7308 loader set-up

RocketJSquirrel · May 3, 2002

I removed the 7308 from our Ford 1320 last night for the first time. I was surprised by how much messing around I had to do to get it off, versus the loader on my JD 755. First, the arms wouldn't lift off. The bucket would lift instead. Finally with a little to and fro and up and down, the arms came up. Then it was not clear how to get the thing to stay put in order to back away out of the front hooks. And it was not clear what angle was required to release off the hooks. The manual doesn't offer these kind of details. Maybe I will try Spence's tip of having the bucket dumped next time.

Anonymous Poster · May 3, 2002

I have a TC25D with a 7308 FEL. I have the same space problem between the front hooks and horizontal bars. The loader on/off procedure isn't all that difficult for me, but I don't have other tractor brand experience to compare to. I've found the easiest way to remove the loader is to first drop the rear mount latches, then remove the bungee holding the hydraulic lines to the lower support arms. Once your in this position, I work the lift arm cylinders so that the rear mounting posts come off their bars, while at the same time backup very slowly. This effectively increases the angle between the lower support arm and the ground and allows you to withdraw from the loader while it kind of slides off the front mount bars. After the loader to resting on the ground, I remove the hydraulic lines and I'm done. I still haven't figured out why I have so much space between the front hooks though. I thought the same thing that if I reversed the frount bracket, I might help the situation, but the dealer said it was on correctly. Who knows?

fmorgan · May 3, 2002

P.C.--

A year or so after I got my tractor the hook plates on the loader which are in your picture came far enough forward that I had to loosen everything up (which gives a good opportunity to use the BFWs), and move the hooks into a better alignment. From your picture, it looks to me like you may need to do the same.

Having the bucket close to something where it can't scoot forward indefinitely is a must, although I've done it the other way without much problem. I think the key to it is doing it enough that you get used to it, making sure you're lined up well, and not trying to get it to go in when things aren't lined up. I actually put it off and on a lot, and it generally takes about 5 minutes off, 10 minutes on--really.

MikePA · May 3, 2002

Here's a picture of my 7308.

MikeBurr · May 5, 2002

After adjusting the hooks a dozen times or more, I adjusted them as tight as possible around the post, then drilled a hole thru both plates and put in a bolt. There is still a little slack between the hooks and the post, but it has not gotten worst yet. I've never had the FEL off the tractor, seems I find a use for it every day. Think I must have some sort of digging sickness.....

Mrwurm · May 5, 2002

Good idea MikeBurr; these brackets do have a tendency to move. If I start to have trouble, I'll do the same.
Jerry

RocketJSquirrel · May 11, 2002

Paul, the one thing I noticed from your original photo is that the main arm appeared to be angling up to the rear. Our Ford 1320 tractor with the 7308 is at work and I am at home so I can't look right now. But that does not look right. The big slot in the bracket should be horizontal I think, not angled. It makes me think you do not have the rear arms seated correctly. There is definitely something wrong there.

The manual says the post should be against the bracket to prevent damage to the tractor. Mine has a half or three quarters of an inch gap to the front, and there is no adjustment left. I can see that without the contact in front, all the "ramming" load is being taken by the rear mounts on the tractor transmission housing.

I commented previously about the difficulties in removing the loader. I put the loader back on and it was pretty easy. Then I took it off and it was easy. I think the first removal was harder because it had never been removed and it was "stuck" in place. My JD loader is still easier in terms of positioning and not having to keep the bucket from moving. But this one is fine.

PCNH · May 13, 2002

Don, the main arms are definately angling up toward the rear, I'd guess between 5 and 10 degrees. You're right, something is not correct. I'll check the rear posts.