Universal Quick Attach Bucket Dropped on Both Feet

[Rapp@BlueRidge]

Hey guys / gals, don’t do what I did yesterday. While taking the bucket off my front loader, I did a stupid thing and the bucket fell from about 18” onto and pinned both feet.
There are two lock-down levers on my Kubota FEL. I had released one but the second one was stuck at about 90 percent released. So I got the hammer to give it a tap from underneath.
I was unable to swing the hammer from underside, so I raised the bucket off the ground about 18".
Still could not hit it correctly, so I curled the bucket forward (as in the pic) MISTAKE # 1.
Then I stood in front of the bucket so I could hit the lock-down dog. MISTAKE # 2.
Then using the hammer and reaching over and behind the bucket, I gently tapped the dog to free it - MISTAKE # 3.
That bucket fell so quickly! Right off the FEL hook up pads and onto my feet. Don’t do this!
I was working alone and the bucket was too heavy for this old man to lift to free my feet, so all I could do was pull my feet out one by one. Painful but I had no other recourse. It could have been much worse but luckily my feet are still intact. Sore as heck, and swollen, but no broken bones.
Hopefully, this cautionary tale of my stupidity will spare someone else.

 

[RayIN]

Farming is rated one of the most dangerous jobs. Glad you're not badly injured or maimed.

 

[mllud]

Those handles can get stiff. I have a 12" pipe for when one is tight. Then I look at why it is sticking. Sometimes there is q nick, or it needs adjustment.
It's easy to slip up. Just don't let it happen again!!
Your warning may make someone else think twice. Thanks

 

[Rapp@BlueRidge]

I hobbled out this morning to take a few photos and “lo and behold” found a Danger label regard how to correctly release the implement.
I reached right across this label without looking at it.
Familiarity breeds complacency and complacency with farm machinery can get you hurt!

 

[Rapp@BlueRidge]

Those handles can get stiff. I have a 12" pipe for when one is tight. Then I look at why it is sticking. Sometimes there is q nick, or it needs adjustment.
It's easy to slip up. Just don't let it happen again!!
Your warning may make someone else think twice. Thanks

Thanks. I will add one to my kit.

 

[Rapp@BlueRidge]

Farming is rated one of the most dangerous jobs. Glad you're not badly injured or maimed.

Many thanks

 

[SmallChange]

OW! OW! OW!

I'm glad that by the end of your posting it became clear you weren't asking us to come lift the bucket off you....

 

[ptsg]

OP, glad you're ok.

This situation and along many other cases similar to this is why the Euro/Global quick attach should be the standard. In this particular case, it would have just spun in the hooks and the bucket would have never fell on the ground, let alone hurt anyone.

Granted this a combination of mistakes but it's still a problematic design.

 

[bdhsfz6]

It's also possible to get hurt releasing the SSQA levers even with the bucket on the ground. If the FEL valve is in the float position, the fork arms can release and fall on your foot if you aren't careful.
Like you, I learned that lesson the hard way.

 

[Rapp@BlueRidge]

OP, glad you're ok.

This situation and along many other cases similar to this is why the Euro/Global quick attach should be the standard. In this particular case, it would have just spun in the hooks and the bucket would have never fell on the ground, let alone hurt anyone.

Granted this a combination of mistakes but it's still a problematic design.

I concur