Caution Catastrophic FEL failure

[Pete O]

The OP has been bashed several times for multiple posts, from what he has said I think he was just trying to get sufficient post count to attach a file and unaware of forum etiquette so perhaps give him a break. A loader bucket can end up coming down the loader arms onto the operator if the pins securing the bottom part of the bucket fail and the bucket is curled back at near full-height lift, essentially the bucket is tipped out of the quick-hitch. A very scary proposition, a fractured femur is a serious injury but he was fortunate not to have been killed.

 

[RickB]

I'm thinking it rolled down the FEL arms?

Backdragging implies the bucket is at ground level.

 

[Diggin It]

One thing we've all learned with machines is that there are no absolutes. Odd things can happen when least expected. This is not the first thread that has mentioned failed Q things. There was another that mentioned the bucket frequently falling off when doing various things. So damage from one task and failure while doing another could be possible. Backdragging did the damage but raising to full height is when it fell off?

 

[aczlan]

I want to see these pictures from the tractor side:




And a closeup of the latching pins of the bucket when it is in the closed and latched position (as well as hear how it ended up breaking the femur of the operator sitting in the drivers seat):


Aaron Z

 

[BRMyers]

I'm confused, how did the bucket fall onto the operator's leg? I'm trying to picture that and I don't understand how that happen if he was sitting in the seat.

Also, if you are having an issue with a bucket, I understand the first time not knowing and when it happens a second time, wouldn't you stop using it and not keep trying?

 

[Ford850]

I'm guessing he was back dragging the bucket and the latches released but he didn't realize it. Then when it was raised high and curled back, it came off and slid down the loader arms onto the operator's lap.

 

[aczlan]

Re: Westendorf Loader FEL

There have been a couple threads on here where people had issues with the quick connect on the bucket not latching properly and the quick release for the loader arms popping off.
I think the loader arm one was with a John Deere and the owner missed that it was unlocked.

Aaron Z

 

[BRMyers]

I'm guessing he was back dragging the bucket and the latches released but he didn't realize it. Then when it was raised high and curled back, it came off and slid down the loader arms onto the operator's lap.

Ok, I guess another reason to have a good cab.

 

[jmc]

Follow attached to see loader failures that will kill you: Saferproducts.gov | Incident Report Details

I just noticed your pics/docs at the bottom of your consumer affairs report.

Time line:

07/31/18 Reported purchase date
11/23/18 Incident 1, broken femur/safety latch
11/23/18 X-ray of broken femur
12/19/18 TBN join date
07/02/19 Incident 2, broken pin
07/29/19 Incident 3, safety latch
08/02/19 Date of Westendorf loader QUOTE, not INVOICE, as reported
09/12/19 First TBN post ever

That quote makes your case look shaky.

Right or wrong, sometimes the manufacturers sue people who launch an online campaign to make them look bad.

 

[Morning Wood]

Re: Westendorf Loader FEL

I’ve had my forks come off my aldomi quick attach setup on my ford 1720. But darned if I didn’t forget to latch them down. First and last time for that.