serious and others not serious enough.

One question is one using a commercial grade FEL or one only good for loading sawdust or mulch?

Even cheap after market stuff is often HP/weight rated. If a 30 HP rated FEL can some how be attached to a 60 HP tractor metal is going to bend someday for sure.

When back dragging over a known stump (have had a few in new driveways over the years) you do not want your bucket at 90 degrees for sure.

Respect the machine but for for Pete's sake do not baby it so it is "like" new for the guy take comes on the scene after you drop dead from worrying too much.

Of example back dragging rock/dirt with the bucket at 45 degrees in 1st gear at 950 RPM on smooth level surfaces should never hurt a quality FEL.

One needs to be "thinking" at times about safety. ONE can NOT safely 'Abuse' a machine in my view.

Working a machine hard but safely may wear it out over 20 years. At the same time one can scrap out an new FEL in the first 20 minutes of use.

 

[SPYDERLK]

If you're doing that, you're getting in too big a hurry. TAKE YOUR TIME and think about what you're doing.

Unless you are scrupulously careful and extremely attentive and focused this is going to happen to you. There are cases in close quarters where you will need to back and adjust height. Confronted with watching and steering its easy to forget to release the lift signal. Im going to rig a reminder light that I cant miss when looking back. Hope I do it before an accident.
larry

 

[HiTechTed]

Maybe I'm missing something here but the manual for my Kubota L3400 shows you how to "properly" dig with the FEL. I made a toothbar for mine and it's fantastic, digs like a charm and I have to believe that it's easier on the tractor than doing the same job without a toothbar. Mind you, I only dig in a few inches and then level the bucket out so it "scrapes" the dirt, but it works great. It's not a BH or a bulldozer...but it certainly can and does dig.

As for back dragging, I always use the heel of the bucket and I don't run the front wheels off the ground. I never drag with the cutting edge of the bucket unless it's to pull over a pile of loose material or something similar. With a heavy load in the bucket, I keep it as low to the ground as I can.

And I'm not sure how you CAN'T spin your tires at some point. When I do I readjust whatever I'm doing and try again. Plus, I've hit probably every building corner on my property at least once, and have had to replace a few weather strips around my garage doors, with one door having a nice gash running across it (thankfully on the inside where it's no big deal). It takes a little time to get the feel for where the edge of that bucket is...I can vouch for that!

 

[Gale Hawkins]

My bucket found the threshold on a new shop side entry door but I did not hit what I was looking at behind me. :laughing:

Some on here treat their stuff like it is a new Corvette.

I use mine in save my body. :thumbsup: