2320 MMM question

[jcv]

Well, I finally got to use my MMM yesterday. I had never hooked it up before but it was pretty easy. Now that I know how, it should be a 2 minute job, except.... do I need to remove my FEL? I did remove the FEL yesterday because I have the hydraulic lift for the MMM and I obviously needed to unhook 1 hydraulic line so it seemed logical to take off the FEL. Well, it came off in seconds but I had a real tough time putting it back on! I probably should do it in my garage next time but there's not always room in there . I did choose the most level part of my driveway.

I just don't want it to be a huge project every time I need to mow the lawn and I use my FEL all the time.

I'd appreciate any advice... and of course, I'd love to hear: "of course you can keep the FEL attached when using the MMM!"

Thanks in advance
Jay

 

[VABlue]

Of course you can keep the FEL attached when using the MMM.

But you may not want to if the extra weight up front leaves ruts in your yard or makes it too difficult (slow) to turn well. You'll get better attaching/detaching the FEL, also, just give it a few more tries. You'll learn how to work the attaching points so it doesn't have to be perfect when you drive into it! Wiggle the joystick around to relieve pressure on each line before you disengage the hydraulics - it'll be easier to reconnect them later.

 

[kennyd]

The main trick to removing/installing the FEL is to do it on a hard and level surface. If it shifts once disconnected, even a little you will play he!! getting it back on. I learned this the hard way also the first time I did it!

BUT>I often leave the FEL on my tractor when mowing, but I do take the bucket off just for easier maneuverability while mowing.

 

[gary_dsc]

Another hint about removing and reinstalling the loader. If you can, do it inside or at least in the shade in hot weather. I have had some problems with extra effort required to reattach the hydraulic lines when the loader has sat out in the sun, even with moving the joystick around to relieve the pressure when uninstalling. I guess the fluid expands and then when you try to hook the lines back up, you have to push really hard to get them to engage.

 

[jdbower]

If you can, do it inside or at least in the shade in hot weather.

If you can't do that, I use a silver tarp to cover mine and have had good luck with it. The silver is designed to reflect the sun's heat away from the loader, and the hoses. Of course, if you forget to relieve the pressure before you disconnect the hoses all bets are off

 

[megotatractor]

OHhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, is that why I had trouble attaching the hoses? I had dropped the loader in the garage during cold weather, then about a month later tried to attach it in warmer weather and had a fun time fighting the hoses on for the first time in 4 years, and I said "what the...."

 

[ChuckinNH]

When that happens, you can wrap a rag around the end of the coupling, and tap the ball with a plastic mallet to relieve some pressure.

 

[VABlue]

Just make sure the rag is thick! The amount of hyd fluid released is quite surprising with that simple tap... I've had it douse me and the tractor. Its not a bad idea to wear some protective eye goggles when doing that.

 

[johnnydel29]

Just make sure the rag is thick! The amount of hyd fluid released is quite surprising with that simple tap... I've had it douse me and the tractor. Its not a bad idea to wear some protective eye goggles when doing that.

Yup - I learned the hard way. I went ahead and pushed that little ball up against the floor plate of my 2305 and took a nice hydro fluid bath and ended up with w/ blurry vision for two days b/c I did not wear safty glasses. I can see clearly now, and to this day, my wife continues to mock me about it!!

 

[BigD9]

Your wife mocks you?

And I thought mine was the only one who did that I mean, come on now, it was almost 6 months ago when I dropped the 12 wide garage door onto my head when I attempted to back the tractor out of the garage with the ROPs in the up position. The tractor's ROPs are 6" taller than the door opening. And she still brings the subject up every time we get into the car. "Get over it" I told her when she was out of voice range from me!