FEL protection

[drynoc]

I have a new 1025R with the FEL which I like very well. I haven't used the FEL yet except for a quick move of some mulch. But I know when I start work on leveling parts of the back yard that the loader will take a beating. Have any of you done anything to protect it, such as apply truck bed liner?

 

[LD1]

Not sure what part you are referring to? Are you talking about the loader bucket? Sure it will wear the paint off....but who cares.

I wouldnt put bed-liner in the bucket. It will make things dig harder, and more dirt will stick inside the bucket. As it comes from the factory.....its ready to play in the dirt without doing a thing to it.

 

[jeff9366]

Heavy duty leveling should be done with Three Point Hitch implements. A few Three Point Hitch levelers include: Land Plane Grading Scraper (LPGS), Box Blade and Rear/Angle Blades.

If your leveling work is moderate I suggest a Ratchet Rake bucket attachment, which will transfer abrasion from the bucket to the extended lower teeth on the Ratchet Rake.

Most used for tearing out brush, then piling the resulting debris, Ratchet Rake is also fine for moderate grading and small garden soil preparation.

You cannot DIG with a Ratchet Rake on the bucket.

Ratchet Rakes are sold by the T-B-N Store, button at top of this page. Delivery by UPS.

VIDEO: ratchet rake brush clearing - YouTube

Tractors are prime movers. Now you need tools, which for tractors are called implements when mounted on the Three Point Hitch and attachments when mounted on the FEL.

Do not plan to pick up a heavy load with the FEL without ballast of some sort on your tractor, usually weight mounted on the Three Point Hitch. If you pick up a heavy load with the FEL without counterbalance, your rear wheels will lift in the air.


Revise your T-B-N Profile adding your state and tractor.

 

[k0ua]

If you are worried about scraping the paint off of the FEL bucket, yes it will scrape up the paint pretty quick. No, you don't need to do anything about it. If you like you can keep a matching spray can handy, and hit the upper areas with the rattle can once in a while. Don't bother with the bottom areas. As for dents in the bucket, you will get some. Just part of the deal.

 

[Thomas]

Not to be wise guy,but having it both ways welllllll... hope you have lot of touch up paint.

 

[BigBoyToys]

You could always do what my grandparents did when they wanted to protect things...:laughing:



Only kidding!
Buckets are meant to be scratched...you'd never stay ahead of trying to keep paint on it!!!

 

[KennyG]

Congratulations on the new tractor. On the bucket, lighten up. It will get scraped and worn. That's a badge of honor. If I went to a friend and saw a tractor with more than a few hours and untouched paint on the bucket, he'd never hear the end of it.

Only tip - if you are trying to lift with the bucket, be careful about wrapping a chain around the middle. You have enough lift capacity to bend the top edge of the bucket. (Don't ask how I know.)

 

[drynoc]

Thanks for all the replies. Obviously, I'm a noob in the tractor business. Leveling requirements will be modest for the first year or so. I'll look into the implements such as the rake.

 

[k0ua]

Learning how to level soil with a FEL loader takes some practice. Other 3pt implements are easier for a new person to get going with good results.

 

[beenthere]

drynoc
:welcome: to TBN

Don't hesitate to ask more questions, and also to tell us about your experiences with the new tractor.