Cab tractors and Loader Removal

[RoyJackson]

Crappy weather outside...so, just thought of a question I've been meaning to ask...

You guys with cab tractors...ever remove your loader?

I've had my 4520 (Curtis cab) for 3 years and have yet to remove my loader. I've always removed my loader for mowing season with the previous Deeres. All were open station machines and loader removal was pretty easy. The hard part was re-mounting the loader as it's pretty difficult to get properly aligned once the tractor is moved away from the loader. If you ever watch a video (several on Youtube) showing the loader removed and remounted, they never show the tractors doing more then backing away enough to unhook the hydraulics.

I'm thinking about giving it a try this year, once the weather is better. Mowing with the loader off is a bit easier and less likely to hit anything. I think it's also easier on the front axle of a tractor. Last season, I did drop the bucket.

Anyway, just curious what other TBNers did...

 

[grsthegreat]

i remove mine every year to harrow, weed spray and mow my pastures. never had an issue. I dont like the loaded bouncing up and down while driving over the rough ground.

 

[RoyJackson]

I dont like the loaded bouncing up and down while driving over the rough ground.

Neither do I...any issues when remounting?

 

[nybirdman]

Biggest issue in removing a FEL is having a solid and level spot(concrete is best) to place on.If it is out of level just a bit you will have lots of problems.
I generally don't remove mine because I always seem to need it no matter what I am doing.

 

[deserteagle71]

For the past 20 years I've mowed ~ 50 acres of rough desert terrain every year with my John Deere 2020 (no cab) and a rotary mower. I ALWAYS remove the front end loader before starting the mowing. Not only does it save a lot of wear and tear on the loader bouncing up and down, it makes for better visibility so I can dodge at least some of the bigger holes. This is not one of the new "quick-attach" loaders - I have to remove 8 each 3/4" bolts and disconnect the hydraulic lines but still, I can have the loader off the tractor in ~ 20 minutes. Years ago I built a big frame with a chainfall that lifts the loader off the tractor and holds it until I'm done mowing. Now that I have the Kubota you can bet I'll be removing the loader when its time to mount the mower.

 

[CobyRupert]

I removed the loader the first couple years I ran the mower, so that it would be more maneuverable around objects. But being a 7’ mower, you can feel it making the front end of the tractor light. You can do wheelies if you pop the clutch.
I’ve contemplated getting a weight bracket and some suitcase weights; however it’s useful to leave the bucket on when mowing, not just for weight, but to knock over the brush and grass before you drive over it to better find “surprises” hiding in the grass.
And useful when you inevitably come across a large branch that needs to be lifted into the hedgerow.

 

[bigtiller]

I've had my 2720 (Cozy Cab) since the fall of '14. I take the loader off/on several times a year. Use the joystick very gingerly. If things aren't lining up nearly perfect, the parking stand may get bent a little before you realize it. I keep the page from the manual explaining how to remove/install the loader hanging on the wall where it is parked for a quick reference. Flat smooth concrete is a must have in my opinion and a spud bar comes in handy occasionally.

 

[grsthegreat]

Neither do I...any issues when remounting?

none at all. only takes a few minutes

 

[ovrszd]

Practice makes perfect. I do it often enough that it's second nature.

I didn't understand the distinction about "cab" tractors versus "open station" tractors?

 

[RoyJackson]

I didn't understand the distinction about "cab" tractors versus "open station" tractors?

There's not a lot of clearance between the loader mounts and the cab. Tractors "back out" as the loader dismounts, but when remounting, one has to be pretty careful the loader masts don't hit the cab.
As you wrote, practice does make perfect, but one does want to use caution